The Toyota Prius V better take notice as the arrival of the Ford C-Max Hybrid is fast approaching. With orders forms now available to U.S. dealers, any member of the American public can put in their request to park one serious, European-inspired efficiency machine in their driveway. A dedicated hybrid utility, the 2013 model year will be the first a C-Max makes it across the pond to U.S. soil and will soon be joined by the Energi Plug-in variant.
“C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. Standing at nearly 70 inches tall, the U.S. bound C-Max is just as roomy and versatile as its European counterpart. Passenger volume alone stands at 99.7 cubic feet and with the second row folded flat, 54.3 cubic feet of cargo space can be had behind the front seats. Slightly larger than a Focus, the C-Max rides on a similar chassis so it isn’t so big that the Escape should worry about stolen sales.
Motivating the first American C-Max is an exclusive hybrid drivetrain. An all-new, 2.0 liter inline four cylinder burning gasoline is paired to an electric motor that is powered by Ford’s li-ion battery pack. Just like any other hybrid out there, the C-Max can operate on solely on its electric motor at low speeds, but the engine kicks in for regular driving. It may be based on the Euro-spec version that debuted back in 2010, but the 2013 U.S. C-Max will be built at Ford’s Wayne, Michigan assembly plant alongside the Focus and its Electric and ST counterparts. Base pricing starts at $25,995 and deliveries should be made later on this fall.
Source: Ford
