2012 Ford C-Max Specs and Reviews

In line with Ford's globalized product lineup, the automaker's second-generation Grand C-Max will be sold in the U.S., where Ford simply calls it the C-Max. This marks the first time the people-mover has been sold here.

With sliding doors and up to three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven, the C-Max competes in a segment that's made limited inroads in America: compact minivans. The only genuine competitor is the Mazda5, but you might also shop the C-Max against small crossovers with optional third rows, like the Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sorento. 

The front-wheel-drive C-Max offers two four-cylinder engines, both with a six-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels are the S, SE and SEL.

Exterior

With a large trapezoidal front air inlet, triangular fog light portals and a thin grille, the C-Max looks like a supersized version of Ford's Fiesta subcompact. Around back, the taillights sit next to a broad rear window. Despite having a third row, the C-Max is just 6.4 inches longer than Ford's 2012 Focus hatchback. It's shorter and wider than the Mazda5.

The C-Max S carries 17-inch steel wheels. The SE and SEL have 17-inch alloys. An available hands-free liftgate is an industry first: Approach the car with an armful of groceries and the key fob in your pocket, and you can wave your foot under a bumper sensor to open the power liftgate.

Interior

Up front, the cabin carries a lot of similarities to the Focus. A central pod of stereo controls and air vents sits above the climate dials, and uplevel models have silver and piano-black accents, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control. An optional panoramic moonroof extends over the second row.

Most trims will have three rows. The third row, which has two seats, is accessible via a walk-in sliding feature with the second-row seats. Alternately, the middle position for the second row can fold and stow, creating two captain's chairs and a center aisle.

Fold the second and third rows down, and the C-Max's 70.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume is competitive with small, three-row crossovers; it beats the Mazda5's 44.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows down.

Under the Hood

The C-Max's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 168 horsepower and 167 pounds-feet of torque. An optional turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes the same 168 hp but a slightly higher 173 pounds-feet of torque, with better fuel efficiency to boot. Ford says both engines run on regular gas, but with premium fuel the 1.6-liter is rated at 180 hp.

The C-Max rides a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a six-speed automatic standard for either engine.

Safety

Standard safety features include three-row, rollover-sensing side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. Learn more at Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (3rd Edition)


Source : www.cars.com