Ford Returns to Minivan Segment with 2012 Ford C-Max: Part I
With the all-new Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus kicking off its highly touted One Ford Plan, Ford Motor Company will be adding another global vehicle to its North American line-up early next year with the 2012 Ford C-Max. As minivans have shrunk in popularity while simultaneously growing in size (now equivalent to a full-size utility vehicle), Ford will be adding the 2012 C-Max as a smaller, more practical and more fuel-efficient alternative. The 2012 Ford C-Max will be officially unveiled next month at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Based on the same C-segment platform as the 2012 Ford Focus, the new C-Max should give Ford a vehicle to compete against compact crossovers such as the Toyota RAV4 as well as compact minivans like the Mazda MAZDA5; the Ford Flex will likely continue to be Ford's answer for conventional minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. As for this C-segment platform, Ford plans to produce at least 10 different models by 2012 from this single platform design.
'The scale and flexibility of our global new C-vehicle platform enables us to develop distinct vehicles including C-MAX,'? said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. 'It's a 'white space' vehicle here in North America - a new choice - and we believe buyers will appreciate the technology, convenience and functionality C-MAX packs into a neat package.'?
Despite its small size, this platform will still allow the C-Max to feature three rows like other minivans in what Ford calls a '5+2'? seating arrangement which only has slightly less headroom and legroom for the third row compared to the Grand Caravan. The rear '+2'? seats can also be deleted as an option to increase cargo capacity with a maximum volume of 70.2 cubic feet - or about half of what Dodge's minivan offers.
Compared to the new MAZDA5 that should be coming out at about the same time, the C-Max is taller, wider and has a longer wheelbase, but standing next to the minivans from Kia, Dodge, Honda and Toyota, the new Ford will definitely have a smaller stature. This size difference will be obvious, but Ford hopes that its new model will attract buyers looking for improved fuel economy and sportiness without having to sacrifice passenger comfort and cargo space. Ford also pointed out the fact that the new C-Max is roughly the same size as the original Chrysler minivans that debuted in 1984.
Of course, one of the best parts of the C-Max's smaller size is that it can offer better fuel economy compared to other minivans thanks to the 2.5-liter inline-four that will be standard equipment and will produce 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. Like the Flex, F-150 and Taurus, the C-Max will also offer an EcoBoost engine as an option with this model getting Ford's smallest version yet: a 1.6-liter inline-four producing up to 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Although fuel economy figures are not yet available for either engine, the EcoBoost's direct injection, turbocharger and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) are expected to give the C-Max best-in-class fuel economy. Both engines will be paired six-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to these two engines, Ford will also be unveiling two new powertrains in the C-Max at the Detroit Auto Show that are more advanced and even more efficient.