European models for next year were already presented at the Paris Auto Show, couple of weeks ago and it is only safe to assume that US versions will soon follow the same routine. Up front, 2016 Ford C-Max will lose its upper airdam and instead get Ford’s new signature hexagonal stripe grille. This will also lower the nose slightly and headlights too will be sharpened out. At the back, changes won’t be as dramatic, and even though front end fascia goes through a complete overhaul, even overall shape will be kept and why not? C-Max is a good-looking hatch minivan and these minor tweaks will make it even better.
2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid 3
Interior-wise, 2016 Ford C-Max will initially be offered with new set of materials and color options. More contemporary dashboard will be filled with soft plastic and some metallic accents. Both cloth and leather seat upholstery will be kept and will be arranged by the trim levels. SYNC with MyFord touch should become standard across the lineup, while smart gauge with eco guide, which sits in all Ford’s hybrids and EV’s will remain as one of the most distinctive features.C-Max will offer all possible connection options for your smart devices as well, while the top grades should keep the option of upgrading their sound systems to Sony’s premium audio with nine speakers.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid is a five-passenger, four-door hatchback/wagon available in two trim levels: SE and SEL. A plug-in version, the C-Max Energi, is reviewed separately.
The SE trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, the Sync voice command system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, smartphone app integration (including Pandora Internet radio) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface.
Major options on the SE are bundled together in equipment groups 201A, 202A and 203A. Equipment group 201A adds rear parking sensors, a power liftgate and ambient interior lighting. The 202A group further adds satellite radio and the new Sync 3 touchscreen interface with an 8-inch touchscreen. The 203A combines both previously mentioned packages and adds a navigation system.
All of the above come standard on the SEL, with the exception of the power liftgate and navigation system. Additional perks of the SEL include foglights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), leather upholstery, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Design – Interior and Exterior
Presented, new European spec model
doesn’t differ too much from the current U.S. model. 2016 Ford C-Max
will lose its upper air intake and remain only with Aston Martin grille.
Headlamps have remained the same, while foglights are now rectangular
and revised together with whole of lower air intake. Profile is
generally the same, but there are couple of differences.
First of all, there’s a sort of an
overlap which starts from the rear doors and connects at the tailgate
around the back. Secondly, rear doors are now front-hinged. Finally,
rear end is also slightly changed, and apart from above mentioned
overlap, tailgate is now being opened much lower to the ground and
tail-lights have been restyled as well.
interior, however, remains very similar, if not the same.
Dashboard and bulky instrument panel service the touch screen display
which is in sort of a pole position. SYNC with MyFord touch doesn’t come
standard from the get-go. Base, SE hybrid models have it as an option,
while SEL hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrids have it as standard piece of
equipment. Nine Sony speakers are optional as well and so is HD radio.
EcoGuide smart gauge is present in all hybrid Ford’s and C-Max is not an
exception. 2016 Ford C-Max is offered with only a few advanced
electronic safety systems and most notable option is active park assist.
Powertrains and Performance
In Edmunds performance testing, the C-Max Hybrid went from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. We've yet to test the 2016 Prius as of this writing, but last year's model was about 2 seconds slower, and the Prius V wagon was another half-second behind that.
According to the EPA, you can expect 40 mpg combined (42 city/37 highway).
Driving Impressions
The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid doesn't feel like a soulless penalty box, as do many other hybrids. Instead, attention has clearly been paid to how the suspension is tuned to provide both responsive handling and a refined ride. While that ride isn't exactly cushy, there's a substantial feel to the way the C-Max goes down the road. The cabin is also notably quiet, and the Ford's communicative steering is another comparative strong point.The C-Max's hybrid system is also worthy of praise. The ability to run in electric-only propulsion mode at relatively high speeds helps the C-Max Hybrid post its impressive fuel economy numbers. Acceleration is strong for a hybrid, and highway passing will feel similar to that of equivalent gasoline-powered wagons.
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