The Ford C-Max holds the honour of being the brand's first, and only, dedicated hybrid model.
Occupying a thin slice of the market, the C-Max goes up against other small wagons like the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo, but is the only one to combine the body style with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. On top of that, the C-Max comes as a regular hybrid and in a plug-in variant called the Energi that can theoretically go 33 km on a full charge of the big battery that lives under the cargo floor.
Under the hood is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated for 141 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque, paired with an electric motor Ford says is good for 118 hp and 117 lb-ft on its own. Total system output is 188 hp, but Ford doesn't say how much torque you get when both power sources are working together. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic.
Natural Resources Canada's fuel consumption estimates for the C-Max are 5.8/5.6 L/100 km (city/highway) when operating in hybrid mode, and 2.7 Le/100 km for the Energi model when running as an EV.
Standard features in the SE model include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 110-volt power outlet and two 12-volt outlets, cruise control, compass, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, six-speaker stereo, SYNC infotainment system, six-way driver's seat and four-way front passenger seat, cloth seats, and 17-inch wheels.
SEL Hybrid and the plug-in Energi models add standard intelligent keyless entry and push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, backup sensing system, and ambient lighting.
Prices start at $25,999 for the SE model, and top out at $31,999 for the Energi trim.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
