2013 Ford C-Max Preview

Introduction

The 2013 Ford C-Max is a compact hatchback, all new for this model year. It is available with a conventional hybrid drivetrain or as the C-Max Energi, a plug-in hybrid. Both employ a 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric battery pack. According to Ford, the C-Max Energi can travel more than 20 miles without employing the gasoline engine at all; thus a commuter could drive it daily, recharge the battery overnight, and never touch the gasoline supply. Both models are 5-passenger hatchback wagons. The C-Max Energi competes with the Chevrolet Volt and the plug-in version of the Toyota Prius; the C-Max Hybrid's competitors include the Toyota Prius V and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, among others. Both versions are available in the base SE trim and the upscale SEL trim.

Exterior Features

The 2013 C-Max features a distinctive profile and comes in seven standard colors, plus the premium-priced White Platinum. Standard are 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler; the SEL trim adds fog lights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, manual liftgate with remote release, and its own styling touches. A panoramic sunroof is optional.

Interior Features

The interior of the C-Max is offered in black or grey, with cloth upholstery. Cruise control is standard on both versions of the C-Max; so are power windows and locks. Other standard features include integrated blind-spot mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, adjustable driver's seat, voice-activated electronics interface, 6-speaker sound system, and iPod/USB interface. The SEL trim adds leather upholstery in black or grey, an 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, and an auto-dimming mirror. Behind the rear seats, the C-Max Hybrid offers 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space; with the rear seats folded, 52.6 cubic feet are available. The C-Max Energi provides 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats; total cargo space with rear seats folded measures 42.8 cubic feet.

Optional Features

The 2013 Ford C-Max offers a comprehensive menu of packaged and individual options. These include a power liftgate, ambient lighting, reverse-sensing system, MyFord Touch driving screen, satellite radio, navigation system, rearview camera, forward-sensing system, park assist, wheel locks, front and rear mudguards, ash/coin holder, cargo bags and organizers, and a keyless entry keypad.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid's power plant consists of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 141 horsepower and 121 lb.-ft. of torque, which works with a Lithium-ion battery pack. The C-Max features front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The C-Max Energi employs the same engine, but in the Energi the engine produces 129 lb.-ft. of torque. The Energi's larger battery pack provides a longer range of gasoline-free driving, according to Ford.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2013 Ford C-Max are:

• C-Max Hybrid (combined electrical and gasoline power): 47 mpg city or highway
• C-Max Energi (electric-only mode): 100 MPGe city or highway
• C-Max Energi (gasoline only): 44/41/43 mpg (city/highway/combined)

Safety

Standard safety features of note on the 2013 Ford C-Max include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side air bags, driver's-side knee air bag, and full-length side curtain air bags. The MyKey system allows the owner to set audio volume and speed limits for guest drivers. Other safety features are optional. In government crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the C-Max received 4 (out of 5) stars overall: 4 stars for frontal and rollover protection; and 5 stars for side protection. Results of tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not yet been published.

Technology

Ford's Sync technology includes voice-controlled phone capability, automatic phone book download, photo transfer, voice-activated music search and radio tuning, an integrated navigation system, turn-by-turn directions, voice access to business listings, audible text messages, and more.