Ford’s expects its new C-Max Hybrid will achieve EPA-tested fuel economy of 47mpg city – beating the Toyota Prius v (the five-seat US-market version of the Prius+) by 3mpg. It will also be priced US$1,300 lower.
The segment for small hybrids accounts for 65% of all hybrid sales and Ford expects about half of C-Max buyers to be conquest customers trading in competitive models.
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The automaker claims to have simultaneously increased hybrid efficiency and performance while reducing cost. The result is an expected payback period of two years for the hybrid technology premium compared with leading small crossovers. This is about half of the four-year period research shows could trigger more mainstream hybrid sales.
“The C-Max Hybrid builds on Ford’s 20 years of hybrid innovation and fuel-efficient offerings to take on Prius v with better city fuel economy at 47 mpg and at better value – a great chance for us to shake up the hybrid market,” said Ford’s global product development chief Raj Nair. “C-Max hybrid delivers 3mpg more than Prius v with 50 more horsepower and exclusive technologies such as our hands-free liftgate – and the $1,300-lower base price means the payback period will be the smallest in the segment.”
Ford research highlights other ways in which hybrids could become more mainstream. The gap in average income between hybrid and conventional vehicle buyers in the US has decreased by half – from about $30,000 to $15,000 – in the past few years.
The C-Max Hybrid is expected to be America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle with a base price of $25,995. It is part of Ford’s first dedicated line of hybrid vehicles and first deliveries commence this autumn.
The vehicle can be driven 500-plus miles with total system horsepower of 188 compared with total system horsepower of 134 in the Prius v and standard Prius.
When powered by petrol, the Ford uses a new two-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine.
Claimed class-exclusive standard or optional technologies include hands-free liftgate, active park assist and SmartGauge with EcoGuide, along with the ability to deliver higher speeds in electric mode than the Toyota Prius v.
A new Brake Coach feature helps drivers optimise their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. Redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency – as drivers improve their efficient driving, they are rewarded with more leaves.
Like the Prius v, the C-Max hybrid has room for five people and plenty of cargo.
It is built at the automaker’s Wayne, Michigan assembly plant alongside other Focus models and is one of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to produce in North America in 2012.
