Ford C-Max car: features, specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Ford Focus C-MAX, which was launched in 2003, was built on Ford's C1 platform, the same as the second-generation Focus and first-generation Mazda 5. The designers set a goal to create a car that combines versatility, convenience, fast design and excellent driving properties.

A trip to history

The administration of the company positions C-Max as a fundamentally new type of car - Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV). The C-MAX is well ahead of the Focus in terms of dimensions, it is longer, wider and taller. The wheelbase has increased by 25 millimeters and the track by 40 millimeters.

According to the promises of the designers, C-Max is a softer and smoother modification of New Edge. A quick but smooth hood lift, a sloping front window, a steep roof ending in a spoiler, a convex rear door, large sheer lights in the aft pillars - all this is very harmoniously combined. Aerodynamic resistance index Cd=0.31. As an option, the Ford Grand C-Max comes with a sports package - a special design of the air absorber and radiator mesh, moldings on the sides, 18-inch alloy wheels with low profilerubber.

Features of the model

The Ford C-Max's specifications are far from an old-style "economy-car" with standard features and options that belie its humble nature, as well as the new trim level.

Both the standard Ford and hybrid versions come in two trim options, as in previous years. But while the base SE remains the same, the top-end SEL has been upgraded to Titanium.

Even after five years on the market, both the conventional hybrid and the Energi variant are beginning to be well-equipped and approaching the level of a premium compact offering. They're not that far ahead of the Toyota Prius, but the C-Max SE is a good feature set at a competitive price.

Full minced meat

Each C-Max comes with 17 alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB ports and auxiliary inputs, keyless ignition, heated rear seats. Another highlight of the Ford C-Max: All models feature Ford's SmartGauge digital display system with InfoGuide screens, a set of dashboards that offer the driver the ability to show only desired vehicle performance and consumption information.

Pros and cons

Sync 3 voice control is optional on the SE model but is standard on the Titanium version. It replaces the previousthe MyFord Touch system, and it's clearly an improvement over the unloved and sometimes unworkable 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 confusing when switching day/night display modes during dawn and dusk. The main advantage can be called the Ford C-Max trunk. It is quite roomy and most convenient for transportation.

Additional options

The titanium version of the C-Max adds not only Sync 3, but various 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, manual transmission, leather-trimmed front seats, 10-way seat with adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar support, remote ignition, rain-sensing windshield wipers, park assist warning and interior LED lighting.

Options available 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 the Assist rear parking sensors system. There's also a package that bundles Sync Services, a voice control system, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The high-tech Hands-Free Technology Package includes silent liftgate operation, and the Parking Package automatically guides the C-Max into a parallel parking space.

Ford C-Max Performance

2-liter and twin-engine hybrid system includes 195 horsepower. That's more powerful than the 121 horsepower of the new Prius, but the Ford C-Max is several hundred pounds heavier. However, the extra power makes for a great driving experience that is always surprising. The C-Max Energi variant offers an all-electric vehicle with a range of up to 32 km thanks to a large 7.6 kWh battery and 1.4 kWh in the standard C-Max hybrid.

C-Max has a slightly dirty reputation for fuel economy. The regular C-Max Hybrid is rated for 57km per 100L and 60km on the highway. C-Max Energi has also been improved; it is now rated at 61km on 100L combined with 32km on the electric motor.

Energi's hybrid model loses significant luggage space for its larger battery pack.

The C-Max is comfortable and roomy in the cabin, offering enough interior space to carry four adults and their luggage. There's plenty of headroom and legroom up front and back, though the rear seats sit low, leaving long-legged adults in a kneeling position. The ride quality is harsh but pleasant enough, the active noise reduction system and a host of sound deadening 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 regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of Energi 2017Ford C-Max can run purely on electricity at lower speeds. Otherwise, the electric motor serves as a generator, returning energy that would have been wasted and stored in the battery to be used when the engine needs assistance. This gives the C-Max better acceleration torque than the similarly sized Ford Focus, which is lighter and lower.

Reviews

Following reviews, the 2017 Ford C-Max is rated 4 out of 10 by consumers on the performance scale. The C-Max and C-Max Energi got slightly better ride than mid-range hybrids when they launched in 2013, but they've remained largely unchanged since then, while the rest of the brands in the car segment have greatly improved ride quality and other. Consumers also note that the Toyota Prius is much lighter than the C-Max and provides much more mileage.

While Ford hasn't confirmed it, the company is expected to install the C-Max this year with a slightly updated powertrain already deployed in Fusion Hybrid and Energi models. These two cars have always used identical powertrains.

Its 2-litre inline engine and a pair of electric motors will effortlessly propel the C-Max in electric-only mode up to 99 km/h. When the gasoline engine fires, it easily mixes with electrical energy as the driver accelerates and the car picks up speed. C-Max recovers energy while braking or driving and stores it in a 1.4kW Li-Ion battery.

C-Max can be accelerated electricallyeven under medium to heavy loads, and it includes hill-descent control to help drivers navigate slippery driveways. There's also an L mode to give drivers stronger regenerative braking.

The list of inexpensive equipment, in comparison with the previous generation, has expanded significantly. From the latest in the list of current electronic assistants, the driver needs to highlight the modified mechanical parking system, as well as the wiser cruise control with a collision avoidance system. For a surcharge, it is possible to equip the C-Max with City Stop emergency braking systems, as well as bi-xenon headlights. In addition, the MyKey system emerged from among the settings, allowing the owner to program another key to limit the maximum speed (for example, if it is understood that a novice driver will also drive the compact van).