Ford Would Do Well to Bring it to Canada
Can you imagine a compact car that can seat five with the roominess of a full-size sedan and the cargo carrying capacity of an SUV? You're probably thinking of a minivan. Now imagine that same vehicle with close to the same levels of performance, road-holding and enjoyment as a sport hatchback? This would be a dream vehicle for thousands of Canadians, but it's a reality in Europe.
Ford is rethinking the future of its North American product line, and considering bringing some of its higher quality European models to market on this side of the Atlantic. The idea isn't altogether new, with the Focus being the most successful model to follow this trend in recent years. It just seems natural that the blue oval brand does the same with the versatile Focus C-Max multi-purpose vehicle (or MPV as they call them in Europe).
In retrospect, Ford is one of the last members of the international automotive scene to join into this fast growing segment. Though not on sale in Canada or the U.S., Renault, Volkswagen, Opel (GM), Mazda, Toyota, Nissan and even Honda offer similarly laid out MPVs across the pond. Headed by French automaker Renault in 1997, the first new-age MPV came together as the Mégane Scenic. Since that time, it's grown to be the second largest segment in Europe, surpassing average mid-class sedans, second only to hatchbacks and compact cars.
The market is slower here, but mostly because fewer car companies offer anything remotely like the C-Max. Only Pontiac and Toyota, with their respective Vibe and Matrix clones come close, winning over a strong following because of their economy and versatility. As good as these vehicles are, they aren't as roomy as a compact MPV and are designed to look more like sport utilities than sporty people haulers.
Ford of Europe has played a bit of a waiting game with its MPV, showing a patience that seems initially like it will pay off in spades. After studying the competitions' every move and adding a few tricks of its own Ford expects the C-Max to be a major success.
Can you imagine a compact car that can seat five with the roominess of a full-size sedan and the cargo carrying capacity of an SUV? You're probably thinking of a minivan. Now imagine that same vehicle with close to the same levels of performance, road-holding and enjoyment as a sport hatchback? This would be a dream vehicle for thousands of Canadians, but it's a reality in Europe.
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| With the success of the Focus in Canada, should Ford consider bringing the Europe-only C-Max to the great white north? (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
In retrospect, Ford is one of the last members of the international automotive scene to join into this fast growing segment. Though not on sale in Canada or the U.S., Renault, Volkswagen, Opel (GM), Mazda, Toyota, Nissan and even Honda offer similarly laid out MPVs across the pond. Headed by French automaker Renault in 1997, the first new-age MPV came together as the Mégane Scenic. Since that time, it's grown to be the second largest segment in Europe, surpassing average mid-class sedans, second only to hatchbacks and compact cars.
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| After studying the competitions' every move and adding a few tricks of its own Ford expects the C-Max to be a major success. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
Ford of Europe has played a bit of a waiting game with its MPV, showing a patience that seems initially like it will pay off in spades. After studying the competitions' every move and adding a few tricks of its own Ford expects the C-Max to be a major success.