NEW FOR 2015:
- New paint colours: Magnetic (grey), Tectonic (silver).
Ford’s Focus-based C-MAX is a curiosity on the automotive landscape. Offered exclusively in electrified form (hybrid or plug-in), it has the requisite excellent gas mileage, European road manners, an attractive and spacious cabin for five, and plenty of high-tech features that are sure to leave passengers impressed. Perhaps the only mark against it is its cargo space – it’s neither as large as a conventional small SUV nor the tall wagons it competes against. This is especially true for the Energi's larger battery pack.
Both the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi come powered by an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder that’s shared in common with the Fusion. The Energi plug-in hybrid benefits from a bigger 7.6 kWh battery pack that can be recharged from empty in as little as 2.5 hours from a 240-volt outlet. All-electric range goes from a kilometer or so with the Hybrid to 30, and real-world performance is slightly improved thanks to the additional electric boost.
Optional features include a massive panoramic glass sunroof, smartphone app (Energi), and Ford’s signature party tricks – the automatic parking assistant and a hands-free power tailgate.
In SE trim, features include dual-zone automatic climate control, floor mats, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, second row in-floor storage, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, power windows with auto up/down, 110V powerpoint, compass, remote keyless entry, outside temperature display, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, cruise control, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary and USB input, Ford Sync, six-way driver/four-way passenger seats, second row 60/40 split-fold-flat seats, cloth upholstery, rear spoiler, power mirrors with integrated turn signals and blind spot mirrors, Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, Ford MyKey, and keyless entry.
SEL trim adds ambient lighting, Sync with MyFord Touch, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, push button start, satellite radio, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, leather trimmed seats, heated side mirrors, fog lights, piano black grille, reverse sensing system, rain sensing wipers, and perimeter alarm.
Energi is equipped similarly to the SEL, and adds LED illuminated charge port. EV drive mode, power cord, and remote starter.