There are those who love nature and then there are those who don’t care much about it. Its good to know that there are people who would like to do something good for the environment. It isn’t a doubt that Toyota Prius has done pretty well as it can’t be confused for a gas only car. Ford had decided to take that to another level in the U.S simply by releasing the hybrid and plug-in C-Max. The model itself is available in Europe with gasoline and diesel-only power plants. The C-Max dates back to 2003 in Europe but until it got a facelift in 2007 and it is now known as Ford Focus C-Max. The name change came when ford decided that it wanted to have “Max” branded line of multi-purpose vehicles. The first plug-in energy back was introduced to North American International Auto Show in 2011. In the year 2013, the company launched a 5-seater model. Initially there was to be a 7-seater variant in the U.S but those plans were eventually cancelled before the launch. Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi are practically the same in most aspects, but the Energi has a much larger battery pack than its hybrid brethren – allowing it to achieve electric-only operation and higher fuel economy numbers. Let’s take a deeper look at the 2016 Ford C-Max Energi.
Outside:
U.S of A isn’t really used to seeing car’s that carry the design shape of the C-max. The styling of the C-Max Enerji is quite popular in various other markets.
The vehicle is built on the same architecture of the focus but it is about 8-inches taller and this makes it look a little weird. The facelift version has done the C-Max a lot of justice compared to other models. The company attached a hexagonal grille later that other Ford models have and the headlights have been revised to give it a sleeker and a pointed look. The vehicle comes in a plentitude of colors such as Ingot silver, Kona Blue, Magnetic, Tectonic, Shadow black and Oxford white. There are a few optional colors include white platinum for a $595 premium and ruby red for a $395 premium. Additionally, the vehicle comes with a reverse sensing system, remote start, 17-inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels are all standard across other models too. It also has options such as bumper protection inserts with splashguards, hands free powered lift gate along with free powered lift gate and panoramic fixed glass roof with rear view camera.
Inside:
The vehicle comes with a leather interior that is available in Charcoal Black or medium Light Stone. It also has standard features that include leather-trimmed seats, Ambient lighting on the door panels and under the dash, Sync 3 infotainment system, Sirius XM radio and heated seats. Optional upgrades include Sony Audio with Sync 3, HD radio and navigation, or a premium Audio and Navigation package that also include voice activation and Sirius XM travel. All-weather rubber mats can be optioned for $175 extra, and a charge cord bag can be picked up for an extra $65.
Drive train:
The C-Max Energi is equipped with the same 2.0-liter, Atkinson-Cycle, four-cylinder engine as the standard C-Max Hybrid. It is mated to an electronic CVT transmission and puts out 141 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. In the C-Max, engine only operation brings fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway – leading to a combined rating of 38 mpg.
The Energi model uses a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, but on the energy, a 7.6KWh lithium-ion battery powers it. When running in charge sustain mode the battery has a peak of 35 KW, but in charge depletion mode, the battery is capable of putting out 68 KW. When plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet, it takes about seven hours to fully charge the battery. On a 240-volt plug, it takes just 2.5 hours.
Price:
The main crux of this article is how much this vehicle worth. Well, the C-Max starts out at $31,770 before options, registration, and fees. That is a $4,600 premium over the Hybrid SEL trim and a $7,600 premium of the Standard Hybrid SE model. Fully Equipped with all options (including the $595 white-platinum paint) the Energi tops out at $38,565.
Bottom Line:
The Ford C-Max Energi is a pretty good car built for sustainability, performance and longevity. You’d definitely like this car for what its worth and if you wish to go premium on the color, you can choose the premium white platinum paint and stand out in the crowd.