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Ford C-Max Facelift Prototype Breaks Down During Testing

A comprehensive facelift for the Ford family of compact cars is going to hit markets across the world in 2014. After revealing updates for the Focus hatch and estate in Geneva, Ford is also soon to show the sedan and perhaps more importantly the standalone C-Max MPV.
2015 Ford C-Max Facelift 10 photos
Photo: CarPix
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We've seen prototypes on a number of occasions in the past, but there's something different about these latest images, isn't there. During development testing, the C-Max prototype broke down and had to be towed. After rescuing it, a Jeep Wrangler tried to jumpstart the battery but that didn't work either. Our spies who captured the incident tell us a new battery would have to be put in the vehicle, which might be linked to a problem with alternator.

Continental might or might not be involved with development of the C-Max, but the tire makers are known to work very closely with automakers. The small hatchback in full camouflage you see on the trailer is the Malaysian-made Proton GSC, a replacement for the Savvy. Our spies previously told us that Continental was working with Proton to develop their ESP. This would explain why a Ford, a Proton and an Alfa Romeo are sitting on the same trailer.

Ford is of course working on new engines which it wants to put into the C-Max. These will of course include the brand new 1.5-liter turbocharged units just announced for the Focus in Europe. These include two new 1.5-liter EcoBoost (150 PS and 180 PS) petrol engines and two 1.5-liter TDCi (95 PS and 120 PS) diesel engines. The new twin-clutch PowerShift gearbox will also be through in some time in early 2015.

In America, the biggest change we foresee for the C-Max is the introduction of a 1-liter EcoBoost. Of course, the cosmetic changes are not to be ignored either. After getting a nice chrome grille and new colors, this ugly duckling of the Ford range will be one of the nicest small minivans you can buy.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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