X

Ford C-Max and C-Max Energi (photos)

Ford showed off the U.S. version of its C-Max model, already sold in Europe, at the 2011 Detroit auto show. Along with this introduction, the company brought out the C-Max Energi, Ford's first plug-in hybrid.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
FordCMax_SS01.jpg
1 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max Energi

With the introduction of its C-Max people carrier to the U.S. market, Ford delivered a surprise by also announcing a hybrid version and a plug-in hybrid. The C-Max Energi uses a power train similar to that in the current Ford Fusion Hybrid, but gets a lithium ion battery pack and a plug-in port on the left front fender.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS02.jpg
2 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max Energi

Similar to the Fusion Hybrid, the C-Max Energi uses an Atkinson cycle engine paired with an electric traction motor. Ford expects the C-Max Energi to get better mileage than the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS03.jpg
3 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max Energi

The C-Max Energi is based on the five-passenger version of the C-Max. As such, its front and rear doors are hinged and it has ample cargo area in back.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS04.jpg
4 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max Energi

With a fresh, full charge on the batteries, the C-Max Energi drives in what Ford calls battery depletion mode, maximizing electric drive time. Ford does not specify the range in this mode. When the battery gets low, the car enters normal hybrid mode, relying more on the gasoline engine. Total range is expected to be about 500 miles.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS05.jpg
5 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max

The standard gas engine C-Max can be had in what Ford calls a 5+2 arrangement, and includes sliding rear doors, more like a traditional minivan. The C-Max comes with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-liter, Ford's Ecoboost engine.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS06.jpg
6 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max

Although this model does not show it, the C-Max can be had with the MyFord Touch interface, which puts two LCDs in the instrument cluster and a center LCD for navigation.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS08.jpg
7 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max

As in other, new Ford vehicles, a Sony audio system is available. Sync is also included, which provides MP3 player and Bluetooth phone integration, along with voice command. Ford also makes available automatic parallel parking.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

FordCMax_SS09.jpg
8 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Ford C-Max

Although Ford rolled out a C-Max with this six-speed manual transmission, the U.S. version will all have six-speed automatics.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos