Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/278185
III maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 MARCH 2014 Ford C-MAX - Energy, Economy and Flexibility Matching up to the Pruis v, Ford want to set the standard for fuel economy FORD'S two new hybrid vehicles, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, are projected to set a new benchmark for fuel economy, range and flexibility when they go on sale this year. In electric mode, the C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver better fuel economy equivalent than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, with an 800 km overall driving range more than the Chevrolet Volt, while the new C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to achieve better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v. Both vehicles feature the next generation of Ford's acclaimed power split technology that will allow operation in electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid. "C-MAX marries the dynamics and quality of a traditional car with the versatility of an MAV (multi-activity vehicle) and leading fuel efficiency," said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford's Electrification Programs and Engineering. Ford holds approximately 500 patents that cover technologies in its electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles like C-MAX Energi in addition to several hundred patent- pending applications. With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving them, the C-MAX vehicles also offer a proven design and nameplate with more than 100,000 sold in Europe since it launched in late 2010. The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are designed to meet the needs of customers looking to optimize their hybrid car experience. The C-MAX line hits impressive fuel efficiency and range figures without sacrificing driving performance. Both the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are projected to deliver better fuel economy in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and is projected to achieve more than 800 kilometres of overall driving range. "With C-MAX, you get road- holding capability, sportiness and performance in addition to leading fuel economy, great versatility, great features and great technology in a package designed to exceed customer expectations," said John Davis, C-MAX chief nameplate engineer. The C-MAX line also features the company's innovative hands-free liftgate that allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it's OK to engage. The same motion can be used to close the liftgate. The vehicles also feature the newest version of SYNC with MyFord Touch to help inform and empower drivers. This feature offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, and to access menus through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. In C-MAX Energi, the system offers additional information such as battery state of charge and distance to the next charge point. The C-MAX also offers the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide, designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX and helping drivers to closely monitor how their driving behaviour affects the vehicle's efficiency. A redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency. A Brake Coach helps drivers optimize their use of the regenerative braking system so driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. Available for C-MAX Energi, the MyFord Mobile smartphone application allows users to monitor charging, receive alerts, find charge stations, plan trips and do more from their smartphones or computers for an effortless move to an electrified vehicle lifestyle. Other available features on C-MAX include active park assist, push-button start, Sony Audio, HD Radio and voice-activated Navigation System. The C-MAX line features a high roof design, giving each vehicle an overall height of 162cm along with a higher command-style seat position instead of a cockpit-type. It also features five-passenger seating including a split, fold-flat second-row seat. Although Ford's C-MAX vehicles are new, the software and hardware technology inside them has been evolving for nearly two decades. The C-MAX line also benefits from analysis of data collected from Ford's Escape plug-in hybrid test fleet, which helped engineers understand how plug-in hybrid vehicles are driven and charged and how parts perform under certain conditions. C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi get their power through the combination of a petrol-driven engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by petrol, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson- cycle four-cylinder engine – a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered. The electric motors of the C-MAX hybrids are powered by advanced lithium-ion battery systems designed to maximize use of common, high- quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford's critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles. C-MAX hybrids offer Ford's next- generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low- speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds. In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the petrol engine is in operation, while the regenerative braking system recaptures more than 95% of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging. The C-MAX hybrids offer standard safety technologies such as the MyKey teen safety feature, SYNC 911 Assist and seven airbags. SYNC 911 Assist uses hands-free phone capabilities to connect the driver directly with a local emergency operator through the paired phone should an accident occur in which an airbag deploys. The next-generation MyKey features now allow parents to choose from multiple top speed limits and blocking of explicit satellite radio programming. MyKey also provides a persistent audible warning if front occupants are not wearing seat belts. The C-MAX hybrids also feature standard safety and driver-assist technologies, including Curve Control that is designed to slow the vehicle when it's cornering too fast and Torque Vectoring Control to help accelerate through a turn when necessary. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) also are standard. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MANGION