And the first part of creating desire is making it look good. While the C-Max doesn't exactly appear like a Focus, it carries a heavy resemblance to the Ford family. Despite the tall profile there is a striking similarity to the Mondeo in its frontal styling (second generation Contour which Ford regrettably did not bring to North America), especially in the grille and headlamps. Vertical-mounted turn signals, plus slightly flared fenders are well thought-out details too, which depart from the conventionality of flat slab sides. Even around the back it's a very clean design with a frill-free tailgate and trendy vertical tail lamps, which seem borrowed from the Euro-only Fiesta-based Fusion. In the end what might be its
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| In the end what might be its greatest advantage is that the C-Max doesn't look like a minivan. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
greatest advantage is that the C-Max doesn't look like a minivan. Though it runs on a 25 mm (1.0 in) longer wheelbase than the current Focus, and is as wide and tall as the competition, its sleek styling is a good disguise. Low window lines and a sloping roofline have allowed for a style that's not only sleek, but slippery. Ford claims the C-Max has a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.31, important for reducing wind noise while improving fuel economy.
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| If a floaty minivan-like ride is what you're after, the C-Max isn't your vehicle. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
What about handling? The Focus C-Max rides on Ford's new C1 platform, which is an evolution on the current Focus chassis that is shared with Mazda's new 3 and Volvo's soon to be released S40/V50, among others. The C-Max rides on the same strut and multi-link layout as the Focus, but receives heavy-duty bushings and springs to cope with the extra weight. Its thick roll bars and stronger subframes chop body roll and lateral movement down, reportedly allowing the vehicle to be hustled through bends with little complaint.
Using a hydro-electrical powered steering rack that's been geared for entertainment over relaxation, the C-Max should drive much like the slightly scaled up version of the current Focus that it is. Ford claims the new rack will reduce input effort by 20 percent at low speeds, while maintaining feedback and response at higher speeds. Much like the Focus hatchback, Ford has decided to tune the ride stiffer for increased road-holding and cornering abilities. With that said, it ought to run rings around its over-assisted, wallowing classmates. Therefore if a floaty ride is what you're after, the C-Max isn't your vehicle.
