Ford’s revised C-MAX follows in the shoes of S-MAX brother

2014-11-09 09:29:27

Just a couple of days after Ford revealed its S-MAX MPV, the company has followed on by showcasing its smaller C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models. The new models go on sale early next year and feature a face-lifted front end and a revised interior, including a touch screen.

As you would expect coming so soon after the S-MAX release, the C-MAX styling reflects the One Ford global design language adopted by its larger sibling. That means it gets fresh head- and fog-lamps and a restyled bonnet. Ford say the dynamic styling delivers a stronger, sleeker front end, with the company’s distinctive inverted trapezoidal grille featuring prominently. At the other end, the tailgate has been given a smoother profile.

The C-MAX features Ford’s innovative twin sliding doors and a “walk-through” seat configuration. This provides greater convenience, flexibility and space. There are fewer controls and switches compared to the outgoing model with simplified functionality. The central storage console has been redesigned.

Thicker glass has been fitted as have more absorbent seals around the tailgate to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels. Acoustic damping for the engine bay has also been added, with even more of it being used on the diesel-engined models. Even the flywheel has been retuned and the engine mounts redesigned to help lessen the shaking forces and improve refinement during stop-start cycles.

Like the S-MAX, the new C-MAX gains the company’s all-new 1.5-litre 118bhp diesel. This replaces the old 1.6 diesel. In addition, it has heavily revised its 2.0-litre diesel, offering 20% less CO2 emissions. Unlike the larger S-MAX, the C-MAX is small enough to be able to entertain the gorgeous 1.0-litre 3-pot EcoBoost engine. It is available in two power outputs: 100bhp or 125bhp.

Like its larger brother, the new C-MAX is laden with technology dependent upon which model you opt for. For example, ‘active park’ steers the C-MAX into a parking space, supported by extra sensors being placed at the rear. Also available is the City Stop crash-avoidance system, active braking, and adaptive cruise control which allows you to maintain a set distance from the car in front.

Ford’s ‘Sync 2’ voice-activated connectivity system is also available. Giving simple commands results in the car carrying out your instructions. So, if you’re hungry for example, simply say aloud “I’m hungry” and the C-MAX should provide you with a list of nearby restaurants.

Stephen Odell, Ford’s Executive Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, told first4auto: “Ford C-MAX has earned a reputation for providing a balance of great fuel economy, responsive, sporty handling and a flexible, roomy interior package. All powertrains benefit from CO2 improvements without sacrificing any of the car’s great driving dynamics.”

This is an abridged article especially prepared by First4Auto on behalf of EcoCars4Sale. 

Reported By 

Andrew Merritt-Morling

Chief Editor