Ford Unveils the New 2012 C-Max in Detroit

By Bryan Usrey

Bryan Usrey

Contributing Writer

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Ford Unveils the New 2012 C-Max in Detroit
The minivan is making a comeback here in the United States and Ford is hoping to shake things up... Read More

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341 views Jan 10, 2011

The minivan is making a comeback here in the United States and Ford is hoping to shake things up with the new 2012 C-Max.  This new small MPV is a different take on the minivan, as it’s smaller than most but has been a massive success in Europe, where bigger doesn’t necessary mean better. 

Most of the goodies found on the European version will make their way over here. Engine choices include a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost in-line four is being offered as an upgrade. The former engine will put out 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, while the latter has 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque.

If normal propulsion isn’t for you, Ford is also offering a hybrid version of the new C-Max, a smaller five-door, five-seat hatchback. Ford is hoping that it will deliver better fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrid, which is no easy task. 

There is a second alternative model, a plug-in hybrid called the C-Max Energi, which can travel more than 500 miles using its batteries and engine. Ford says that it will deliver better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt. 

Inside, the C-Max MPV can hold seven people, but is best used for just five. The rest of the interior is similar to what has already been seen on the 2012 Focus and hopefully Ford’s high-quality craftsmanship will carry over to this van.

While all this is well and good, the most interesting feature of the C-Max is the hands-free liftgate. One simply waves their leg under the rear bumper and it opens up. Obviously, one must have the key on them for this to work, but it should make grocery shopping much easier.

[MotorAuthority]