Photo: Automedia
Just two days ago, Ford pulled the covers off a new Focus model. Like the Fiesta, it received a brand new chrome upper grille with hints of Aston Martin in it. But just like the Citroen C4 and VW Golf have MPV derivatives based on the same platform, the Picasso and Sportsvan respectively, so too does the Focus have a fat brother.
It's called the C-Max and it was launched alongside the third generation Focus in 2010, being based on the same Global C platform. The model features advanced tech, like Torque Vectoring Control (TVC), which was at the time a class first. But it's just not cool any more, not when the C4 Picasso has LED headlights.
To fix that problem. Ford is working on a facelifted C-Max MPV, which will most likely be offered for the 2015 model year this summer. Our latest spyshots provide the closest view yet of the new MPV, which shares its new grille design with the Focus.
However, While the Focus has horizontal strips of Chrome, the C-Max appears to get a much simpler mesh insert. We don't think this prototype is quite ready for a production run yet, as the bonnet, headlights, taillights and foglights should all look different.
The cosmetics are always only half the problem in the MPV segment, where buyers are concerned with fuel economy. The 2015 C-Max might receive some technical updates to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Thanks to the Focus' reveal, we now have reason to believe a range of 1.5-liter engines will be offered. The 1.5 EcoBoosts will replace 1.6 EcoBoost engines, offering improvements in economy of over 10%. Outputs for the petrol versions will be either 150 PS or 180 PS. The 1.5 TDCi diesel will produce 95 PS and 120 PS, being offered alongside the older 1.6 TDCi. This is simply because the newer tech is more expensive than the old one.
The C-Max facelift might also mean the Energi plug-in hybrid offered in America makes its way to the European market. Another big change we foresee is the introduction of a twin-clutch six-speed gearbox. Currently, Ford only offers a traditional six-speed, and that's only fitted to the high-spec Titanium cars with powerful-enough engines. However, the dry-clutch unit which will be available in 2015 will be much more efficient and available with the small 1.5-liter engines as well.
Interior changes for the compact Ford MPV will include reduced Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH levels), a new SYNC system, a new speedo and center console with flexible cup holders great for longer journeys.
To fix that problem. Ford is working on a facelifted C-Max MPV, which will most likely be offered for the 2015 model year this summer. Our latest spyshots provide the closest view yet of the new MPV, which shares its new grille design with the Focus.
The cosmetics are always only half the problem in the MPV segment, where buyers are concerned with fuel economy. The 2015 C-Max might receive some technical updates to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Thanks to the Focus' reveal, we now have reason to believe a range of 1.5-liter engines will be offered. The 1.5 EcoBoosts will replace 1.6 EcoBoost engines, offering improvements in economy of over 10%. Outputs for the petrol versions will be either 150 PS or 180 PS. The 1.5 TDCi diesel will produce 95 PS and 120 PS, being offered alongside the older 1.6 TDCi. This is simply because the newer tech is more expensive than the old one.
The C-Max facelift might also mean the Energi plug-in hybrid offered in America makes its way to the European market. Another big change we foresee is the introduction of a twin-clutch six-speed gearbox. Currently, Ford only offers a traditional six-speed, and that's only fitted to the high-spec Titanium cars with powerful-enough engines. However, the dry-clutch unit which will be available in 2015 will be much more efficient and available with the small 1.5-liter engines as well.
Interior changes for the compact Ford MPV will include reduced Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH levels), a new SYNC system, a new speedo and center console with flexible cup holders great for longer journeys.
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