Driven: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi: Going Green With C-Max Envy

Dec. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- The polar opposite of the Shelby GT500 in the Ford vehicle lineup, the all-new C-Max packs its punch in the gas mileage department.  You might even just win a race against the mighty GT500 if the distance is long enough, and you can make up enough ground while the GT500 stops to fuel up at gas stations along the way.  Seriously though, no one in their right mind is cross-shopping these 2 vehicles, but Toyota beware, the C-Max has your Prius in its sights.  And judging from the interest from Prius owners that we came across on our travels, Toyota would be foolish to ignore the threat.

Our 2013 C-Max Energi SEL 5-door 5-passenger Plug-In Hybrid showed up wearing Ice Storm Metallic paint and sporting a Medium Light Stone Leather interior. Forward (and reverse) motion comes via a 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with intake variable camshaft timing (iVCT), CVT transmission and front wheel drive. Total system horsepower is in the respectable neighborhood of 188 HP.

The SEL model gives you an impressive list of standard equipment. Exterior: 17” machined aluminum wheels, blind spot mirrors, and fog lamps. Interior: ambient lighting, dual-zone auto climate control, and lots of plush leather. Functional: dual power mirrors with heat and security approach lamps, electric power steering, push button start, lithium-ion battery (air-cooled, recyclable), regenerative braking system (more than 95 percent of the energy normally lost through braking can be recovered and stored in the battery via the electric drive), remote keyless entry, and no shortage of electronic gadgets and goodies. Safety/Security: airbags (front, side, curtain, driver knee), ABS/ESP/RSC brakes, perimeter alarm, reverse sensing system, anti-theft, SOS post-crash alert, tire pressure monitoring, and turn signal mirrors.

Optional equipment included: Premium Sony audio, Navigation (voice-activated), hands-free technology package, hands-free power liftgate (a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the trunk), rear view camera, and keyless entry/start/tailgate.

An EV Mode button provides flexibility, allowing drivers to switch vehicle operation between three modes: driving all-electric only, normal hybrid mode, or saving battery pack power for later use.

The C-Max Energi is charged by connecting the vehicle’s external charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or available 240-volt charging station.

We were very impressed with the C-Max Energi. While a small car dimensionally from the outside, it did not feel small inside. With a deep options list, there was plenty to keep you engaged/entertained. Visibility was excellent, and with short overhangs front and rear, you can make u-turns and park in spots where other vehicles would not even attempt. It’s no sports car, but the C-Max accelerates briskly, brakes confidently, handles nimbly, overall providing an excellent driving experience.

When it comes to gas mileage, we saw as high as 47 MPG, which would easily turn our weekly gas station fill-ups into monthly occurrences.  Are you green with C-Max envy?

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