Direct competition for the MZ5
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/12/20/preview-2012-ford-c-max.htmWayne, Michigan – Built in Europe since 2003, and until now, not available in North America, the versatile Ford C-MAX has finally arrived.
The 2012 C-MAX will be introduced to North American media at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month, but Ford gave invited journalists an early look last week at its assembly facility in Wayne, Michigan.
While European models were built at Ford’s Saarlouis assembly plant in Germany, the C-MAX for North America will be built at Ford’s revamped Michigan assembly plant in Wayne.
The new C-MAX is part of Ford Motor Company’s global small vehicle strategy that will deliver at least 10 new vehicles, including the 2012 Ford Focus, from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012.
The C-MAX is a compact family vehicle that combines the attributes of a minivan and a compact car. Similar to the Mazda5, the C-MAX introduces a host of unique features including an industry-exclusive hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.
The C-MAX will be powered in base form by the 2.5-litre inline four cylinder engine, but Ford’s new 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine with direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing will be optionally available. The 1.6-litre will produce as much power as the 2.5-litre but with 20 per cent less fuel consumption. Both engines will be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The C-MAX will ride on a 2,786 mm (107.9 in.) wheelbase, with an overall length of 4,521 mm (179 in.), about the same length as the original 1984 Dodge Caravan (2,847 mm/4,468 mm).
With twin sliding rear side doors, the C-MAX features a clever new seat folding concept for second-row seats. The second-row centre seat can be folded quickly and easily under the right-hand seat, creating a walk-through space between the two outboard seats so passengers can access the third row. As well, outboard second-row bucket seats also have a tip-and-slide forward function to access to the third-row.
Second-row seats will also slide and recline, allowing for multiple combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. The third-row seats can be omitted as a delete option, for those buyers electing to forgo the 5+2 seating arrangement.
Buyers will be able to optionally outfit their C-MAX with a host of advanced technology including:
•Hands-free rear liftgate, an industry first, that is activated by passing a leg motion under the rear bumper when the driver’s key fob is in his or her pocket
•Active park assist that calculates the trajectory and steers to properly position the vehicle. All the driver need do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals
•Speed limiter which prevents a driver from exceeding a preset speed
•Panoramic roof
•Rear-view camera and parking aid sensors
•Intelligent Access with push-button start
•Heated side-view mirrors with integrated puddle lamps
•HD Radio, Sony audio system and Satellite radio
•Ambient Lighting
•Dual-zone electronic climate control, and
•Navigation system
Standard safety features will include stability control with curve control, dual front and side airbags, first, second and third row safety canopy side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and blind-spot mirrors.
The 2012 Ford C-MAX is expected to go on sale early in 2011 as a 2012 model. Pricing will be announced closer to its release date.
