2012 Ford C-Max Announced

Ford just unveiled their latest iteration of the C-MAX model which for the 2012 model combines the updated design with the flexible seating configuration for up to seven (5+2) people. The 2012 C-MAX is an important part of Ford’s global small vehicle strategy that will deliver minimum 10 cars (and 2 million units sold annually) – from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012.

With the launch of the C-MAX, Ford will be introducing several unique features like the versatile 5+2 seating configuration that offers five seats in the main cabin plus two smaller seats located in the third row. Other important features of the car are the two sliding doors that allow a very comfortable entrance, active park assist, hands-free power-operated liftgate as well as an advanced system that is capable of steering the car into parallel parking spaces on its own (we are eager to see how this works in real life conditions).

The all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost power unit developed by Ford is available with the C-MAX and offers the right balance between performance and fuel efficiency as well as reduced CO2 emission levels. This new engine is 20% more efficient as far as the fuel consumption in comparison with the naturally aspirated engine thanks to the high-pressure direct injection combined with the twin independent variable camshaft timing and the low-inertia turbocharging. With the EcoBoost, the C-MAX will most likely be the best 7-seat car regarding fuel economy on the highway.

The entry-level power unit of the car will be a 2.5-liter iVCT I-4 (also available on the Fusion model) that offers enough low-end torque and was optimized for small crossover application. Both of these engines are linked to the 6F35 automatic 6-speed gearbox developed by Ford.

Thanks to its 109.7-inch wheelbase and a respectable overall length of 178 inches, the Ford C-MAX offers plenty of space for seven passengers or for five people and a large amount of luggage. The size of the car resembles a lot to the original minivans developed in North America. For the new model, Ford has developed a clever new method for folding the second row as it is equipped with an interesting mechanism that permits the middle seat position to fold fast and very easy under the right-hand seat, which creates a very useful walk-through area located between the two outboard seats which means that the passengers have a very easy access to the third row in the back. In addition, the second row of the minivan sports the slide and recline functionality, meaning that the row can be adapted for various combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. The outboard second-row seats are equipped with the tip-and-slide forward function which allows an easier access to the third row when the second one is occupied.

Taken from the official press release published by Ford, here are the most important features of the Ford C-MAX: Touchscreen-operated navigation system; front and rear parking sensors, Sirius Satellite Radio; dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control; ambient lightning with illuminating footwells, cupholders available in multiple colors; Sony Audio System and the Easy Fuel system which provides a very tight seal and eliminates the risk of losing the caps or the possibility of loose-fitting.

The 2012 Ford C-MAX was awarded with a 5-star rating by Euro NCAP, managing to achieve the highest score ever recorded by a car for whiplash protection and also it did extremely well for both child and adult occupant safety. Some highlights of the safety features of the minivan include the AdvanceTrac with RSC – Roll Stability Control with curve control that helps the driver to maintain the vehicle’s stability; dual front and side airbags that can be tuned depending on the weight, size and belt status; first, second and third row Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags; tire pressure monitoring system; driver and passenger-side blind spot mirrors and a strong body architecture that uses many parts made out of high-strength steel.

A first for the industry is the hands-free liftgate that allows the owners of the car to unlock and open the rear hatch when their hands are full in a very fast way. With the key fob, the driver of the C-MAX will have to do a gentle leg motion below the center of the rear bumper which will activate the sensors of the minivan, unlocking and raising the rear liftgate.

The car will be available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. The 2012 Ford C-MAX will be officially launched at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Pricing was not announced at the moment of the press release.

Post tags: Tags: c-max, Ford, minivan