The Ford B-Max is about to be released and we are comparing that to the Opel Meriva.
Why? They both have a special door configuration.
The B-Max is the only in its class to have sliding doors and there's no B-pillar.
And that for a car called B-Max.
Great, Frank. The Opel Meriva is another cup of tea.
Rear doors open the other way around: suicide doors.
Good for the B-Max, because this risks damage. Not with sliding doors.
Opel say getting in the Meriva is easy. Well, I'm rather big.
This is not that easy.
Come on, piece of cake.
For you, yes.
But if you have space enough, getting out is easy indeed.
But these cars are made for families, Frank.
And since you are experienced in transporting kids, try it out.
That's long ago. I used to bind them in the trunk.
So, let's get some experts.
Meet Tessa and Thessa.
Both mother, so both skilled kid seat mounter.
Ladies, show us which car is the best.
Go for it, Thessa!
Easy enough, these doors?
There's not much space in this corner.
Off we are.
Good luck, Tessa.
I'll do my best.
Are you happy with the sliding door?
Absolutely.
A big opening?
Yes, that's good. I don't have to bend over al lot.
I think you managed.
Yes, I think so too.
Meet my friends and nephews, Tijs and Thomas.
Ready to roll?
What a lot of work. Imagine Octomom..
Thomas is seated, Tessa too, so let's go.
That's important too, next to ergonomy.
I want to be well seated too and enjoy the drive.
The interiour looks fine and well finished, but it is a mess.
The display is far too small. Why?
And here's the Opel, with Tijs and Thessa on board.
The Meriva is really spacious, right, Thes?
Fine, she says.
It all looks pretty and fresh.
Ergonomy is not too bad. Opel always mount a lot of buttons.
But you'll find your way, eventually.
I'm seated quite high, but that's what MPV's are for.
The seats are fine, solid.
I love the sharp and sensitive steering.
The suspension is very good as well. As we are used to with Ford.
It's the Fiesta chassis.
It's smooth enough, but still rather sporty. Well balanced.
This is a small, 3 cylinder engine, downsized.
It's a 1 liter with 120 HP and it surprises me.
The typical 3 cylinder sound is to get used to.
The performance is fine. It reacts well to the pedal.
Power enough, momentum enough, great.
While Tijs is commenting in the back, let me talk about the powertrain.
1.4 turbo, 120 HP. A GM powertrain often feels a bit slow.
The Meriva is less alert to the pedal than the Ford.
Also, the steering of the Ford is better than the Meriva.
In the center position, the steering is vague.
In long curves, the Ford is far more precise.
So if you enjoy steering, go for the Ford.
Opel made sure that people in the rear have a nice view outside.
Look at Tijs: Crane, car, train... That's fun.
Well, Frank, I think it's an open door. The B-Max is the better concept.
Yes. The sliding doors are great in small parking spaces.
Still, the suicide doors are good either. But sliding doors are better.
I think this is done to be different, that is done to be handy.
And look at this opening. Big enough for an elephant.
Okay, but does that make the B-Max the better car?
Not on itself, no.
That takes more, but the Ford has that.
The steering is better, this is a nicer car to drive.
So, the winner is the..?
B-Max.
Right.