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2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender: Ford C-Max
Written by: Motor Trend Staff on October 30 2012 1:45 PM
Let’s start with how well the all-new 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid
drives. Said digital director Mike Floyd: “This car glides over the road in EV mode, wonderfully balanced ride for a top-heavy-looking vehicle. Wind noise and other cabin intrusions are kept to a minimum.” Editor-at-large Angus MacKenzie added, “Michelin Energy tires mean not much grip, but steering and chassis feel more integrated and controlled than in a Prius.” While no barnstormer, the C-Max feels quick.
Then there’s its packaging. “Really enjoy the tall seating position and goldfish-bowl visibility, as well as tidy dimensions for parking,” wrote testing director Kim Reynolds. While not as big inside as a Prius V, the C-Max is plenty roomy and can easily fit car seats and groceries.
Read more about the C-Max: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL First Test
The C-Max can also run in electric mode up to 62 mph. That’s extremely impressive. As technical director Frank Markus explained, “The car cruises for meaningful distances in EV mode at 45 mph. Over this vehicle’s 2786-mile life, it’s cruised 681.9 miles in electric mode (194.6 miles were spent regenerating energy). For my ride, 12.6 of 27.8 miles were EV.”
Associate online editor Christian Seabaugh summed up the C-Max’s attributes thusly: “It’s as if a Ford Focus and Escape had a ménage à trois with a Toyota Prius and the best of each made it into the C-Max. It has the Focus’ fun-to-drive bones, the Escape’s utility, and the Prius’ fuel efficiency.”
Other Car of the Year Contender WOT Posts:
drives. Said digital director Mike Floyd: “This car glides over the road in EV mode, wonderfully balanced ride for a top-heavy-looking vehicle. Wind noise and other cabin intrusions are kept to a minimum.” Editor-at-large Angus MacKenzie added, “Michelin Energy tires mean not much grip, but steering and chassis feel more integrated and controlled than in a Prius.” While no barnstormer, the C-Max feels quick.Then there’s its packaging. “Really enjoy the tall seating position and goldfish-bowl visibility, as well as tidy dimensions for parking,” wrote testing director Kim Reynolds. While not as big inside as a Prius V, the C-Max is plenty roomy and can easily fit car
seats and groceries.Read more about the C-Max: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL First Test
The C-Max can also run in electric mode up to 62 mph. That’s extremely impressive. As technical director Frank Markus explained, “The car cruises for meaningful distances in EV mode at 45 mph. Over this vehicle’s 2786-mile life, it’s cruised 681.9 miles in electric mode (194.6 miles were spent regenerating energy). For my ride, 12.6 of 27.8 miles were EV.”Associate online editor Christian Seabaugh summed up the C-Max’s attributes thusly: “It’s as if a Ford Focus and Escape had a ménage à trois with a Toyota Prius and the best of each made it into the C-Max. It has the Focus’ fun-to-drive bones, the Escape’s utility, and the Prius’ fuel efficiency
.”Other Car of the Year Contender WOT Posts:
- Acura ILX
- BMW 3 Series
- Cadillac ATS
- Cadillac XTS
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Spark
- CODA EV Sedan
- Dodge Dart
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Azera
- Lexus ES
- Lexus GS
- Lexus LS
- Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Sentra
- Porsche 911
- Porsche Boxster
- Scion FR-S
- Subaru BRZ
- Tesla Model S
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Prius C
Categories:Features, Ford, Hatchback, Hybrid Car/EV, Minivan/Van, Of The Year
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