Test Drive: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL

Review and photos by Paul Williams
Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL

The Ford C-Max is an all-new Ford vehicle that slots in between the Focus sedan/hatch and Escape compact SUV. Bigger than the Focus upon which it is based, and smaller than the Escape, Ford describes the C-Max as a Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV). It’s further and most obviously differentiated by its Hybrid or “Energi” plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Our 2013 Ford C-MaxHybrid SEL test vehicle retailed for $34,497, which included options and freight charges. You’ll see this model advertised without options and freight for $30,199, and in base SE form for $27,199.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL. Click image to enlarge

The $2,500 303A Equipment Group with which our vehicle was equipped included Intelligent Access with push-button start, heated and leather-trimmed seats (front seats heated…), ambient lighting, power driver’s seat, fog lamps, heated mirrors, perimeter alarm, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, satellite radio, premium audio and navigation system with rearview camera and self-parking technology (SAPP Automated Parking).

Standard C-Max equipment includes automatic climate control, CVT “automatic” transmission, power group with auto up/down windows, 110 volt outlet, compass, outside temperature display, SYNC voice-activated in-vehicle communications; tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels.

It’s a full complement of desirable content for the money, in my view, and it was something that got my attention right away. Additionally, the C-Max feels solidly made, possessing a substantial heft to the doors, impressive fit and finish and pleasant interior surfaces. The impression is one of quality throughout.

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine that in combination with an electric motor supplies 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. This is about 50 hp more than the Toyota Prius, the vehicle Ford is targeting head-on with the C-Max.

The interior environment of the C-Max is similar to that of high-end Focus and Escape models, its dashboard layout following the latest Ford designs. Entering this vehicle required no key; you simply grasp the outside handle and the car unlocks. Similarly, inside you press an illuminated button beside the steering column, which brings it to life.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL. Click image to enlarge

Because the C-Max is a full hybrid, starting it may mean that you don’t hear the familiar sound of an engine turning over and idling. On some occasions (extreme cold) the engine may fire conventionally, but to compensate for the possible lack of aural feedback, you get an illuminated “ready” display affirming that you can get underway. Of course, the instruments light up like a Christmas tree, which also gives it away.

A scan of the instruments and displays in front of you identifies that this is a truly modern vehicle. I’ve noted this about Fords for a while, now. The company’s SYNC with MyFordTouch is a technology that’s seen several years development and tweaking, resulting in a thorough reinvention of the driver-vehicle interface for their cars.

Yes, you can simply select “Drive” and go, but there’s so much more. We’ll return to this later.

On the road the C-Max is quiet and sufficiently powerful enough to contend with typical driving demands. Like many hybrids, braking is initially “grabby” but you do get the feel of it after a short while. Outward visibility is extremely good (the windshield seems huge; resulting in a passenger wiper about two-thirds the size of the driver’s), and while driving, various displays analyze your driving style in such a way that you can modify your technique to maximize fuel economy. Much of the instrument panel is dedicated to fuel consumption, including a leafy vine display that grows more or less luxuriant, providing strokes as you use less fuel and brake more efficiently.

Regarding the wipers… a small thing, but the switch for the rear wiper is a particularly fiddly device located at the end of the multifunction stalk. We had issues, that switch and I.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL. Click image to enlarge

The C-Max has a tall roof – overall height is 1,623 millimeters, compared with 1,466 for the Focus Hatch – so headroom should be more than sufficient for the vast majority of occupants, both front and rear. C-Max feels spacious and comfortable inside; front seat occupants can select five heat levels for their seats from rather fussy controls located on the centre console, in front of the drink holders. Speaking of the roof, ours wasn’t equipped with the optional fixed Panoramic sunroof version, which can be specified for an additional $1,200.

Handling feels light and sharp, but what a large turning circle you’ll face when attempting to enter a familiar parking space or make a U-turn on the street. The C-Max’s 11.4 metre (38.4 foot) turning diameter is wide for a vehicle of this size (wider than the much longer Prius v), causing me to misjudge my attempts to park or turn on several occasions. This is an area drawing criticism from many owners and reviews. It makes the C-Max more of a chore to maneuver in confined areas.

The power liftgate is a great convenience. You rarely find this feature in smaller vehicles or non-luxury wagons, and it’s a treat to use. The C-Max cargo floor is quite high, however, due to the presence of the 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery located below. The rear seats are of the 60/40 split-folding variety, usefully opening the cargo area.

The official fuel consumption ratings for the C-Max Hybrid are 4.0/4.1 L/100 km, city/highway. This would be fantastic if accurate or even close, but my experience in combined city and highway driving was 8.5 L/100 km. On occasion in the city I’d see 10 or 11 L/100 km for extended periods and never bettered 7.9 L/100km on the highway (doing 90 km/h).

Perhaps the cold weather contributes to these poor numbers; we’ll have to follow up in the summer to see how the C-Max performs in ideal conditions. For the time being, I’d have to say I’m disappointed with the fuel consumption results of the C-Max, especially because as some may know, I can coax some really good numbers from hybrid vehicles.

Now, about that SYNC with MyFord Touch interface. I think it’s truly a laudable design and when I drive Fords these days, I have to congratulate the company on the contemporary and farsighted way its vehicles have moved into the connected world.

You can do pretty much anything with this interface, from having it read emails and messages, to streaming music, to running much of the vehicle’s accessories with voice commands, connecting to it with apps and more. The displays are selectable, they coach you how to drive efficiently, and there’s more data than you’ll ever need. You could probably benefit from a morning’s seminar on mastering the whole kit.

Sure, it’s a pain to tune the radio, but that seems par for the course with many systems, so we’ll let that slide this time. But when the whole thing arbitrarily refuses to operate compliments of Microsoft, I get rattled.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL. Click image to enlarge

If I get in my car, start it up and reach for my navigation system to input data, I absolutely do not want Microsoft hijacking my vehicle while it attends to whatever needs it thinks are more important than mine. Just like at my desktop, where Microsoft pulls the same stunt while I’m browsing or working or trying to open software, it is beyond annoying when you don’t get a choice.

“Would you like Microsoft to perform its system diagnostics now?” should be the question I see on my vehicle (or desktop) display. Honestly, when it happens in your car, you roll your eyes in disbelief.

I was parked when this happened, I should make clear. I was trying to leave. My vehicle had other ideas. This kind of technical maintenance should be done when I shut it down, not when I start it up.

But enough of that. The Ford C-Max is a vehicle that will give the Prius a run for its money. Exterior design is a bit chunky, but not as quirky as the Prius. It looks modern and tidy and would provide a small family with an alternative to a standard hatchback car and a compact SUV. It does give you the high seating position of the latter, however, given its size, it should be more maneuverable in tight spaces. The jury’s out on the fuel economy. My results were so far off the official estimates that another test is required in more favourable conditions. Senior Editor Jonathan Yarkony managed a slightly better 7.2 L/100 km, also in winter, but not nearly as cold, so there is hope.

In other markets, the C-Max gets Ford’s 1.6L Ecoboost engine or a diesel engine. Here it’s hybrid or plug-in hybrid only. Like Toyota’s Prius, C-Max is a dedicated hybrid line. One more thing to consider is that some provinces offer generous rebates to those purchasing electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles (in Ontario it’s $5,808 when you purchase the C-Max Energi). At a price of $36,999, interested consumers may want to consider the C-Max Energi, therefore, if the price with rebate is close enough to your preferred C-Max Hybrid model. It would be my preferred choice.

Pricing: 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SEL
Price: $30,199
Options: Equipment Group 303A – $2,500; Block heater – $100
A/C Tax: $100
Destination: $1,550
Price as tested: $34,449

Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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