The Ford C-Max is a completely new hybrid vehicle for the American market. Introduced for the 2013 model year, C-Max offers 47 mpg. That figure remains constant for city and highway driving, delivering one of the most efficient vehicles on the road that is not an electric vehicle. Unlike an electric vehicle, C-Max is not restricted by limited electric range. Instead, this capable 5-passenger multipurpose vehicle offers drivers exceptional range and the ability to keep driving after a quick stop at a gas station.
New model
The name C-Max is familiar to European Ford enthusiasts. Unlike the American version, that vehicle only runs on gasoline and diesel engines, while the North American market gets a hybrid. C-Max replaces the Ford Escape Hybrid, a compact crossover SUV that was discontinued after the 2012 model year. Both the C-Max and the new Escape ride on Ford’s C-segment platform that also powers the Ford Focus, a compact car. .
Built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, the 2013 Ford C-Max is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powered by the efficient Atkinson cycle. This engine has an aluminum head-and-block construction and has a 12.3-to-1 compression ratio. It generates 141 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. When combined with its electric battery, it offers 188 net horsepower. Ford uses a hybrid power-split transaxle to drive the wheels on this vehicle.
Battery system
Like many of today’s hybrid vehicles, the Ford C-Max uses a lithium-ion battery system to store energy. This vehicle makes use of regenerative braking and its gasoline engine to supply the juice necessary to supply power to the battery system.
Ford equips the C-Max with a 13.5-gallon fuel tank. That gives this vehicle a range of 634 miles, putting a lot of distance between service station visits. C-Max takes regular grade gasoline and can get you from Denver to Kansas City with one tank of fuel.
Model highlights
The front-wheel drive Ford C-Max comes equipped with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. This vehicle features roll stability control and is equipped with SYNC with MyFordTouch, allowing drivers to voice control their phone, the navigation system, as well as the entertainment and climate controls. Active Parking Assist makes parallel parking a breeze as C-Max guides you to your parking spot.
Priced at $ 25,200, this model achieves best-in-class fuel economy, beating the Toyota Prius V by 5 mpg. Its lightweight lithium-ion battery system is smaller and lighter than previous generation systems, allowing owners to achieve unprecedented fuel savings.