<<BACK TO HOME

Dean Slavnich test drives the Ford Focus C-MAX
The new Ford Focus C-Max stands for maximum comfort, maximum confidence and maximum control – but scratch away the marketing spin and it soon becomes evident what the new model truly means to the European division of the troubled American carmaker: the compact MPV literally holds maximum importance for Ford.

Ford's C-MAX stands for maximum comfort and maximum space

The C-Max is something of a laboratory testing guinea pig for the blue oval: it represents Ford’s first venture into the compact MPV segment; it is the first product of Ford’s much-hyped Global Sharing Technologies platform strategy; and is regarded as being a vague blueprint for the all-important next-generation Focus.

Nestled amongst such important criteria is the fact that Ford has boldly chosen the C-Max as an outlet for which to introduce new engineering innovations and technology. For example, it is the first vehicle to benefit from the newly developed PSA/Ford joint collaborated diesel engines – 1.6 litres Duratorq TDCi and 2.0 litres Duratorq TDCi. Both engines are lightweight and low friction, with a high pressure, second-generation common rail injection system, variable nozzle turbocharger and electronic drive-by-wire acceleration controls.

The lesser diesel spec offers a maximum power output of 109 ps (80 kW) at 4,000 rpm and a torque rating of 240 Nm (176 lb ft) at 1,750 rpm, thus ensuring a top speed of 185 km/h (116 mph), while returning 4.9 l/100 km (57.6 mpg) on combined and 129 g/km on CO2 emissions.

Yet it is the top-of-the-range 2.0 litre TDCi, which with its 136 ps (100 kW) power output at 4,000 rpm that represents Ford’s largest common rail turbo diesel and takes centre stage in the C-Max powertrain line-up. It achieves a peak torque output of 320 Nm (235 lb ft) at 2,000 rpm, and by being mated to a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox, the 2.0 litre TDCi compact MPV has a top speed of 200 km/h (125 mph). It returns 5.6 l/100 km (50.4 mpg) on the combined cycle and has a CO2 emissions output rating of 148 g/km.

On the downside, however, both Duratorq engines are only certified to Euro 3 emissions standards, with Ford promising to introduce an optional diesel particulate filter (DPF) system later this year in a bid to meet Euro 4. The DPF system, which has been jointly developed with PSA, has been targeted to reduce particulate emissions by more than 95 per cent.

A single petrol engine – the 1.8 litre Duratec, which is part of Ford’s new family of petrol units – completes the C-Max powertrain line-up. Already in the Mondeo, the engine employs the latest gas dynamics, combustion and catalytic converter technology to ensure high levels of performance, ride and economy.

Yet despite its petrol status, the 1.8 Duratec is still overshadowed by the high-end TDCi engine. With the Duratec under the bonnet, the C-Max can reach a top speed of 193 km/h (119 mph), has a power output of 120 ps (88 kW) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 165 Nm (124 lb ft) at 4,000 rpm. It returns 7.1 l/100 km (39.7 mpg) on combined and 170 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Yet there is more to the C-Max than just new powertrains. Another first for Ford Europe is a new Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that negates the need for the conventional mechanical handbrake, thus freeing-up even more space within the cabin area. The EPB technology runs on a compact actuator switch, and if not activated manually, the EPB will work automatically once the car’s engine has been turned off, as well as automatically releasing once the engine is started-up again.

Other new feats for Ford include a unique rear-seat flexibility seating system that transforms the C-Max from being a practical five-seater to a comfy four-seater. Ford insists that there are a total of 11 storage spaces (though I could only find nine), with the compact MPV also offering 550 litres of luggage space.

The C-Max makes use of Ford’s acclaimed Intelligent Protection System, features an electric-hydraulic power-assisted steering and has the best in-class brakes. With so much new technology, it would not be a major surprise if Ford’s laboratory testing guinea pig soon transforms into a cash cow.