The introduction of Ford’s hybrid only vehicle line brings the 2013 Ford C-MAX and C-MAX Energi Hybrids to the market. Introduced to the North American market in 2012, the Ford C-MAX is considered a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). The small exterior, roomy interior, many storage compartments and great fuel economy make the 2013 Ford C-MAX a great choice for many different uses.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2013 Ford C-MAX is equipped with 2.0L four cylinder gas engine and a 1.4 kWh battery. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 2013 C-MAX outputs a combined 188 horsepower. The C-MAX Energi contains a larger 7.5 kWh battery and is paired with the same gas engine, outputting the same horsepower. However, the larger battery allows the Energi models to be plugged in for more electric motor usage and better fuel economy. The C-MAX can also operate on electric only power at speeds up to 100 km/h.
The 2013 Ford C-MAX hybrid is listed to obtain a 4.2 L/100km in the city and 4.9 L/100km on the highway. The lower fuel economy in the city is typical of hybrids as they use the electric motor much more at lower speeds and the greater amount of braking is able to recharge the battery at the same time. A more realistic fuel economy is that which we obtained through a combined city/highway driving of 280 km, which averaged 5.8 L/100km of fuel consumption.
Although most hybrid vehicles are known to have extremely touchy brakes so the battery can recharge, the 2013 Ford C-MAX provides a smooth and quiet ride. There’s no jerkiness to the regenerative braking like most other hybrids and there’s no noticeable gear shifts due to the CVT. Driving the C-MAX, you can’t tell it’s a hybrid, except for the silent engine when in electric mode.
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
Although the overall shape of the 2013 Ford C-MAX doesn’t inspire much enthusiasm, at least the lines and front grille give the body some character. The hatchback style closely resembles the Ford Focus body but a bit smaller and less aggressive looking. Looking at the 2013 Ford C-MAX from the rear side, it looks like a small minivan, similar to the 2013 Mazda 5 but without the sliding passenger doors.
Equipped with the latest technology and amenities, once you step into the interior of the 2013 Ford C-MAX you are surrounded with all the necessities and conveniences you could need.
The modern looking dash is complemented by the angular dual side air vents and the large touch screen to control navigation, phone, audio and climate. For convenience and efficiency, these functions can also be controlled using the dash control knob or the buttons on the steering wheel. The multi level design adds some depth to the dash, which is typically a flat design in most other vehicles.
The driver has two additional gauges besides the speedometer to provide feedback or other selectable information. The left gauge is dedicated to fuel consumption and driving efficiency and will provide feedback as to how much power was recouped during a section where brakes were applied, current and average fuel economies and gauges for gas/battery usage. The right side gauge is used to display phone controls/usage, navigation directions and turns and other useful information.
The interior of the 2013 Ford C-MAX is all about flexibility for storage and transportation. The flat folding rear seats allow awkward sized objects to be transported while the many storage compartments throughout store smaller objects out of sight. The unique in floor storage areas are located under the floor mats of the rear passengers and under the trunk area floor mat.
Heated seats and optional interior ambient lighting (colour and brightness controlled from touch screen) for cup holders, door panels and foot wells will ensure your mood is right for driving.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The introduction of Ford’s Hybrid only line of vehicles and specifically the 2013 Ford C-MAX is a great start towards cost effective driving solutions moving forward into a high gas price future. With a starting price of $27,614 for amazing fuel economy combined with technology and conveniences, the 2013 Ford C-MAX is definitely worth consideration. Test drive it and you won’t even be able to tell it’s a hybrid!
