Ford has been saying for some time that they would pluck a vehicle from their European lineup and introduce it in the US as a "whitespace product" (meaning something that's never been done here before). I figured that meant one of their people carriers, either the C-Max or the S-Max, and I was banking on the latter because it's larger. Turns out I was right about the people carrier, but wrong about which one -- Ford has officially announced that the C-Max will go on sale in North America in late 2011 (presumably as a 2012 model).
What is the C-Max? By North American standards, it's sort of a mini-minivan, complete with sliding rear doors. The version we'll be getting has three rows of seats in a 2-3-2 layout for a total capacity of seven (though I imagine that'll be a squeeze). But this is no minivan - the C-Max is based on the next-generation Euro-market Focus, which will also be coming to the States. Styling resembles the upcoming 2011 Fiesta, with twin trapezoidal grilles that are a Ford hallmark in Europe. No official word on powertrains, but it looks the C-Max will be available with Ford's 1.6 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which uses direct fuel injection and a turbocharger to produce 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque -- similar to a small V6.
Ford thinks the growth of the small-car segment in America is not just a fluke of high gas prices and a crummy economy -- they think it's a trend, and that cars like the C-Max are our future. Take a closer look at the C-Max, then come back and share your thoughts -- can a small car like the C-Max make it as an American family truckster? Click the "comments" link below. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Ford
Reminds me of the Mazda 5. Actually I kind of like this style but I would rather have standard doors to make it less mini-van like.
If it has a big enough fuel tank it could be a winner for me. I want a 400+ mile range if possible for hurricane evacuations.
I keep thinking how nice it would be if Ford would go out on a limb and build a small sports car using the ecotech motor. Maybe along the lines of the Miata or even a mid-engine like the MR2 or Fiat X1/9.
I was a fan of the original Chrysler minivan before it bloated into “grand” near-full size van status. Last year I rented a Kia Rondo for a trip to the east coast and was really impressed – darn good ride and handling, plus incredible utility. Vehicles like the Rondo, Mazda 5, and C-Max are ideal for a number of applications, and I have 2 sons with growing families for whom a vehicle like this would be perfect. Go for it Ford!
This should be a winner – just enough power, has wagon-like utility (if the third row can be flattened or removed), and the sliding doors make sense. Didn’t see any specs for wheelbase, cargo capacity, or wheel/tire size – these might influence my “winner” vote.
I agree this power train could be dropped into a sporty coupe or roadster.
This car should be “Made in the USA!!!”
Yes, it is definitely similar to the Mazda 5. Apparently the people over at Ford who claim they want to bring something the US market has never seen before haven’t been keeping up on things. The Mazda 5 has been here for quite some time already and it is basically a Ford product, considering they own Mazda!
In fact my wife drives a Mazda 5 and she LOVES it!! I’m sure if the C-Max were available at the time of our purchase last year we would have certainly considered it. I like the styling and all the features seem very much in line with what the Mazda offers. Let’s just hope they put it in the same price range. This better end up in the low 20’s range or they are just going to set themselves up for failure.
Speaking as a Mazda 5 owner I believe the sliding doors are a huge deal for us. We purchased this as a family truckster type but didn’t want to go full-blown mini van and all the SUVs had various issues; the biggest being that while in a crowded parking lot like at Disneyland the rear door could not open completely without hitting the car next to you thus making it difficult to reach and strap in a child to their car seat. Thats where the sliding rear doors are awesome but the car is still relatively small in stature and great on fuel economy while still maintaining a sporty look so it doesn’t scream baby-on-board while you are cruising down the highway. We also took a road trip with some friends recently and it does amazingly well carting around 6 generous “American” sized adults.
All around we are extremely pleased with our purchase and if the C-Max delivers similarly to the Mazda 5 then I think Ford has found a winner.
Phildee, you might find some specs here:
http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/C-MAX
Hate to think how much they’ll mess with setup to “Americanize” it though. This is doubtful if they are built here, but if they import them, maybe we’ll even get the “duratorq” diesel.
NOW bring us the FOCUS. I want 300 HP inline-5 turbo’s with RevoKnuckle.. I want.
I’m sure it will gain some popularity in our market. A lot of people seem to be looking for something like this.
As far as I’m concerned, though, it’s too much like a van. I won’t buy a minivan, and I won’t buy one of these.
Would love to see the diesel. The last row seats appear to be strictly munchkin size. If it can deliver good gas mileage, I’m all for it.
Rented a diesel cmax in europe and its a great car, just the right size and styling is nice, should work well here in USA
Interesting choice for Ford. It’s true that the Mazda5 is a great car for the right people but I think Mazda has only sold about 4 of them…one to the previous poster. Granted they are all deliriously happy with their purchases and probably rightfully so but 4 sales can’t possibly support a near bankrupt car company.
The nontraditional people carrier has never done well. See also MPV, 1st gen Odyssey, R-class Mercedes, Chrysler Pacifica. All good cars, all failures.
Anybody remember the Nissan Axxess(?) or Colt Vista? I think that was the name of the Nissan, but, anyway, they were both good concept small station wagon/people movers, but the Colt was,and had the quality of a Chrysler product while the Nissan was a compact with good quality that wouldn’t sell in the American market because of its size. Anyway, someone at Mazda at one time probably saw these two vehicles and had the idea for the Mazda5, which is the right size with great quality and no power when its loaded down. Now, here comes Ford. This minivan may have the right size and the right engine with the quality that people are looking for and it looks pretty good too. Not as good as a Mazda5, but pretty good.
Looks more like a Rondo than Mazda5, both in size and overall shape. Too small to use the third row and still be able to carry anything of use for a family (stroller, port-a-crib, etc., suitcase), but great for running around to soccer practice or minor grocery shopping with a full load.
We looked at the Mazda5 when we were shopping for something that got decent mileage, but decided since we already had a minivan, something more efficient would be better. There has to be a line drawn somewhere, and I think mine indicates this is just too small to be a 7 passenger vehicle, but that may have something to do with our van (extended 2003 Pontiac Montana) not having enough room for much stuff when hauling the extra people (I have extra seats, so we can make it up to 8 passenger) we do on a semi-regular basis. As a secondary vehicle it might work if the mileage is better than the 5 or the Rondo, more along the lines of the new Equinox/Terrain (Jason just did a review of the Terrain on the SUV site).
One more plus from the pictures, looked like a manual tranny. Any idea if that may make it over here? Manual/diesel combo would be outstanding, putting it near the top of my list, even though I am not a Ford guy.
Jay,
I think there were two generation Colt Vista’s. The second was shared with Mitsubishi (called the Expo and Expo LRV, depending on the length). I thought they were pretty neat at the time, especially since AWD was available. I believe Mitsu provided some, if not all the engines for them. If I am mistaken, someone please correct me.
It’s interesting to read all the comments about the room in the last row of seating in the Mazda 5 and similar vehicles. We currently have a Pacifica and love the car. It has third row seating, and unless you’re 5′4″ or shorter, there is no head room at all. I can’t begin to imagine what the head and leg room would be like in the third row seat of a much smaller vehicle like the Mazda 5 or C-Max.
Ford: I think it would be an excellent move to bring the C-Max here. The Mazda 5 is catching on and this would be a nice option, along with the Kia Rondo. I will be downsizing my Honda Odyssey in a couple of years so the timing might work out. I agree that small cars are the right way to go for America – along with more efficient mass transit options.
a vehicle of the times. remains to be seen if longevity and dependability rides with style in the ford lineup.
The question is not whether Ford will sell them. The question is whether Ford will be smart enough to take the chance and actually bring a mass market Diesel into the United States. Imagine if it got 40 or 50 MPG and had the utility. I’m not holding out hope after they scrapped plans for the Diesel Transport which I would have bought for the company if it had the diesel (D.U.M.B.!).
“whitespace product” (meaning something that’s never been done here before). HADLY, This concept has been done repeatedly in Europe, and the french, not ford, were the innovators. We just never see the really good, real world products from europe here in the states. I think it’s a great idea to bring the C-max but rather than “Bravo” it should be “it’s about time”
The Mazda 5 and Kia Rondo each sell around 20,000 a year in North America… 10,000 in the US and 10,000 in Canada.
I have a Mazda 5. The third row seat is small but is fine for people up to about 5′4″, and have proven to be very handy when inlaws were over from Australia. I’m 6′1″ and I squeezed into the 3rd row a few times, I would say that across town I could probably handle it, but likely not for a road trip lol. For those who need to carry 6 people and cargo for a road trip, two words: Roof Rack.
The C-Max will be great if it can carry 7 people, and I would love it if they have a manual transmission. The manual transmission and fun to drive factor (suspension, etc.) is the part I love the most about my Mazda 5!
I love it! Actually, though, I wish the S-Max were offered instead. But its greats – it can’t become available soon enough. I think Ford is right – gas is shortly going to be 4 bucks a gallon again, and small, fuel efficient people movers like this will be a big hit, at least outside of pick-up truck, red-state areas. I hope Ford (and Chevy, too) also decide to include sport-wagon versions of their new compact cars, too (the new Focus and the Cruze, respectively), for people who want something with a sportier profile.
Any word on what kind of Gas Mileage the C-Max will get? I am figuring low to mid 20’s. Looks like a vehicle I will consider.
Bring the Cmax here with a TurboDIESEL and I’ll buy it…as would MANY others !!! 30-40mpg min: Who could resist??
Wake up FORD.
Well ford is taking a huge chance with the C-max. It will fail in Canada and the U.S. with it being such a small car and not a family mover. No room for golf clubs, hockey bags. If you shop at costco this is not for you. It is not a winter or driving on wet pavement well with the short wheel base.
Second have you seen the new 2012 escape it is the a redesigned small car, this will come back to haunt them big time. It is based on the focus wagon platform. Then you have the ranger that is 90 percent of the F150 with a diesel 4 cyl. which can tow up to 3500 lbs and comes with a crew cab starting at 16K with 59miles per gallon which they state we would not buy this truck here. Like the focus wagon we do not want it.
But when Ford gets on a roll they always blow it. Like they are with the 2012 line up for every 10 vehicles sold 6 are SUV’s there is a reason for that.