Ford C-MAX Hybrid: The most fuel-efficient hybrid in U.S.

Ford has just announced that the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve 47 mpg city, which is at least 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v. This will make the all-new hybrid from Ford the most fuel-efficient hybrid in the U.S. The C-MAX Hybrid is Ford’s first entry in the largest hybrid segment and they will launch it with more performance and technology and at a $1,300-lower base price than the Prius v. That’s quite an achievement for their first offering in the hybrid segment.

The small hybrid segment in which the new C-MAX Hybrid will compete accounts for 65 percent of all hybrid sales in the U.S. Ford says they project that half of the sales will come from customers trading in hybrid models from the competition. With a base price of just $25,995, Ford says the payback period for the premium hybrid technology will be just two years as opposed to four years for leading small crossovers.

C-MAX Hybrid technology

The Ford C-MAX Hybrid technology uses a combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. The engine uses Ford’s new technology and is a non-turbo version of their highly successful EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine.

Drivers of the all-new C-MAX Hybrid will also benefit from Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide that helps drivers get the best possible mileage. The feature provides information such as instantaneous fuel economy to help drivers monitor how their individual driving behavior affects the vehicle’s efficiency.
 
A new Brake Coach feature on the C-MAX Hybrid helps drivers optimize their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. A driver can watch the visual on the hybrid screen and rewarded with green leaves as they improve driving efficiency.

Plenty of cargo carrying room

The C-MAX Hybrid offers room for five and plenty of cargo carrying ability. The vehicles high roofline (63.9 inches) adds more interior volume space for larger and taller items. The C-MAX Hybrid offers more passenger space and greater headroom in both front and rear seats than the Prius v. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat with 52.6 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is going to give the rest of the hybrid segment a run for their money. And the fuel-efficient crossover is just one of many cars coming from Ford that will get 40 mpg or more in 2012.