The Ford C-Max (written Ford C-MAX and often called the Ford Focus C-Max) is a compact MPV produced by Ford in Saarlouis for Europe since 2003 and in North America from 2011. Although C-MAX was initially available only in Europe, the first generation was partially available in New Zealand. The North American model will launch with the second generation. With the introduction of the new large MPVs S-Max and Galaxy, the C-Max is the smallest multi-purpose vehicle of Ford's lineup.
C-Max Mk I was the first product to use the Ford C1 platform, also used by the Ford Focus Mk II and the compact MPV Premacy/Mazda5. Its internal code name is C214.
It seats five passengers and has a large amount of cargo space, which can be increased by folding the rear seats flat. Some models feature diagonally sliding outer rear seats. It also shares the control blade independent rear suspension from the Focus.
Engines and transmissions
The available four-cylinder engines are the same as the Focus.
1.6 L Duratec was the basic engine for C-Max, 1.6 L Ti-VCT Duratec was also available.
1.8/2.0 L Duratec HE are the rest of available petrol engines
1.6/2.0 L Duratorq Ford/PSA made diesels were available along with Ford's 1.8 L Endura engine which is upgraded and named Duratorq
Transmissions matted with engines are Ford IB5 (1.6/1.8 Duratec), Ford Durashift (2.0 Duratorq), MTX-75 (2.0 Duratec / 1.6-1.8 Duratorq) manual and Ford Powershift double-clutch transmisison available with 2.0 Duratorq. Only automatic transmisison available was 4F27E matted with 2.0 Duratec.
In December 2006, the facelifted version of the C-Max was revealed at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show and went on sale in late spring 2007. The pre-facelift version of the car (2003–2007) was called the Ford Focus C-Max. The name change to C-Max is attributable to Ford's MPV strategy of creating a 'Max' branded line of MPVs, starting with the Ford S-Max, launched in 2006.
The facelift brought the car in line with Ford's 'Kinetic Design' design language, evidenced through its twin trapezoidal grilles, large wheel arches and angular headlights. However, as the car does not have a bodyshell originally designed for 'Kinetic Design,' Ford officially states that the car contains only 'elements' of the design language.
Alongside the third generation Ford Focus Mk III, the second generation C-Max (C344) is built on Ford's new Global C platform. The appearance is inspired by the Iosis Max concept, shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. In addition, Ford added a long wheelbase, seven-seat variant of the C-Max, the Ford Grand C-MAX
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Early European models include 5 seats, and 7-seat models entered the market at the end of 2010 (except Russia, where there is only the 7-seat model). At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Ford announced a 7-seat C-MAX for the North American market. However, this model was cancelled prior to launch.
Features
The new MK III platform is the first in its class to support Torque Vectoring Control (TVC).
The redesigned C-Max features flat folding third row seats, a hands free power lift gate, rear view camera, park assist, and panoramic sunroof. HD Radio, Sirius XM, Sync, dual-zone climate control system, and navigation system come as standard or as available options on the different trim lines.
The aerodynamics (drag coefficient, cw) of the car has been improved, being 0,30 for the 5 seater and 0,32 for the Grand C-Max.
Engines and transmissions
Like the previous C-Max new also comes with range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines which are shared with Focus.
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT is available in two spec, 105 hp (78 kW) and 125 hp
1.6 L EcoBoost comes with 150 hp (112 kW) or 182 hp (136 kW) variant, same as in Focus
1.6/2.0 L Duratorq Ford/PSA made diesels are upgraded, Ford's 1.8 L Endura engine is not availabe any more.
Transmissions matted with engines are Ford IB5 (1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT), B6 (1.6 EcoBoost/1.6 Duratorq), Durashift MMT6 (2.0 Duratorq) manual and Ford Powershift double-clutch transmisison available with 2.0 Duratorq.
Ford unveiled the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the C-Max Hybrid at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, which are scheduled for market launch in 2012 in North America and 2013 in Europe. The C-Max Energi has a projected driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km). Like the conventional C-Max, the C-Max Energi and Hybrid are five-seat only. They replace the Mercury Mariner Hybrid since Ford discontinued the Mercury brand after the 2011 model year. For the North American market, the C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid will be assembled alongside the 2012 Focus and Focus Electric at Ford's Wayne plant in Michigan. All European versions will be built in Valencia, Spain.
Production
C-Max production takes place in Valencia, Spain, to allow lower production costs, and the production of the electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric versions will take place in Wayne, Michigan.
Ford C-Max
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 2010-
Assembly Valencia, Spain
Predecessor First generation C-Max
Body style 5-door MPV
Platform Ford Global C platform
Engine
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi I4
Transmission
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,648 mm (104.3 in)
Length 4,380 mm (172.4 in)
Width 1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height 1,626 mm (64.0 in)
Curb weight 1,374–1,550 kg (3,030–3,400 lb)
Related Ford Focus MkIII
Ford Grand C-Max
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 2010-
Assembly Valencia
Body style 5-door MPV
Platform Ford Global C platform
Engine
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.5 L iVCT (NA only)
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,788 mm (109.8 in)
Length 4,520 mm (178.0 in)
Width 1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height 1,684 mm (66.3 in)
Curb weight 1,477–1,697 kg (3,260–3,740 lb)
Related Ford Focus MkIII