Ford teases 2011 five-seat C-Max people mover ahead of Frankfurt debut
by Chris Paukert on Sep 3rd 2009 at 6:01PM 
2011 Ford Focus C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has just released a few images of its next-generation C-Max tall hatchback ahead of the model's Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and we're as intrigued as much by what lurks under its hard candy shell as we are with its Iosis Max-derived styling. You see, the EurOval's handsome C-Max "compact multi-activity vehicle" is built on the company's new global C-platform architecture – the very same chassis that will underpin the next Focus that arrives in late 2010.
Ford is not yet disclosing much about its new Euro-market model, but the 2011 C-Max will be powered by a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Like the larger EcoBoost powerplants available in Ford's U.S. products, that means that the little I4 will be equipped with turbocharging and direct-injection for better power and fuel efficiency. No output figures for the engine have been released yet, but we suspect Ford will release horsepower and torque numbers (and further information) when the car rolls out in Frankfurt later this month.
Those wishing to purchase the C-Max will have some time to think about whether they're interested in plumping for options like the promised blind-spot detection system or the semi-self parking feature, because the model isn't slated to hit EU dealer forecourts until the second half of 2010. As this five-seater isn't slated to come to the States at all, the rest of us will just have to slake our curiosity on the high-res images below and the press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Ford C-Max
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE:
FRANKFURT DEBUT FOR ALL-NEW FORD C-MAX:
STYLISH AND VERSATILE
COLOGNE, Germany, September 4, 2009 – Ford of Europe has released the first official images of the all-new Ford C-MAX, which will make its global debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The show opens to the public between September 17 and 27, 2009.
The new Ford C-MAX takes its design cues from the stunning iosis MAX concept car unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and brings new levels of style and desirability to the compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV) market.
Departing from usual MAV thinking by using Ford's 'kinetic design' styling language to adopt a more dynamic passenger-car look, the new model features a coupé-like, sweeping roofline while still retaining the established Ford C-MAX hallmarks of comfort, space, and practicality.
The new Ford C-MAX will introduce a host of new technologies to the Ford range, including an all-new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost direct injection petrol engine and other advanced features to enhance convenience and safety such as semi-automatic parallel parking and a blind-spot detection system.
The Ford C-MAX will be launched in the second half of 2010 and is the first in a new generation of global vehicles developed from Ford's new C-segment platform, scheduled for introduction over the next several years. The global range will also include the all-new Ford Focus coming in late 2010.
Further details about the new Ford C-MAX will be released at Ford's Frankfurt press conference at 11.00 hrs (CET) on 15 September.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
VW GTi 6:07PM (9/03/2009)
Hopefully, the next Focus will turn out something like this. I like the styling direction Ford has gone. A lot better then Honda and their Crosstour.
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FitFan 7:16PM (9/03/2009)
I agree, but I wish Ford would pick a new color for their concept cars.
AutoCritical 9:25AM (9/04/2009)
I love the traces of the Ford 'Fiesta' DNA throughout this vehicle! I’m not expecting it to look exactly the same, but I was hoping it would be equally as inspiring, which would be amazing for this type of vehicle! But as you move to the rear of the car, its potential DRAMA is lost (possibly due to engineering constraints – or lack of inspiration).
No doubt it is still a great looking MPV thanks to the great proportions of small overhangs and small DLO in comparison to its body side mass! more details at http://bit.ly/33Vedq
Paul 6:08PM (9/03/2009)
That's AWESOME. If that's coming here, they'd better be ready: This thing's going to be a big, big hit. Between this, the Fiesta, new Focus and others, I'm seeing serious resurgence for this brand.
I know this was developed in Europe but I'm feeling a little national pride for Ford now. If they make products like this, I think they're going to be a major player again soon.
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AC 6:10PM (9/03/2009)
I agree, they are making some nice vehicles now.
but major player again? they never left. What are they third(ish?) in global sales?
Aprime 6:14PM (9/03/2009)
We'll have to see how the Fiesta does before saying that.
Enthusiasts always get wet when there's talk of having European cars over here - Americans? Not necessarily.
But regardless, for most people it seems easier to move back towards Ford than GM, I don't know why and I'll probably never figure out. And I mean even prior to the whole bailout ordeal, the people I spoke with (we're talking about Toyota fans here) had much less reticence going back to Ford than trying out a new GM. My uncle's one of those people, and now he's got two Fords (New F-150 FX4, 06 Focus Wagon).
mugatu 6:17PM (9/03/2009)
Getting ready to overtake Toyota I think.
Paul 6:29PM (9/03/2009)
By major player, I mean a brand that people actually "want to have" again, not just one that'll give you a deal.
Much of their sales is comprised of fleet sales, not individuals. Actual consumer sales are not reported publicly and tell a different story. I think with products like this, that offer a sporty, attractive, high value option for families (without the minivan/wagon stigma), their consumer sales will not only go up, but change opinions about Ford and American cars.
John P. 6:15PM (9/03/2009)
Another great looking product from Ford.
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VW GTi 7:04PM (9/03/2009)
Unlike the Honda Crosstour.
Aven 7:52AM (9/06/2009)
Hope Ford will bring the C-Max and S-Max to America.
sfdenny 6:18PM (9/03/2009)
GM is doing the same A-Pillar to hood kind of transisions (Orlando, etc.) - Interesting new design element. The face here is a little too Creature From The Black Lagoon for me (or is it Black Forrest?) but much better than recent Mazda efforts.
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Bruce 6:11AM (9/15/2009)
I'm wondering how these "C" vehicles compare in size to the Orlando. Anyone know?
I like the interiors in these Fords and the boosted 1.6 should be nice. I don't like the gaping front end but might be able to live with it in a dark color. It's still better than Mazda'a huge smiling faces or the junk being sold by Toyota and Honda.
Matt 6:28PM (9/03/2009)
Looks like (an even more) jacked up Fiesta.
YUCK!
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weather_expert 6:37PM (9/03/2009)
jeezuz. if it's a f'n wagon, call it a wagon. if it's a f'n hatchback, call it a hatchback. if it's a f'n minivan, call it a minivan. don't give me crap like "compact multi-activity vehicle"
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P.V. 6:50PM (9/03/2009)
That's because Ford already has a Focus hatchback and wagon (in Europe). That said, this would be better called a "microvan" or something similar (it's like a Mazda 5).
I like the styling direction with the Fiesta-like front and well-shaped taillights instead of the OK-ish vertical pipes (they looked nice back then but now they just look dated), but what happened to the sliding doors as on the recent spy shots?
VW GTi 7:08PM (9/03/2009)
P.V.
Most likely the sliding doors were just a ploy to fool the public. It was a good disguise effort.
Yaroukh 7:19PM (9/03/2009)
VW GTi actually the sliding doors will make it into production. I was surprised too when I read that.
Yaroukh 7:22PM (9/03/2009)
The article where they mentioned that said that there will be one slightly larger version of C-Max. I guess that could be the one with sliders...
But we'll see.
Judy Zik 1:22AM (9/04/2009)
It's a Microvan. It rides on the same CD1 platform and is a stablemate to the Focus. Same platform and relationship as the Mazda 3/5. I think it is quite possible this may be on it's way here perhaps assembled alongside the Next Focus. The Focus would arrive first though. It would be a smart call. Gas prices will go back up eventually and more efficient people movers will catch on here in time.