Ford Focus C-MAX, whose production started in 2003, was created on the “Ford” platform C1, the same as the modifications of the Focus second generation and Mazda 5 first generation. The designers set a goal to form a car that combines versatility, convenience, rapid design and excellent driving properties.
History tour
The administration of the company positions C-Max as a fundamentally new type of car - Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV). C-MAX is significantly ahead of Focus in size, it is longer, wider and higher. The wheelbase has increased by 25 millimeters, and the track by 40 millimeters.
According to the promises of designers, C-Max is a softer and smoother modification of New Edge. The quick, but smooth rise of the hood, the tilted front window, the steep roof ending with a spoiler, the convex rear door, large sheer lights in the aft racks - all this is very harmoniously combined. The aerodynamic drag is Cd = 0.31. As an option, a sports package is attached to the Ford Grand C-Max - a special design of the air absorber and radiator mesh, side moldings, 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile rubber.
Model Features
Specifications Ford C-Max are far from the "economical-car" of the old style with standard features and options that refute its modest nature, as well as a new level of trim.
Both the standard Ford and hybrid versions are available in two trim options, as in previous years. But while the basic version of SE remains the same, the top version of SEL has been replaced by Titanium.
Even after five years on the market, both the conventional hybrid and the Energi variant begin to be well equipped and are approaching the level of compact premium offer. They are not that far ahead of the Toyota Prius, but the C-Max SE is a good feature set at a competitive price.
Full "stuffing"
Each C-Max comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, an AM / FM / CD / MP3 audio system with six speakers with USB connectors and additional input connectors, a keyless ignition system, and a heated rear seat. Another characteristic of the Ford C-Max: all models are equipped with a Ford SmartGauge digital display system with InfoGuide screens, a set of information panels that offer the driver the ability to display only the desired information about the car's operation and consumption.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Sync 3 voice control system is optional for the SE model, but it is standard on the Titanium version. It replaces the previous MyFord Touch system, and it clearly improves over the unloved and sometimes inoperative software. But Sync 3 is not without its drawbacks. While the interface is crisper and sleeker, the hardware still breaks from time to time and can get confused when switching day / night display modes during dawn and dusk. The main advantage is the trunk of the Ford C-Max. It is quite roomy and most convenient for transportation.
Additional options
The titanium version of the C-Max adds not only Sync 3, but also various 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a manual transmission, front seats with leather trim, a 10-position seat with an adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar support, remote ignition, sensitive to wipers, parking sensors warning system and internal LED lighting.
Available options include both individual features and commonly used packages. The “winter” kit includes heated mirrors with side indicators and lenses, and the Power Liftgate system is grouped with Assist rear parking sensors. There is also a package that integrates Sync Services, a voice control system and Sirius XM satellite radio. The high-tech Hands-Free technology package includes silent operation of the lifting door, and the parking package automatically directs the C-Max to a parallel parking space.
Performance Ford C-Max
The 2-liter and twin-engine hybrid system includes 195 horsepower. It's more powerful than the 121 horsepower of the new Prius, but the Ford C-Max is several hundred kilograms heavier. However, the extra power gives an excellent driving experience, which is always surprising. The C-Max Energi variant offers an all-electric vehicle with a 32 km drive range thanks to the large 7.6 kW / h battery and 1.4 kW / h in the standard C-Max hybrid.
C-Max has a slightly dirty reputation for fuel economy. The usual C-Max Hybrid is designed for 57 km per 100 liters and 60 on the highway. C-Max Energi has also been improved; Now it is designed for 61 km per 100 liters in combination with 32 km on an electric motor.
The Energi Hybrid Model loses significant luggage space for its larger battery pack.
The C-Max is comfortable and spacious in the cabin, offering enough interior space to carry four adults and their luggage. There is a large supply of height and leg space in front and behind, although the rear seats sit low, leaving adults with long legs in knees. The ride quality is tough but pleasant enough, an active noise reduction system and a lot of soundproofing measures help make the ride more comfortable.
Hybrid
This model is now nothing more than average in hybrid driving quality; Compared to conventional cars, it is heavy and somewhat slow.
Both the regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Energi 2017 Ford C-Max can travel exclusively on electricity at lower speeds. Otherwise, the electric motor serves as a generator, returning energy that would be wasted and stored in the battery, it will be used when help is needed to the motor. This gives the C-Max a better acceleration moment than the similar Ford Focus size, which is lighter and lower.
Reviews
Looking at the reviews, Ford C-Max 2017 consumers rate 4 out of 10 on a performance scale. C-Max and C-Max Energi began to ride a little better than mid-range hybrids when they launched in 2013, but since then they have remained mostly unchanged, while other brands in this segment of cars have greatly improved driving performance and others . Consumers also note that the Toyota Prius is much lighter than the C-Max, and provides much greater mileage.
While Ford did not confirm this, it is expected that the company will install the C-Max this year with a slightly updated transmission already deployed in the Fusion Hybrid and Energi models. The two machines always used identical powertrains.
Its 2-liter in-line engine and a pair of electric motors will easily move the C-Max in electric-only mode up to 99 km per hour. When the gas engine ignites, it mixes easily with electric energy when the driver accelerates and the car picks up speed. The C-Max recovers energy during braking or while riding and stores it in a 1.4 kW lithium-ion battery.
The C-Max can accelerate electrically even under moderate to heavy loads, and it includes slope controls to help drivers drive along slippery driveways. There is also L mode to give drivers more regenerative braking.
The list of inexpensive equipment, in comparison with the previous generation, has expanded significantly. Of the latest in the list of current electronic assistants, the driver needs to highlight a modified mechanical parking system, as well as a smarter cruise control with a collision avoidance system. For a surcharge, it is possible to equip C-Max with City Stop emergency braking systems, as well as bi-xenon headlights. In addition, the MyKey system emerged from the list of settings, allowing the owner to program another key to limit the maximum speed (for example, if it is assumed that the novice driver will also control the compact wall).