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As we all know, hybrids are the “cool” trend in the car industry right now. From more powerful batteries to making them drive as close to a gas-powered vehicle as they can, hybrids are the “it” models; and Ford's decided to take on one of the founding fathers of the movement with their brand new C-MAX Hybrid.
Starting at just below $30k, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a viable option to the long-standing and already well known Toyota Prius: Yes, finally you have another fuel-efficient, planet-saving option.
It's all about the battery
As is the case with all hybrids, the battery is the most important element. An air-cooled 1.6 kWh lithium ion battery works together with a 2.0L Atkinson cycle I-4 gas engine to give the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid a combined 188 horses. Coupled to Ford's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), the Ford C-MAX is actually quite pleasant to drive and feels relatively peppy.
While driving it on the road with colleagues who were in other cars, it did tend to lag behind (despite my best efforts), but then that's the point of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. Fuel efficiency is the name of the game here, and with an EPA in the 4.0L/100km range, that's already better than the Prius. With the ability to hit 100 km/h on battery alone, the Ford C-MAX isn't just a slow-moving hybrid. This vehicle is meant to function in everyday situations be that on the highway or on small city streets.
More car than hybrid
Here's the thing: Hybrids and EVs are often so styled and so design-y that they're just a bit much. Looking at the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid you'd be hard-pressed to guess its green origin until you noticed the “hybrid” badge on the side and back. And that's a good thing.
With dimensions close to that of the largest Prius family member, the v, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is bred to be a family car for city dwellers. With roomy front seats and a good-size backseat as well, the Ford C-MAX seems practical enough. That is, until you sit in said backseat. In all my years testing vehicles, I have never sat in a backseat so uncomfortable: with barely any padding and a very upright seatback, the rear of the C-MAX is not where you want to be for any length of time.
However, as far as interior looks go, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a winner, especially when compared to other hybrids on the road today. Instead of fancy buttons and knobs and unconventional shift gears, the C-MAX sticks to tradition with a proper gear lever. The middle stack looks rather futuristic, but then so do most across Ford's current lineup. With SYNC and MyFord Touch available as well as a host of other tech gadgets such as Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System, Rain-Sensing Wipers and an 8” display screen.
A hybrid by any other name...
As you all know by now, I am not a fan of the way hybrids drive. Stunted and held back, hybrids are not driver's cars by any stretch of the imagination. And that's fine. I don't need to like it because I am not in the market to drive one. However, those in the market for a hybrid will most definitely enjoy the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, this I can guarantee.
With a decent starting price, a design that appeals to at larger audience and an interior that's not so futuristic that it will go out of style in the coming six months, and a drive that's both decent and fuel-efficient, there's very little not to like. Some might call Ford brave for taking on the likes of the Prius clan; I think they're smart to do it because they are doing it the right way, with a viable product that could possibly dethrone the founding father of it all.
Starting at just below $30k, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a viable option to the long-standing and already well known Toyota Prius: Yes, finally you have another fuel-efficient, planet-saving option.
 |
It's all about the battery
As is the case with all hybrids, the battery is the most important element. An air-cooled 1.6 kWh lithium ion battery works together with a 2.0L Atkinson cycle I-4 gas engine to give the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid a combined 188 horses. Coupled to Ford's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), the Ford C-MAX is actually quite pleasant to drive and feels relatively peppy.
While driving it on the road with colleagues who were in other cars, it did tend to lag behind (despite my best efforts), but then that's the point of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. Fuel efficiency is the name of the game here, and with an EPA in the 4.0L/100km range, that's already better than the Prius. With the ability to hit 100 km/h on battery alone, the Ford C-MAX isn't just a slow-moving hybrid. This vehicle is meant to function in everyday situations be that on the highway or on small city streets.
 |
| An air-cooled 1.6 kWh lithium ion battery works together with a 2.0L Atkinson cycle I-4 gas engine to give the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid a combined 188 horses.(Photo: Michel Deslauriers) |
More car than hybrid
Here's the thing: Hybrids and EVs are often so styled and so design-y that they're just a bit much. Looking at the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid you'd be hard-pressed to guess its green origin until you noticed the “hybrid” badge on the side and back. And that's a good thing.
With dimensions close to that of the largest Prius family member, the v, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is bred to be a family car for city dwellers. With roomy front seats and a good-size backseat as well, the Ford C-MAX seems practical enough. That is, until you sit in said backseat. In all my years testing vehicles, I have never sat in a backseat so uncomfortable: with barely any padding and a very upright seatback, the rear of the C-MAX is not where you want to be for any length of time.
However, as far as interior looks go, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a winner, especially when compared to other hybrids on the road today. Instead of fancy buttons and knobs and unconventional shift gears, the C-MAX sticks to tradition with a proper gear lever. The middle stack looks rather futuristic, but then so do most across Ford's current lineup. With SYNC and MyFord Touch available as well as a host of other tech gadgets such as Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System, Rain-Sensing Wipers and an 8” display screen.
 |
| As interior looks go, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a winner, especially when compared to other hybrids on the road today.(Photo: Michel Deslauriers) |
A hybrid by any other name...
As you all know by now, I am not a fan of the way hybrids drive. Stunted and held back, hybrids are not driver's cars by any stretch of the imagination. And that's fine. I don't need to like it because I am not in the market to drive one. However, those in the market for a hybrid will most definitely enjoy the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, this I can guarantee.
With a decent starting price, a design that appeals to at larger audience and an interior that's not so futuristic that it will go out of style in the coming six months, and a drive that's both decent and fuel-efficient, there's very little not to like. Some might call Ford brave for taking on the likes of the Prius clan; I think they're smart to do it because they are doing it the right way, with a viable product that could possibly dethrone the founding father of it all.