The most notable change is the discontinuation of the SEL trim which has been replaced with a new Titanium trim. Already the C-Max Energi has created a market for itself as one of the top plug-in models in the market. Read along for more information:

2017 Ford C-Max Energi Exterior

The 2017 Ford C-Max Energi shares an identical front look with the new Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. The model features just minor visual upgrades. Its two-level trapezoidal grille features a new surround characterised by an updated chrome trim. The front also features revised LED headlights with halogen projector lights and larger fog lights. Everything else is unchanged. Onto the side profile, the model features blinkers on the side mirrors, wider wheel arches and its door handles are slightly recessed into the doors.

The Comfort Package on the SE trim together with the Titanium trim feature heated side mirrors as standard features. The Energi runs on 17-inch composite wheels. The rear fascia is also almost identical to that of the outgoing model except for the new vertical taillights which replace horizontal units that were on the outgoing model. The taillights are identical to those of the Ford Focus sedan.

A new White Gold paintwork has replaced the Tectonic exterior color. In addition, the SEL trim has been replaced with optional packages available within the SE and the new Titanium trim. In addition, the automaker has used huge doses of chrome on different surfaces.

2017 Ford C-Max Energi Interior

Like the exterior, the cabin is largely unchanged compared to that of the outgoing model.  The vehicle accommodates five passengers comfortably with plenty of headroom due to its tall roofline. On the base SE trim, the seats are wrapped in a quality cloth with an option for leather upholstery on the Comfort Package. Leather upholstery is standard on the Titanium trim.  In addition, the Comfort Package and the Titanium trim feature a power driver’s seat as well as heated front seats.

The model also comes with the Ford’s MyKey which can be used to limit the car’s top speed and radio volume. This feature is standard across the trims. Other features include a fuel-economy display which promotes efficient driving, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone climate control, an integrated garage door opener and a push-button start.

Choosing the SE Driver Assist package you get the automaker’s SYNC 3 infotainment system (I wish it is offered as a standard feature on all models), reverse sensors and a power liftgate. The Titanium trim on the other hand adds heated front seats, reverse sensors and a standard rear-view camera. The optional Driver Assist Package also adds a limited self-park function, blind-spot monitoring among other safety features. A panoramic glass roof, navigation system as well as a keypad placed on the driver’s door are offered as standalone features.

Drivetrain and performance

The 2017 Ford C-Max Energi is ideally a plug-in vehicle. The model uses the same engine as the base C-Max Hybrid. It features a 2.0 L, Atkinson-cycle mill which produces 141 horses. The engine combines with an AC synchronous motor which is paired with a larger battery than that of the C-Max Hybrid for a combined output of 188 horses. The likely motor is a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the current model. On the outgoing models, the battery pack provides an all-electric range of 21 miles up from 19 miles. The system is paired with a CVT system that channels power to the rear wheels.

The drive-train has been upgraded to offer a better fuel economy. The new unit is EPA rated at 97 mpg-e compared to the outgoing model’s 88 mpg-e rating on combined drives. In hybrid mode, the engine returns 38 mpg on combined drives. The battery is replenished either using a 240-volt socket which takes 2.5 hours or a 120-volt outlet which takes a whole 7 hours.

Price and release date

According to Ford, the 2017 C-Max Energi will go on-sale in December.  The new C-Maxi Energi has an MSRP of $27,995 inclusive of destination charges for the SE trim. On the other hand, the Titanium trim attracts a price tag of $30,995. This represents a significant cost reduction by Ford that is meant to win over more customers.

Buyers can however get the Energi way cheaper once the government tax credits are factored in which can be as high as $4,007 IRS tax. Further in California, buyers will save between $1,500 and $3,000 in Clean Vehicle Rebate depending on the driver’s level of income.

Competition

There are no direct rivals of the C-Max Energi, however, I consider the following models as the top rivals; they are the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, Honda Insight as well as the Toyota Prius.

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However, we don’t expect the conventional engines to set foot in the US. Ford is using these hybrids to halt the Toyota Prius in its tracks as they prepare a more direct and better onslaught with a dedicated hybrid which will debut in 2019. We also don’t expect Ford to bring over the 7-passenger Grand C-Max in the US but expect the mid-cycle refresh on the European models to be carried over to the US models.

2016 Ford C-Max Exterior

The C-Max is built on the same platform as the Focus but it’s taller by a whole 8 inches.  Many enthusiasts think that the model looks disproportionate which together with its overall exterior styling are responsible for its poor sales in the US.

Although its competitors are not so much different, they don’t look as weird as the C-Max does. In terms of dimensions, the C-Max is 173.6 inches long, 82.1 inches wide including the mirrors and 63.8 inches tall. At the front, the C-Max looks sleeker and more stylish with its inverted, trapezoid-shaped grille. Flanking it are more chiseled and slimmer headlights and rectangular-shaped fog lights that look bolder compared to those on the outgoing model.

We are not yet sure whether the bi-xenon headlights featured on European models will carry over to the US versions. These headlights offer auto-correcting adaptive lighting. At the back, the tailgate is more refined and will be operated via hands-free “kick-gestures” similar to the Ford Escape SUV. The sides come unchanged compared to the outgoing models.

2016 Ford C-Max Interior

The interior is offered in only two trims i.e. SE and SEL. This is a huge disadvantage since its interior will always be lacking compared to its competitors.

However, the upside is that the cabin is more spacious allowing more room for passengers. The roomy cabin derives its styling from the Focus. It features cleaner and user-friendly controls. Its console and glove box have been redesigned so as to offer more utility.

The most notable features in the cabin include the automaker’s new SYNC system featuring voice-activated 3D navigation system. Other features include an 8.0-inch touch-screen display with a high-resolution and a 10-speaker Sony premium sound system.

Engine Specs and Performance

Under the hood, the 2016 Ford C-Max will have two slightly different drive-trains, a conventional hybrid engine and a plug-in hybrid also known as the Ford C-Max Hybrid Energi.

The conventional hybrid C-Max will feature a 2.0 L, 4-cylinder engine which combine with an electric motor to produce 188 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled via a CVT system. The electric motor derives its power from a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery and from regenerative braking. On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid also features the 2.0 L, inline 4 engine and is mated to a CVT transmission.

The plug-in has a more elaborate motor which derives its power from a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery which the automaker claims can power the car for 19 miles on electric power alone. Further, the Energi features a 120 V charger that recharges the battery in around 5 hours. There is an option for a 240 V charger that can recharge the battery in only 2.5 hours. Once its battery is depleted, the Energi operates like a regular C-Max Hybrid.

Things take a dreadful turn when it comes to fuel economy numbers. Already, Ford has been sued for inflating fuel economy ratings. Previously, the automaker had estimated the C-Max hybrid to return 47 mpg on both city and highway drives but this has been downgraded to 45 mpg city and 40 mpg on highway.

Price and release date

The price of the 2016 Ford C-Max is not particularly exceptional. The base model’s price is close to that of the base model of the Prius. But since the C-Max is only offered in two trims, the price does not rise as high as that of the Prius.

We believe Ford should consider offering a more luxurious hybrid as there is a group of buyers who look for something more in a hybrid beyond the fuel savings. Specifically, the SE trim has an MSRP of $ 24,545 while the SEL starts at $ 27,545.

Competition

The most obvious competitor is the Toyota Prius V; the Honda CR-Z will also pose some threats to the 2016 Ford C-Max.

2016 Ford Grand C-Max

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2015 Ford C-Max Exterior

2015 Ford C-Max exterior design emphasizes new large trapezoidal grille in order to fuse with aerodynamic utility. Front and rear bumpers are body colored with new halogen headlights built from LED lights, Power heated mirrors, fog lights and dual sliding rear doors. Ford C-max features a distinctive shape that associates with multipurpose vehicle more closely than a hatchback. This model will be slighter larger dimensions than it’s predecessor. Length 173.6 inch, Height 63.9 inch, width 72 inch and a wheelbase 104.3 inches. Curb weight amount to 3417 lbs with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. C-Max taller stature makes it easier for taller drivers to enter and exit the car. It also incorporates a height adjustable function to accommodate users of all sizes.

Ford C-Max 2015 Interior

C-Max offers quieter and more luxurious feeling interior for more engaging driving experience. The 5 Passenger cabin is made up of premium materials with attractive, soft touch surfaces, and latest technology to produce a remarkably upscale class of a vehicle. Ergonomics is designed excellently with user friendly and easily accessible controls. The center console is equipped with 8-inch display and instrument panels to display control parameters. Cargo area offers slightly more space with new comfortable seats and split folding rear seat-back. However, the thick windscreen pillars and rear screen is surprisingly small and obscure the view somewhat. New Ford C-Max is equipped with the combination of ‘MyFord Touch infotainment system’ and ‘Sync voice control system’ to allow hands free operation and customized display possibilities.

Ford C-Max and C-MAX Hybrid Engine Specifications

There’s an impressive range of engine available with 2015 ‘C-Max’ and ‘C-Max hybrid’ .The ‘C-max Energi’ uses 2.0 liter ‘Atkinson cycled’ four cylinder gasoline engine which produces 141 Hp and 129 lb-ft torque. Engine is also combined with lithium ion battery- driven electric motor of 91 Hp. power-split architecture facilitates the engine power with electric motor. C-Max hybrid models will have SEL and SE models, uses same engine with a 1.4 KWh lithium ion battery pack. The hybrid system will produce 188 hp. Acceleration for 0 – 60 mph is achieved for 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph. In electric mode, 0 – 60 mph is achieved for 7.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 85 mph.

Other better options as far as petrol is concerned are excellent 1.6 liter with more impressive 1.0 liter Eco-boost unit. Most buyers will inevitably go for diesel with either 1.6 liter that gives 114 horsepower or 2.0 liter that ups the ante to 138 horsepower. The engine is combined with ‘eCVT’ automatic transmission for gear selection. Ford C-Max hybrid is EPA rated with 40 mpg in city and 45 mpg on highway while ‘C-Max Energi Plug in Hybrid’ is rated at 44/42 mpg for highway/city. In general, Hybrids are most efficient in the city due to Regenerative braking system which helps frequently to charge the battery.

2015 Ford C-Max Price and release data

The 2015 Ford C-Max is expected to be available for sale during last quarter of 2015 or first quarter of 2016. The new C-max will be available from base price ranging from $ 26,000 to $ 28,500 (msrp) according to engine versions and it may go up with included features.

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