Spy Shots: Ford Focus C-Max caught testing
Ford is looking to bring over more C-segment crossovers from Europe to the US, and word has it that the people-hauling C-Max is toward the top of the list. The current C-Max would probably be sufficient for US duty in terms of size and performance, but with America's different legislative standards, if we get the Euro crossover Stateside it will likely arrive with the next redesign. The next C-Max is already on its way toward production, as evidenced by spy photos taken of a couple next-generation mules dredging through the snow. The C-Max mule is clothed in yesterday's duds, but a wider than usual b-pillar shows that the Euro crossover is going to get bigger. The extra four or five inches of interior volume could make room for a third row of seats, or Ford could simply be angling for extra cargo capacity. Either way, a new C-Max is en-route. And thanks to Ford's future ability to build Focus-sized vehicles in Louisville beginning in 2010, it could be built here in the States. We can hope.
[Source: Next Autos]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
firstplace 6:57PM (1/16/2009)
another van?
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Yaroukh 7:03PM (1/16/2009)
No. C-Max is pretty much the same size as the hatch. FoMoCo doesn't have a car of its size in US.
Judy Zik 7:04PM (1/16/2009)
More like a Mazda 5. Think microvan. This would be a smart play if the bean counters are patient enough. It is probably where the North American market is going in a few years. Might not be a massive seller in it`s first year but should be a decent niche vehicle and get`s them established in a market that will grow. Would be nice to see them ahead of the curve for once.
Rick 12:36PM (1/20/2009)
The Mazda5 is so much better looking than this.
Farmboy 7:10PM (1/16/2009)
America has called for more European designed cars. GM answered with Saturn. Epic fail. Ford is answering with Euro Fords. Thank you God. I am not particularly interested in small vehicles, more trucks. I am happy to see that Ford is saving their asses while GM and Chrysler, LLC put their balls to the buzz saws. Go Ford!!!
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laser 7:18PM (1/16/2009)
Sadly GM answered the cry for European cars by giving Saturn a product mix that shows a contempt for us, not a respect. We get the Astra but all the ones I see the ugly five door that looks like a Studebaker hatchback. The sexier and more fun three door seems to be nowhere to be seen. The Aura had hope but was sabotaged by dreadful marketing (or no marketing). The rest of the Saturn lineup barely gets mentioned in GM advertising. I'd hardly call what GM did with Saturn and the "infusion" of European products as either a commitment or even more than a patch job on an otherwise awful Saturn lineup.
Ford will do more than just dabble in the European product lineup. It won't just be one model - it will be a true infusion of some of the best products anywhere - class best.
Michael 7:12PM (1/16/2009)
I hope the C-Max makes it over here. The different MPV segments don't get enough love. I don't think I fit the demographic since I am not part of a young family but my Kia Rondo has surpassed my expectations. It is so flexible that I can really use it for most everything. People will argue whether it is a tall wagon or a mini-minivan, and that is exactly the point. Another competitor to this segment will hopefully show more people what they are missing. I just hope the manufacturers will market these vehicles to a broader range of consumers.
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Patrick 10:02PM (1/16/2009)
The key with this segment in the U.S. will be to sell most of them configured as 4 and 5 passenger vehicles with generous passenger and cargo room, instead of 3 row vehicles that are too small at all seating positions.
Farmboy 7:29PM (1/16/2009)
It's a good chance this will make it over. It uses the same platform (C1) as the Mazda 3 and 5 as well as several Volvos. This could also mean the Kuga could make an appearance *crossing fingers*. If the Kuga would be brought over here, that would be, imo, a great replacement for the Mercury Mariner, considering that the Ford Escape (Mercury Mariner) was the Ford Marauder in Europe and was replaced by the Kuga. ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME FORD!?! lololol
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Yaroukh 7:49PM (1/16/2009)
not Marauder, they named it Ford Maverick in Europe
Farmboy 12:25PM (1/17/2009)
Whoops. :P Thanks for the correction.
alex 7:45PM (1/16/2009)
I hope this is just a development mule, because compared to the Chevy Orlando, this thing looks completely lacking of ANY style. it's bland as can be! but like i said, i hope it's just a mule and the production version will look way different
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Judy Zik 12:51AM (1/17/2009)
You know the post was pretty small. It wouldn't have hurt you to read it before commenting. Saves the whole egg on the face part when you realize it says that it is a mule wearing the last generation C Max sheet metal. So I guess your hopes have been realized.
64 Rambler 8:03PM (1/16/2009)
I own a Mazda 5 and have been VERY pleased with it. I was in Germany last year and rented the C-Max. It's great. Same Mazda platform, but better looking and a really well put together interior. Very nice. Bring it. It may be a niche, but a growing niche. Go Ford!
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Kitko 8:05PM (1/16/2009)
C-Max IS based on Mazda 5. It's just less practical as it doesn't have the sliding doors.
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jte 8:06PM (1/16/2009)
I hope it seats 7, the Mazda 5 only seats 6.
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Yaroukh 9:27PM (1/16/2009)
It seats 5 passengers, but you wouldn't want to travel at long distances in that configuration even if you were Euro-sized. :) C-Max lets you easily change seat configuration to 4-seater which ofcourse results in better comfort for the 2nd row. (Middle seat can be folded into a floor.)
If you want Euro-Ford for 7 passengers you should ask for S-Max or Galaxy.
fixitfixitstop 12:07AM (1/17/2009)
I can't remember the last time I saw 7 people in a vehicle which wasn't a bus.
jte 8:09PM (1/16/2009)
Also nice to have standard rear doors instead of the Mazda 5 mini van sliding doors.
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Everett 8:33PM (1/16/2009)
Sliding doors are one of the few brilliant features of a minivan...wait until you have kids and you're trying to put a brat in their car seat next to the H2 that's parked 1 1/2 feet from the side of your car; a traditional door is not functional for families. (which these are intended for...not the Tiburon/fanboy set) This is why the Mazda5 is so popular; handy yet cool-ish.
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