2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Ford builds a Prius its own way, making it actually good to drive.
A Real Car, Not a Gadget
If you’re considering a Prius or Prius V but are dreading a driving experience marked by ersatz steering, an ATM-like dashboard, and a spongy throttle, the C-Max has arrived just in the nick of time. With its driver-focused gauges and 225-width Michelin Energy tires, the C-Max is not a robotic electro-pod but a hybrid fuel sipper that Europeans would consider worthy.
While the C-Max seems to compete most directly with the Prius V, differences are abundant. The C-Max is 8.1 inches shorter than the big V, although it’s slightly wider and taller. The Toyota’s cargo hold is thus noticeably deeper and significantly larger dimensionally than the Ford’s, whether the rear seats are up or folded. For occupants, the second row in the C-Max is about as spacious as the V’s, and the Ford’s seats are comfortable and supportive. When compared to the Prius hatchback, however, the C-Max is slightly larger inside.
With its simple PRNDL gear selector, the Ford eschews a lot of the buttons found in the Prius; namely the EV, Eco, and Power modes, plus the regen-heavy “B” mode in the gear selector. Ford planners thought the Toyota’s various modes were “gimmicky,” says Davis, and unnecessary. Instead, the C-Max’s digital cluster “coaches” the driver by providing information with sweep meters on fuel and electricity consumption. Also, as in other Ford eco cars, a creeping-vine indicator tells at a glance how green you’re behaving. The C-Max does have a downhill speed control, which ratios down the transmission for more engine braking, operated with a button on the side of the shifter.
A Sensible Prius Alternative
We didn’t get to drive the plug-in C-Max Energi, which will have a much larger, 7.5-kWh battery pack to enable 20 or so miles of electric driving. Starting at $33,745, it is considerably more expensive than the C-Max hybrid.
You can choose to see the C-Max as a big Prius or a small Prius V, but it’s really its own animal. As with the Focus sedan and hatchback, the C-Max is dynamically proficient and rewarding to drive, and certainly more so than the cars with which it competes most directly. If you’re going to take on a giant like the Prius in its own backyard, it’s good to at least be quick on your feet, and the C-Max certainly is.
Sourced from: Car & Driver
