Description
Ford refreshed the first generation of the Focus C-Max in late 2006 and, along with that, it dropped the "Focus" from the nameplate, leaving it just as the C-Max, in an effort to promote its MPV lineup that shared the "Max" moniker.
The American automaker increased its presence in the European minivan market, competing with the better-known Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Touran, among other European carmakers in the segment. Yet, Ford had another slight advantage since, in 2007, it won the European Car Of The Year award with C-Max's bigger sibling, the S-Max.
When it updated the Focus C-Max, apart from dropping the "Focus" nameplate, the compact minivan also received an update on its look. Thus, it departed from the Focus lineup since the two siblings no longer share a similar shape for the headlights. Instead, the newer ones were slimmer and sported the kinetic design appearance introduced by the blue-oval brand automaker. In addition, the front bumper was available with a more aggressive stance, featuring a broader, taller center grille flanked by vertical fog lamps. Last but not least, the taillights were switched to LED technology.
Inside, the C-Max received a major upgrade in materials' quality and a new dashboard. In addition, the center console provided more storage areas, and the handbrake lever was redesigned. Like its non-facelifted sibling, the 2007 model-year presented a 2+3 seating arrangement, with individual seats for the rear occupants. In addition, Ford offered an option for a panoramic glass roof.
Under the hood, the carmaker installed a wide engine range fed by various fuels. Thus, besides the traditional gasoline or turbo-diesel versions, Ford provided the C-Max with CNG (Natural Gas) or Ethanol for selected markets.
Press Release
Ford is previewing a new look for the Ford C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. The new Ford C-MAX benefits from a refined new front-end design including elements of the company's "kinetic design" form language, plus a significantly improved interior and a host of new features.
The new Ford C-MAX will sit alongside the Ford S-MAX, voted Car of the Year 2007, to offer two stylish and sporty multi-activity vehicles.
"Although we originally launched this vehicle as the Ford Focus C-MAX, we have chosen to give the freshened model its own identity, similar to the S-MAX", explains Stephen Odell, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe.
"The cornerstone of our 'MAX' strategy is to give customers all the features, space and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but with a style that allows them to stand out in the crowd, and above all to maximise driving pleasure," said Odell. "Both the new C-MAX and the bigger S-MAX are true to this concept - versatile, comfortable and spacious, yet also great fun to drive."
Fresh and Contemporary
The front of the car introduces distinctive air intakes while the lower grille features the large inverted trapezoid, a key element of kinetic design.
The new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights, and these combine with new headlamps to create a distinctive and sporty look. Together with a new three-plane bonnet, these elements give the C-MAX a distinctly sporty feel, highlighting the "energy in motion" theme that kinetic design creates.
New and innovative lighting technology includes high intensity discharge (HID) front lamps, which use 'light strips' instead of conventional parking light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes illuminated in light blue follow the form of the front lights and accentuate the sloping front profile.
At the rear, the C-MAX gets a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Both front and rear bumpers are lower and fuller than before, giving the car a strong and agile look from every angle. Also, new 'blue glass' adds extra classiness to the vehicle's style.
New interior design
The instrument panel, centre console and door trims have all been redesigned with more premium quality materials. New instruments feature clear graphics and are now illuminated in a warm red.
The new centre console offers plenty of stowage and is equipped with and an auxiliary input socket for the audio system. The new C-MAX also includes a Z-shaped handbrake lever, which saves room and enhances appearance.
New interior colours, new graphic elements like the door inserts with boomerang-shaped handles that also serve as armrests, more stowage space as well as new seat design and seat materials add style, comfort and practicality to the passenger cabin. A panorama glass roof will be available on the new model, offering a light and airy environment while keeping out the sun's heat with its "Solar Reflect" coating.
Detailed information and technical data for Ford C-MAX will be available closer to launch in 2007.
