Unless you have the front door open at the same time (no B pillar), the sliding door opening on the B-Max is quite small. As has been said, the sliding doors are heavy to use, but also, reading owners review, it seems the leading edge of the sliding door has a very sharp corner, which isn't ideal.
The high seating position is a plus for me and the car is so much better looking than the Fusion which go very cheaply.
Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder, but mine is that the Fusion (predecessor to the B-Max) was a better looking car (with a bigger boot), and yes, we used to have one!. And the Fusion isn't that cheap either, the dearest have prices of around £5k, £2k more than the cheapest B-Max's.
I like a diesel but seem a little iffy on power output
Don't fixate on BHP, more torque will make the car more relaxing to drive though not necessarily quick. Also lower powered cars tend to have lower gearing, so while that will result in slightly higher revs on the motorway, the car won't feel underpowered running around town. But as a second car/runaround, the performance of even the least powerful B-Max will be sufficient for its purpose. Finally, you said this was to be your wife's car, so surely the fact that you want more power isn't important ;-)
At the lower end of your budget, I'd suggest looking at a late first generation Nissan Note (sold up to 2013). Engine choice is 80bhp 1.4 and 110bhp 1.6 petrols and a 1.5 turbo diesel making 85bhp. Both petrols are simple and robust n/a units, the diesel is also reliable though I'd be reluctant unless mileage or towing dictates it. I'd have one any day of the week over a B-Max.
I'd also look at the Kia Venga and its sister car the Hyundai ix20. The n/a 1.4 and 1.6 are plenty reliable and it has a remarkable amount of interior space for its length. The Kia Soul is also worth a look as an alternative. Same underneath as the Venga/ix20 but with tall boxy SUV looks.
Edited by badbusdriver on 19/09/2021 at 16:01
|