Frankfurt 2009: All-New Ford C-MAX Range

15 September, 2009 06:40:00

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An all-new, two-model Ford C-MAX range makes its global debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The exciting new C-MAX family brings new levels of style and desirability to the compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV) market, with a bold and dynamic new look which extends Ford’s acclaimed "kinetic design" language.

For the first time, Ford's MAV customers will have the choice of a five-seat C-MAX or the new seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility.

The all-new Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact MAV class focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful, yet highly fuel-efficient, low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol engines.

New Ford C-MAX Range

The new C-MAX models are also the first products to be launched from Ford's new, global C-segment vehicle platform, and are previewed at Frankfurt in pre-production form prior to their European sales launch in late 2010.

Additionally, Ford is confirming that the Grand C-MAX model will be introduced in North America in late 2011, joining the new Fiesta, the Transit Connect commercial van and the next-generation Ford Focus as one of six European-designed models promised by the company under its "One Ford" strategy.

NEW C-MAX PREVIEW

Expressive, Dynamic Design
The new Ford C-MAX range demonstrates that compact MAVs can be stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and functionality.

New Ford C-MAX

Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design form language, building on the themes established in recent product introductions like the hugely successful Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Striking kinetic design elements applied to the new models include the dynamic rising belt-line, full sculptured surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent undercut line, and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar.

The front end design features Ford’s signature trapezoidal lower grille – with a special ‘piano black’ finish on the Frankfurt Show vehicles – together with the eye-catching new headlamp treatment previewed by the iosis MAX concept.

New Ford Grand C-MAX

Two Distinct Characters
The C-MAX and Grand C-MAX have been deliberately designed with two distinct characters, reflecting the differing priorities of the typical customers for each model.

The five-seat C-MAX departs from usual MAV thinking by adopting a sportier feel with a stylish passenger-car look. It features a coupé-like, sweeping roofline which falls off to the rear, yet still retains the traditional C-MAX virtues of roominess and practicality.

New Ford Grand C-MAX

Its window graphic follows the bold form of the Fiesta and Kuga, with a strong kick-up at the C-pillar. At the rear, the tailgate design has echoes of the larger S-MAX, with its sportier treatment of the rear window.

Equally dynamic in character, the seven-seat Grand C-MAX presents a more functional appearance which highlights the extra space and versatility provided by the car. With a longer wheelbase, the seven-seat model features a higher roofline and thinner pillars which emphasise the generous room and visibility on offer within the cabin.

The twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail cleverly concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the vehicle. The large tailgate design ensures a low loading height, while the stylish intersection between the tail lamps and rear glass gives a family resemblance to the Galaxy, Ford's largest people mover.

New Ford Grand C-MAX

Ingenious seven-seat layout
The new seven-seat Grand C-MAX provides spacious accommodation for up to seven passengers within compact exterior dimensions, with the extra convenience offered by sliding rear doors on both sides of the car – ideal for parents helping young children in child seats, or for easy access in narrow parking bays.

To maximise the versatility of the seven-seat layout, Ford engineers have developed an ingenious new seat folding mechanism for the three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the centre seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

New Ford Grand C-MAX

This allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child seats or booster cushions. Owners thus have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout, or switching to a full seven-seater when required.

The second- and third-row seats have been cleverly engineered so that they can be folded to create a flat load floor, irrespective of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so that they require just one hand to operate.

The five-seat C-MAX retains the popular seating arrangement from the current model with three individual 40/20/40 folding seats, and the option of the Comfort system which allows the outer seats to slide diagonally backwards and inwards to create a spacious 2+2 layout.

New Ford Grand C-MAX

Sustainable Performance
The C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new vehicle and powertrain technologies to the compact MAV class to enhance comfort, safety and sustainability.

In addition to upgraded versions of Ford’s highly acclaimed TDCi diesel engines, the new C-MAX line-up will also feature a choice of petrol engines, including Ford's 1.6-litre four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, to be built at the company's Bridgend plant in Wales.

Ford's new global family of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines has been developed by Ford powertrain engineers based in the U.K. and is being progressively introduced to the European product range starting in 2010. EcoBoost combines turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional larger displacement petrol engines with a similar power output.

Ford EcoBoost technology is more affordable than equivalent hybrid or diesel engine designs, and builds on existing petrol engine knowledge to provide customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions significantly without compromising driving performance.

The combination of direct fuel injection, advanced turbocharging, and variable valve timing creates a much more efficient combustion process. This enables Ford EcoBoost technology to deliver the strong low-end torque and responsive performance of a large capacity engine, but with the size, weight and fuel economy of a much smaller unit.

The new C-MAX will also feature the option of Ford’s latest high efficiency PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is proving an increasingly popular choice on the current model.

Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage.

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