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The all-new 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is the automakers attempt to bring new consumers into the fuel-efficient fold. The company hopes that the hybrid version of the popular utility vehicle will tempt those who wouldn?t normally consider a hybrid by offering a solid engine at an attractive price.
The two main stalling points for any fuel-efficient solution is performance and cost. It?s rare that a hybrid is as cheap, or as fun to drive as a normal car. The new C-Max is set to change all that.
The Motor
Ford have elected to use a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a total of 188 hp. The combination is predicted to be able to achieve 47/44 MPG city/highway.
Ford engines have come a long way over the past few years. They are now smoother throughout the range and pull well in every gear. There is no reason to think the hybrid motor will be any different. That should alleviate most fears about performance.
The Cost
Cost is the other main barrier to hybrid ownership. Traditionally, a hybrid vehicle will be substantially more expensive to offset the increased research and manufacturing costs. Ford knows this all too well, so have posted a base price of around $26k.
Considering the technology involved in producing the vehicle, that?s an impressive price indeed. It?s also $1,300 cheaper than its closest rival, the Toyota Prius V, which comes in at a little over $27k.
The early Prius sedan for example, was largely ignored because even with discounts and subsidies, the car was simply too expensive and offered too little to be viable. Things have moved on from there and hybrid motoring is more affordable than ever. With rising gas prices, these cars, if driven sensibly will pay for themselves relatively quickly.
The Ford C-Max is a proven vehicle, adding a hybrid option to the line is an evolution rather than revolution. With the two main barriers to ownership taken care of, the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid should do very well indeed.
Source: http://www.carnationcanada.com/blog/ford-make/c-max-hybrid-efficiency-compromise/
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