We can just hear Ford shouting “In your face Toyota Prius V!” I’m also sure it was high fives all around the Ford development center when the new C-Max received the official EPA-certified combined rating of an impressive 47 mpg, 7 mpg better than the Prius V, which, of course, they made sure to include in the press release.
In addition, the C-Max is also the first hybrid to have 47 mpg across the board in both city and highway travel, which Ford says, “raised the fuel-economy bar” for future hybrid vehicles.
Previously, Ford estimated that the C-MAX Hybrid would return 47 mpg (5.0lt/100km) in city driving and 44mpg (5.3lt/100km) on the highway.
To go along with some impressive mpg, Ford also included innovations that allow the driver to experience maximum fuel economy numbers while on the road. Patented SmartGauge technology with EcoGuide provides the driver with growing leaves in the gauge cluster to reward them for economical driving.
The new C-Max also includes an ECO Cruise feature that optimizes powertrain elements and allows more economical highway travel.
Prices for the new C-Max Hybrid start at around $25,995 (€21,000), which Ford brags is $1,300 cheaper than the entry-level Prius V.
By Jeff Perez
PHOTO GALLERY
