Introduction
The C-MAX is a compact MPV sold by Ford for the past 14 years. The car evolved tremendously since it was first released with its latest version being one of the better cars in its class. However, released in 2009, the current car is not really up to date. Ford will continue to sell the full-electric version of the current model up until 2018 but only in the US. Both the US and the European markets are expected to receive an entirely new model with the 2018 Ford C-MAX which will boast a regular gas-powered engine. It seems a full electric model is not going to be available anymore as Ford is going to release a new range of all-electric cars.
source:motortrend.com
In detail – 2018 Ford C-MAX
Just like with the new Focus, the C-MAX is going to be based on an entirely new platform. From the looks of it the car is set to become wider and slightly lower than before. Also, the wheelbase is expected to get longer but the actual length of the car won’t change much.
source:motortrend.com
The new C-MAX will likely become quite a bit lighter than before thanks to a high strength steel construction. This will also help it be safer and better to drive than before. No word on the pricing just yet but it seems it won’t change much from its predecessor.
Under the hood
The upcoming 2018 Ford C-MAX will more than likely feature Ford’s turbocharged engines and that’s about it. A hybrid might be released at some point in the future but this is still an unknown at this point. The European market is going to receive quite a few more engines than the US market. A 1.0 liter EcoBoost with 100 or 125 horsepower is expected to be the base offering. In the US the car is likely going to receive just the 125 horsepower version of the same engine. Both of these will also be available with a 6 speed manual gearbox and front wheel drive.
source:motortrend.com 2018 Ford C-Max Engine
The higher end versions of the C-MAX will more than likely get either Ford’s new 1.5 liter EcoBoost or their new 1.5 liter diesel. The gas engine will be able to push out around 150 to 180 horsepower and little over 180 lb-ft of torque. The diesel on the other hand is expected to offer either 95 or over 120 horsepower. Both of these are expected to be made available with either a 6 speed manual or Ford’s new 9 speed automatic which has been released quite recently. An all wheel drive system, likely derived from the Focus RS, has also been rumored but Ford decided to keep quiet about it.
The design
The ongoing model is based on the outgoing Focus but it has been altered in order to look a bit more family-oriented. The upcoming 2018 Ford C-MAX will more than likely follow the same recipe as its predecessor. Expect it to get a very similar front end to the new Focus but expect larger windows, likely a longer and flatter roof-line as well as a more vertical rear end. These will allow Ford to maximize interior space without ruining the way the car drives.
2018 Ford C-MAX interior
So far it looks like the C-MAX may receive an identical cabin to that of the Focus. The dashboard will definitely be inspired by that of the new Fiesta with the pop-up center screen, the really minimalist center stack and the blue-tinted instrument cluster.
source:ford.com 2018 Ford C-MAX Interior
However, the C-MAX might get a few changes to its seating layout as it is taller than the Focus and it should be able to boast more headroom and legroom than its hatchback sibling. In terms of features and safety options on the other hand the car will definitely be identical to the Focus.
Ford C-Max Video
