A “white-space vehicle exploring the crossover between car and minivan,” is Derrick Kuzak’s statement, to describe 2012 Ford C-Max. It is a shorter name version of Europe’s Grand C-Max. (In Europe Ford trades a C-Max and a Grand C-Max. Continent’s C-Max appears in smaller dimension and has only two seat rows.) You may choose whatever description of this upcoming C-Max, but this people-carrier is on its way for 2012.
We enjoyed our experiences driving three-row Grand C-Max in Europe, a mini-minivan equipped with some smart packaging. But, they didn’t install the American power trains in our cars. They, perhaps, had not yet adapted details of U.S. engine lineup to the cars.
Two Fours and 5+2
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine generates 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost four is another engine option, which is turbocharged and direct-injected. Compared to the 2.5, it produces the same horsepower using regular gases; meanwhile, it provides 180 hp fueled on premium. The use of either fuel will produce 173 ft-lbs torque. Ford guarantees more efficient fuel for the EcoBoost four which is more expensive and sometimes powerful, to justify its higher charge. (The all-new Explorer utilizes a similar scheme.) A six-speed automatic transmission is the single option, regardless to the installed powerplant.
Ford C-Max presents the same interior as Europe’s Grand Max with “5+2” seating. We can fold the second row’s middle seat and keep it inside its right to have an aisle for access to the third row. Buyers have an option to eliminate the two small seats in the third row for 5+0 seating. Some features will appear on this model such as Sync and MyFord Touch, a rearview camera, active park assistance, and Curve Control-an evolutionary control for stability first appeared on the new Explorer.
Hands-free Feature!
The Americanized C-Max introduces one unique party feature called a hands-free liftgate release. Similar to the latest European VW Passat with its hop-on-one-leg trunk, the C-Max’s system utilizes sensors attached on the rear bumper detecting things, which wave past and pop the hatch. The idea is a system that holds your cargo within C-Max when your hands are busy and full of things, and a leg wave is easier to open the door than mishandling for your keys. Very likely, this technology is soon to be adopted in all full-size-minivans.
C-Max is intended for “growing, busy North American families,” stated Ford. It describes the Ford’s C-segment platform. C-Max for U.S. spec will make its appearance debut at January’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and going on sale.