2013 Ford C-Max SEL - A Hybrid that's Actually fun to Drive
February 12, 2013
By: Anthony Murdoch
I have to say that I am a very skeptical person when it comes to Hybrids. I mean, firstly, the technology is anything but new. Fully electric cars have been around since nearly the beginning of self powered wagons, and hybrid technology has been commonplace in everything from Diesel powered trains to ships, to a variety of other machinery for a long, long time. Let's stop calling it new tech, and just realize that it is simply another alternative to propelling a vehicle.
In terms of cars, Toyota started the craze with their Prius. Ford has had hybrids for a few years now, such as the Escape and Fusion, along with some Lincoln's, but the C-Max although sold in other countries with gas only power, will only be sold here in Canada as a hybrid model.
Powered by a newer and smaller 2.0 litre 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine producing 141 horsepower and 129lb-ft, the engine is mated to a permanent-magnet AC synchronous electric motor, which makes 118 hp, 117 lb-ft. All of this equals to a combined power rating of 188 hp. All of this power is transferred to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
Ford sells two versions of the C-Max, the standard hybird model, and the Energi model. The difference between the two is that the standard model has a smaller 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, as opposed to a larger 7.5-kWh one, and it can't be plugged in. It also can't drive in electric only mode for more than a few kilometres. My tester being the standard car, can travel alone on the electric motor for very short periods of time. You can tell when this is happening as the car goes very quite. You can also tell from the dash display when you are in EV mode.
During my time with the C-Max, I found it to be quite a competent driver, having excellent steering feel and a drum tight chassis. It feels like the Focus, on which it is based. It is actually a fun hybrid to drive, however my main gripe with the car is that it's main selling point, fuel economy, was nowhere near Transport Canada's suggested figures of around 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The best I could manage was an average of 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which coincidentally, is the exact same number many other automotive testers have achieved! My driving style was a mix of a bit of highway and mostly city. I drove as I would my own car, meaning very lightly on the gas. Besides conducting my standard acceleration tests and a few moments of aggressive acceleration, I did not give the C-Max the full beans that much at all.
Would I buy this car? Well personally, no, I would not. However that being said I would recommend this car in a heartbeat to a person looking for a hybrid. It is light years ahead in terms of the fun to drive category compared to the Prius. What I love about it is that it does not scream, "look at me, I am a hybrid" which I like. I actually like the styling, the interior is very well built with good materials, the features are all there, and it handles like a sports car. Trunk capacity is a little small, but I was able to load it up with all my hockey gear and groceries no problem.
Like I said at the start of this review, I think hybrids are over hyped and I really don't feel they are the solution to better fuel economy in the long run. I love cars and all things automotive. I love manually shifting gears and revving an engine to red-line. The internal combustion engine is a marvel of efficiency and is only getting better. I see a future where there will be a healthy mix of hybrids, evs, and pure gas and diesel powered cars and trucks. I don't really every see evs or hybrids taking over completely, which I hope never happens.
The C-Max is a step in the right direction for Ford and for hybrids in general. I really recommend it to those who are looking at a hybrid. Prices start at $27,000 for the base model, all the way up to $40,000 plus for the Energi model. My tester rang in at around $36,000 with all the options. Check out www.ford.ca for pricing details.
By: Anthony Murdoch
I have to say that I am a very skeptical person when it comes to Hybrids. I mean, firstly, the technology is anything but new. Fully electric cars have been around since nearly the beginning of self powered wagons, and hybrid technology has been commonplace in everything from Diesel powered trains to ships, to a variety of other machinery for a long, long time. Let's stop calling it new tech, and just realize that it is simply another alternative to propelling a vehicle.
In terms of cars, Toyota started the craze with their Prius. Ford has had hybrids for a few years now, such as the Escape and Fusion, along with some Lincoln's, but the C-Max although sold in other countries with gas only power, will only be sold here in Canada as a hybrid model.
Powered by a newer and smaller 2.0 litre 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine producing 141 horsepower and 129lb-ft, the engine is mated to a permanent-magnet AC synchronous electric motor, which makes 118 hp, 117 lb-ft. All of this equals to a combined power rating of 188 hp. All of this power is transferred to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
Ford sells two versions of the C-Max, the standard hybird model, and the Energi model. The difference between the two is that the standard model has a smaller 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, as opposed to a larger 7.5-kWh one, and it can't be plugged in. It also can't drive in electric only mode for more than a few kilometres. My tester being the standard car, can travel alone on the electric motor for very short periods of time. You can tell when this is happening as the car goes very quite. You can also tell from the dash display when you are in EV mode.
During my time with the C-Max, I found it to be quite a competent driver, having excellent steering feel and a drum tight chassis. It feels like the Focus, on which it is based. It is actually a fun hybrid to drive, however my main gripe with the car is that it's main selling point, fuel economy, was nowhere near Transport Canada's suggested figures of around 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The best I could manage was an average of 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which coincidentally, is the exact same number many other automotive testers have achieved! My driving style was a mix of a bit of highway and mostly city. I drove as I would my own car, meaning very lightly on the gas. Besides conducting my standard acceleration tests and a few moments of aggressive acceleration, I did not give the C-Max the full beans that much at all.
Would I buy this car? Well personally, no, I would not. However that being said I would recommend this car in a heartbeat to a person looking for a hybrid. It is light years ahead in terms of the fun to drive category compared to the Prius. What I love about it is that it does not scream, "look at me, I am a hybrid" which I like. I actually like the styling, the interior is very well built with good materials, the features are all there, and it handles like a sports car. Trunk capacity is a little small, but I was able to load it up with all my hockey gear and groceries no problem.
Like I said at the start of this review, I think hybrids are over hyped and I really don't feel they are the solution to better fuel economy in the long run. I love cars and all things automotive. I love manually shifting gears and revving an engine to red-line. The internal combustion engine is a marvel of efficiency and is only getting better. I see a future where there will be a healthy mix of hybrids, evs, and pure gas and diesel powered cars and trucks. I don't really every see evs or hybrids taking over completely, which I hope never happens.
The C-Max is a step in the right direction for Ford and for hybrids in general. I really recommend it to those who are looking at a hybrid. Prices start at $27,000 for the base model, all the way up to $40,000 plus for the Energi model. My tester rang in at around $36,000 with all the options. Check out www.ford.ca for pricing details.
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