Geneva 2011: Ford B-Max Concept is a roomy Fiesta MPV

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford

Ford B-Max Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is mulling diving into the realm of mini people movers. The Ford B-Max is a compact minivan concept which rides on the same platform as the Fiesta. Its body sits 4.3-inches longer and taller than the Fiesta, and rear-seat passengers will have a much easier time getting in and out of the back seats thanks to the unique door construction.

A pair of sliding rear doors work together with the front doors to create an opening nearly five-feet wide. This is accomplished, in part, by the apparently lack of a B-pillar. However, the B-pillar is still part of the B-Max but it’s integrated into the front and rear doors. When closed, they act together in the same manner as a traditional support pillar.

Once those doors are closed, you can twist the key and bring the three-cylinder, 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine to life. We don’t have any stats on the engine, but considering it’s a part of the EcoBoost family, we expect a flat torque curve and solid fuel efficiency.

While officially labeled a concept, you can bet your bottom dollar (and your top one, too) that the B-Max is headed for European showrooms very soon.

Gallery: Ford B-Max Concept: Geneva 2011