Ford C-Max. Maximum program

Ford C-Max. Price: $19,720. On sale: June 2007.

The Ford C-Max compact MPV has officially left the Focus family. The new model, both in name and appearance, gravitates towards the "kinetic" S-Max MPV.

The C-Max became the third model of Ford's European division to be styled in the "kinetic" design language, after the S-Max and Mondeo. However, while those two cars were designed from scratch, here engineers had to work with a car of the previous design concept. Moreover, the task of radically refreshing the exterior was accomplished with minimal investment: body panels, except for the hood, could not be changed. Nevertheless, the result exceeded expectations.

The main accent in the new look of the C-Max is the large air intake in the front bumper. It is complemented by vertical fog lights, referencing the Ford Iosis concept, and headlights with a characteristic "squint," like the S-Max. The rear changed more modestly: a new bumper and an updated C-Max emblem — with a red letter "C" and no mention of Focus. But the most noticeable innovation at the rear is the LED tail lights, whose bright vertical stripes are perfectly visible on the road in the dark.

Inside — a new center console with lacquered plastic and door panels with "boomerang" handles in the S-Max style. The console now features a compartment with a roller cover, a cup holder, and small items, as well as a compact Z-shaped handbrake lever, which made the box under the armrest more spacious.

The interior transformation system carried over to the updated version unchanged. The three individual second-row seats still fold, slide, and can be completely removed. If there are fewer than five passengers, you can fold the middle seat and slide the side seats diagonally backward — then it becomes noticeably more spacious in the back for both legs and shoulders.

On the move, the C-Max offered no surprises — and that's logical, since the chassis remained the same, except for a 5 mm wider track. The MPV delights with a precise steering wheel with clear feedback, confident brakes, and a suspension that is tuned moderately firm.

The test featured three engines: the 2.0 TDCi turbodiesel, the 2.0 petrol, and the 1.8 Flexifuel "alcohol" engine (such units running on a mixture of 15% petrol and 85% alcohol are in demand in Sweden). The clear favorite is the diesel: it pulls excellently across a wide rev range, which the "alcohol" engine clearly lacked. At the same time, both engines are roughly similar in noise levels. The 2.0 petrol turned out to be the golden mean — quiet enough and yet torquey.

Kinetic future
Chris Bird, Chief Designer, Ford of Europe

We started the C-Max facelift in 2005, right after the success of the Ford Iosis concept, which gave rise to kinetic design. Some ideas from there transferred to the C-Max almost unchanged: vertical fog lights, the shape of the air intake, and the radiator grille. Currently, several "kinetic" models are in the works: the updated Focus and Fiesta, the new-generation Fusion, and a compact crossover based on the Iosis X concept. You can already guess what the new Focus will look like — just look at the C-Max. The new Fusion will resemble a smaller S-Max, but the design of the new Fiesta will be a surprise for everyone. In its current form, the C-Max will stay on the assembly line until 2010, then a next-generation model will appear, and in 2011 — a new Focus.

Driving
Excellent handling is the calling card of the C-Max. An informative steering wheel and a spirited chassis turn the compact MPV into a true driver's car.

Interior
Plenty of headroom, a transformable rear seat row, and a spacious trunk. True, some classmates also offer a third row of seats.

Comfort
Noise insulation in the C-Max is better than in the Focus, but the engine sound is still audible in the cabin. The suspension is moderately firm.

Safety
The pre-facelift C-Max earned 4 stars in Euro NCAP for adult and child protection. The base version includes ABS and four airbags.

Price
For $19,720, only the "budget" Ambiente 1.6 (100 hp) version is offered without air conditioning. The next step is the Trend with a 1.8 engine (125 hp), air conditioning, and CD, but it is $3,000 more expensive.

Pros and cons
+ Stylish appearance, excellent handling, spacious interior and trunk.
– Insufficient low-end torque in the 1.8 engine. Engine sound is clearly audible in the cabin.

Our opinion

To the stylish design, spacious interior, and excellent driving qualities of the "kinetic" C-Max, one should add the low cost of ownership, favorable credit and insurance terms under the "Ford Credit" program, as well as a wide dealer network.