Given that it's taken some time for Ford's kinetic styling direction to reach the United States, the natural exterior styling comparison (for now) is with the Fiesta hatchback. And with the C-Max, Ford's most miniature minivan, it's like looking at a taller, wider Fiesta, but with a bit more interior room.
The C-Max will be the first Ford vehicle to offer the 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, which takes the oh-so-familiar path of incorporating a turbocharger, direct injection, and twin independent variable camshaft timing. The model we drove packed 177 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, though those output figures are homologated for European standards, according to Ford staff. The 1.6-liter mill is also offered with 148 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque overseas, showing just how easy it is for Ford to tweak performance on these engines.
Driving the C-Max makes for a spritely experience, to say the least. It's light for a minivan, is quick on its feet, and the steering feels a touch tighter than the Fiesta. EcoBoost power is smooth in delivery and takes time to wind up, but peak torque can be had from 1500 to 4500 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission is a very slick unit with appropriately long throws and no notchiness moving through the shift pattern. The clutch engages quickly with only a slight hint of feedback and all-around driver visibility is excellent.
The dual-zone climate control and Sony sound system dominate much of the center stack, but do so in a very attractive manner. Like the Fiesta, there's a small display embedded into the dashboard, and the steering wheel is quite busy with a horde of controls. Our topline Titanium trim level includes the usual array of safety features and all manners of electronic gadgets to protect the occupants.
From the second-row, seating remains tight but is less constricting than the Fiesta, and passengers will be treated to tray tables attached to the front seats' backs. For such a small minivan, there's plenty of impressive kit.
We'll get the slightly larger Grand C-Max in the U.S. next year, complete with sliding side access doors and seating for seven. It's reportedly going to wear the name "Focus C-Max," and could very well be the legitimate Ford minivan that's been missing for years.
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