New for 2016
This year’s model sees the addition of the SYNC® 3 tech interface, an 8-inch touchscreen with swiping and pinch-to-touch capabilities as well as voice recognition.
An Electric Wagon with an Exciting Personality
Based on the sporty Focus, the C-MAX was originally available in Europe before Ford decided to bring the hybrid and hybrid plug-in versions over to the US in 2012. Here at Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands, we’re really glad it did. Why? Because if you’re looking for a hybrid wagon that’s fuel-efficient, fun to drive, and energetic, you’re looking for the 2016 Ford C-MAX Hybrid.
Powertrains and Performance
The C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid use the same hybrid powertrain of the Ford Focus Hybrid, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled with an electric motor. That combo gives the C-MAX Hybrid a best-in-class 188 combined horsepower, a considerable amount of get-up-and-go for a wagon, especially a hybrid.* That hybrid setup also means the C-MAX has a combined city-highway fuel efficiency of up to 40 mpg, comparable to its rivals from other brands.**
Features and Trims
A five-passenger, four-door wagon, the 2016 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is available as hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid. It has a Starting Friends & Neighbors Price of $23,114 and comes in two trim levels: SE and SEL.***
Standard features on the base model include Next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, and the SYNC® voice command system, along with features like automatic headlights, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
SmartGauge® with EcoGuide is a dual-LCD system that helps you maximize the efficiency of your C-MAX Hybrid by giving you information in real-time about your vehicle. Modes like Engage and Empower tell you when you’re in EV mode (only using the battery), your fuel VS your battery usage, how much power you're using based on how much you’ve pressed the accelerator, and other information. To help you visualize your efficiency, the EcoGuide display even grows green leaves and vines based on your fuel economy.
Available features include the SYNC® 3 touchscreen interface, power liftgate, parking sensors, a navigation system, and more.
Kicking things up a notch, the SEL trim features all of the above as standard (except the power liftgate and navigation system), as well as foglights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, keyless entry, heated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, and leather upholstery, and more.
Design
Styling-wise, this year’s C-MAX Hybrid sports thinner headlights than last year’s model, along with a wider grille, a full-width intake, black rocker panel moldings, and body-colored bumper fascia. Speaking of colors, the C-MAX Hybrid is available in a wide variety of stylish hues, from Ruby Red and Kona Blue, to Shadow Black, Ingot Silver, and Magnetic (a refined dark gray).
On the inside, the C-MAX Hybrid feels very much like an Escape or a Focus, and that’s a good thing. High-quality materials abound, from the steering wheel to the console, and everything is laid out in a way that’s both intuitive and catches the eye. Plus, the driver’s seat sits you up higher than it would in most wagons, giving you a great view of the road.
Safety
In addition to dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags, the 2016 C-MAX Hybrid also boats all-speed traction control, AdvanceTrac® with (RSC®) Roll Stability Control™, and SOS Post-Crash Alert™.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Ford C-MAX Hybrid offers many of the amenities you’d expect to see in a more expensive vehicle in an affordable package that’s fuel-efficient and fun to drive.
To learn more about the 2016 C-MAX Hybrid, or to schedule a test drive, be sure to call, contact us online, or swing by Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands and check one out in person.
*Class is Small Hybrid Vehicles and Small Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles based on Ford Segmentation.
**EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
***Starting Friends and Neighbors price excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration, and document fees. Optional equipment not included. Friends and Neighbors Pricing is not available on Mustang Shelby GT500/Shelby GT350/Special 50th Anniversary Edition, Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, F-550 and above, Stripped Chassis and E-450. Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.
Image: Ford
