Ford unveils new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with standard Start-Stop on new EcoBoost and diesel engines

Ford unveils new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with standard Start-Stop on new EcoBoost and diesel engines

Ford of Europe has unveiled the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX prior to the Paris Motor Show. The models offer significantly improved CO2 figures and for the first time feature as standard Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop technology on EcoBoost gasoline and 2.0-liter TDCi diesel engines. The most improved model is expected to offer a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions.

The new C-MAX family powertrain line-up is being extended to include Ford’s fuel-efficient new 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine with 150 PS (110 kW) and 182 PS (134 kW), and also will be offered with Ford’s new 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine, delivering 95 PS (70 kW) or 120 PS (88 kW), and a new ECOnetic version that is expected to deliver 99 g/km CO2 in the five-seat C-MAX. The C-MAX family will continue to be offered with 100 PS (74 kW) and 125 PS (92 kW) versions of the multi-award winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine.

Ford first introduced the C-MAX in 2003 and since then has sold more than 1.2 million in Europe. Now in its third generation, C-MAX has accounted for more than 12 % of all MAVs sold in Europe so far this year. During the first seven months of 2014, more than a quarter of C-MAX models sold in Europe were equipped with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which in 2014 was named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third consecutive year.

The new 120 PS 1.5-liter diesel engine is expected to offer up to a 6% improvement in CO2 compared to the 1.6-liter diesel it replaces, while delivering 5 PS more power. The revised 2.0-liter diesel is expected to improve emissions by up to 20% and power by more than 4%.

These powertrains also will help make C-MAX the first car in its segment to comply with the latest EU Stage VI emissions regulations across the entire range from launch.

Advanced driver assistance. The new C-MAX family is equipped with advanced Ford technologies that help drivers avoid or mitigate incidents. Ford’s Active Park Assist system locates suitably-sized parking spaces and, at the push of a button, steers a vehicle in to the space while the driver controls the accelerator and brake.

C?MAX and Grand C-MAX add Perpendicular Parking capability with the addition of two new ultrasonic sensors at the rear of the car. The system helps drivers reverse into spaces side-by-side with other cars. The extra sensors also enable two additional technologies that help drivers as they manoeuvre out of parking spaces:

  • Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Operating with radar at a range of up to 40 metres (131 feet), the system will issue three distinct warning signals if it detects a vehicle approaching from either side.
  • Park-Out Assist helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space. After the driver has chosen either the left or right hand side the system operates the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake.

Ford also has improved its Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions. New C-MAX offers the latest system that now operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph), up from 30 km/h (19 mph).

In the case of moving objects Active Braking works in a similar way to Active City Stop but with a vehicle speed range of between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 180 km/h (112 mph). It supports drivers at higher speeds, for example on the motorway, by issuing warnings and applying braking as required.

Also new to C-MAX, Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control technology enables drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even when that vehicle is travelling more slowly than the cruise speed. For occasions when Adaptive Cruise Control is not active, Distance Indication enables drivers to set a preferred distance they would like to maintain with the vehicle ahead. Should the driver get any closer, the system issues a three-stage dashboard display warning—from grey to yellow to red.

Sync 2. The new C-MAX family is equipped with Ford’s SYNC 2 voice-activated connectivity system that features a high-resolution, 8-inch color touch screen and advanced voice control for hands-free operation of audio, navigation, climate control and connected mobile phone functions.

SYNC 2’s navigation system is supported by map services provider HERE, and offers a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views alongside the MICHELIN guide.

SYNC 2 enables drivers to issue simpler “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants, as well as directions if desired.