The most alluring feature of Ford Europe's new C-Max MPV, debuting at the Bologna show this week, may be the Z-shaped handbrake lever (barring that, the boomerang-shaped door handles). But it's still a more precise and stylish entry than its sister ship, the Mazda5, which is the closest we'll get to the C-Max stateside. It's one of Euro Ford's new "kinetic" designs, which is like Ford America's "Dave" visual language with 2/3 less safety razor and 1/3 more nail clipper .
Press Release:
FORD PREVIEWS NEW C-MAX AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW
The new Ford C-MAX
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* Bologna preview model gives first glimpse of new Ford C-MAX
* C-MAX joins S-MAX to create new Ford MAX family
* Dynamic new front-end design creates MAX family face
* Significant upgrades to interior design and features
* New technology front and rear lighting
* New features available including panorama roof
* On sale Summer 2007
BRENTWOOD, Essex, December 5, 2006 : Ford is previewing a new look for the Ford C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. The new Ford C-MAX benefits from a refined new front-end design including elements of the company's "kinetic design" form language, plus a significantly improved interior and a host of new features.
The new Ford C-MAX will sit alongside the Ford S-MAX, voted Car of the Year 2007, to offer two stylish and sporty multi-activity vehicles.
"Although we originally launched this vehicle as the Ford Focus C-MAX, we have chosen to give the freshened model its own identity, similar to the S-MAX", explains Stephen Odell, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe.
"The cornerstone of our 'MAX' strategy is to give customers all the features, space and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but with a style that allows them to stand out in the crowd, and above all to maximise driving pleasure," said Odell. "Both the new C-MAX and the bigger S-MAX are true to this concept - versatile, comfortable and spacious, yet also great fun to drive."
Fresh and Contemporary
The front of the car introduces distinctive air intakes while the lower grille features the large inverted trapezoid, a key element of kinetic design.
The new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights, and these combine with new headlamps to create a distinctive and sporty look. Together with a new three-plane bonnet, these elements give the C-MAX a distinctly sporty feel, highlighting the "energy in motion" theme that kinetic design creates.
New and innovative lighting technology includes high intensity discharge (HID) front lamps, which use 'light strips' instead of conventional parking light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes illuminated in light blue follow the form of the front lights and accentuate the sloping front profile.
At the rear, the C-MAX gets a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Both front and rear bumpers are lower and fuller than before, giving the car a strong and agile look from every angle. Also, new 'blue glass' adds extra classiness to the vehicle's style.
New interior design
The instrument panel, centre console and door trims have all been redesigned with more premium quality materials. New instruments feature clear graphics and are now illuminated in a warm red.
The new centre console offers plenty of stowage and is equipped with and an auxiliary input socket for the audio system. The new C-MAX also includes a Z-shaped handbrake lever, which saves room and enhances appearance.
New interior colours, new graphic elements like the door inserts with boomerang-shaped handles that also serve as armrests, more stowage space as well as new seat design and seat materials add style, comfort and practicality to the passenger cabin. A panorama glass roof will be available on the new model, offering a light and airy environment while keeping out the sun's heat with its "Solar Reflect" coating.
Detailed information and technical data for Ford C-MAX will be available closer to launch in 2007.
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