Ford updates the "Max" range of cars, now better value for money, if not that stunning in design.

• New five-seat Ford C-MAX, seven-seat Grand C-MAX and all-new S-MAX models ready for early summer UK deliveries
• The addition of low emission Euro 6-compliant B-MAX completes Ford’s four-model Multi-Activity Vehicle range

Ford has announced prices for its new C-MAX and S-MAX Multi-Activity Vehicles, which join B-MAX in UK dealerships by the summer.

Ford’s small, medium and large Multi-Activity vehicle range offers the practicality and style prioritised by a growing number of buyers and is available from £13,095 for B-MAX, £18,195 for C-MAX and £24,545 for S-MAX.

Ford B-MAX, launched in 2013, receives the latest EU Stage 6 compliant powertrains including Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.

New C-MAX

The stylish new five-seat C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX, with a sleek exterior design, beautifully crafted interior and smart new stowage ideas, offers major fuel efficiency and emissions improvements.

The new C-MAX, priced from £18,195, introduces advanced technology including Ford’s SYNC 2 voice-activated connectivity system, Perpendicular Parking and improved Active City Stop, first seen on the new Focus.

The new Grand C-MAX, with prices starting at £20,295, continues to feature Ford’s innovative twin sliding doors and “walk-through” seat design for greater convenience, space and flexibility. Both the new C-MAX and Grand C-Max now offer Hands-Free Tailgate, a segment first.

All-new Ford S-MAX with SYNC 2 as standard

Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system, capable of voice controlled navigation, in-car entertainment, climate control and linked mobiles, is standard on all series of the all-new S-MAX range.

Priced from £24,545 the Ford S-MAX Zetec, the range rises to Titanium and Titanium Sport – with the option of the popular Titanium X packs on the highest series.

As well as SYNC 2, all-new Ford S-MAX models will be equipped with front and rear parking sensors, keyless start, sports seats and DAB radio.  The Titanium series adds privacy glass, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers and technologies including Traffic Sign Recognition to remind the driver of the last speed sign passed, lane keeping aid, cruise control and LED running lights.

The top-of-the-range S-MAX Titanium Sport gains a full body styling kit, rear spoiler and sports suspension.  Adding one of the X packs available for either Titanium models further enhances exterior looks and comfort, with Dynamic LED headlights, which adopt the optimum beam pattern for the road type and weather conditions, and 10-way power front seats.

Over 75 per cent of UK customers specify a Ford S-MAX Titanium.  There have been almost 82,000 Ford S-MAX registrations in this country since the car’s launch in 2006 and update in 2010.

Ford announces pricing for new Mondeo, with all models due by the year end.

• All-new Ford Mondeo available to order with prices starting from £20,795
• New suspension and steering enhance refinement and driving dynamics; most diverse Mondeo powertrain line-up ever features first Mondeo hybrid electric vehicle
• Advanced Mondeo technology includes debut of Ford’s Pedestrian Detection and adaptive LED headlights, enhanced Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, and Active City Stop
• Further technology highlights include power tailgate, SYNC 2 connectivity and industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt

Ford Motor Company announces the opening of its order books for the all-new Ford Mondeo, delivering class-leading driving dynamics, innovative technology, greater refinement and craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

All-new Mondeo will be available in the UK in five-door and four-door (hybrid only) bodystyles, plus as an estate developed specifically for Europe.

“The all-new Mondeo is a significant new chapter for one of Europe’s best-known vehicles with a history dating back more than 20 years,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Mondeo will make high specification and premium features accessible to even more drivers – including our industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt and Ford’s first LED headlights in Europe.”

Class-leading dynamics and power of choice

The first model for Europe to be built on Ford’s new global CD-segment platform, the all-new Mondeo will debut Ford’s new integral link rear suspension configuration for improved refinement and more dynamic performance.

Engineering experts from Ford of Europe led the global development of the all-new Mondeo chassis to help ensure continued best-in-class driving dynamics. Engineers at Ford’s Lommel Proving Grounds, Belgium, tuned the all-new Mondeo to deliver a consistent feel to the controls and vehicle responses for a confidence-inspiring driving experience. All-new Mondeo steering weight and directness adapts to match the “comfort,” “normal” and “sport” chassis settings of Ford’s Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control system for the first time.

“With a body structure that’s 10 per cent stiffer than the previous generation Mondeo and handling-enhancing technology that includes Torque Vectoring Control, this is the most responsive and versatile Mondeo yet,” said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.

All-new Mondeo petrol engine options will include the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost from launch, with Ford’s fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – that was named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third time in a row – joining the line-up in early 2015.

ECOnetic Technology models will be available, powered by 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines with anticipated CO₂ emissions of 94g/km and 107g/km*. Separate all-wheel drive variants join the line-up early next year.

The four-door Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery to provide optimised fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions. Mondeo Hybrid is the first hybrid electric vehicle that Ford will manufacture in Europe, delivering anticipated CO₂emissions of 99g/km.

Sensing danger

The all-new Ford Mondeo debuts a new a pedestrian technology that could help reduce the severity of accidents or help drivers avoid them all together. Pedestrian Detection can identify people in the road ahead, or who could cross the vehicle’s path, and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings. The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera, and radar located in the bumper, and checks it against a database of “pedestrian shapes” to distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.

Pedestrian Detection is among a raft of new features and improvements detailed by Ford today, which enhance the all-new Mondeo. The system is part of the Adaptive Cruise package that also introduces Active Braking, which can autonomously apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.

Lighting the way with advanced technology

All-new Mondeo introduces Ford’s adaptive LED headlamp technology to Europe; combining full-LED headlamps offering daylight-mimicking light clarity with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match driving environment.

The all-new Mondeo will feature an advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking, which enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces parallel to the road and side-to-side with other cars.

This advanced parking feature will be supported by both Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers to exit parallel parking spaces; and Side Parking Aid, which delivers an on-screen visual representation and audible warning of obstacles to the sides of the vehicles, as well as to the front and rear.

Additional driver assistance features include Ford’s Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which readies the brakes if a potential impact is detected and – if the driver does not respond – will automatically apply the brakes at up to 25mph, and Lane Keeping Aid, which applies steering torque to guide the vehicle back in to lane if drifting is detected.

Superior comfort and innovative safety features

Ford’s industry-first Inflatable Rear Seatbelt technology will make its European debut on the all-new Mondeo. In the event of an accident, the belt rapidly expands to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.

Mondeo also will enhance comfort and convenience for drivers with features including first-in-class power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, power tailgate and heated steering wheel.

Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with advanced voice control and an 8-inch colour touchscreen will enable drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. For example, drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by using the command: “I’m hungry”.

Segment-first enhanced MyKey technology will enable Mondeo owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers. MyKey now can inhibit incoming phone calls as well as restricting the top speed; preventing deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reducing the maximum volume of the audio system, and disabling the system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts.

Expressive design and superior quality

The all-new Mondeo will deliver best-ever quality and craftsmanship for both the refined, elegant, sporty and highly expressive exterior, and the interior that features optimised ergonomics and comfort, with premium finishes and equipment.

Produced at Ford’s state-of-the-art plant in Valencia, Spain, the all-new Mondeo will feature a sports coupe profile with low roofline and incorporate a retractable panoramic glass roof for the estate bodystyle. The lean side-profile is sculpted to convey “visual lightness,” while the sophisticated and technical front end design features Ford’s more prominent trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and adaptive, slim-line, laser-cut headlamp design.

Inside, Mondeo drivers are greeted by a digital analogue instrument cluster, while a sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel. A soft-touch instrument panel and flock-lined central front storage area and glovebox are representative of the high material quality and craftsmanship throughout. Smart-design front seats feature a thinner seat back – enabling rear seat passengers to enjoy additional legroom without sacrificing comfort for driver and front passenger.

“The all-new Mondeo offers a sophisticated suite of features and technology that enhance driving, comfort, convenience and safety like no other car in its class,” Bakaj said. “With four-door, five-door and estate featuring stunning design and quality – and a power of choice engine range that now includes a hybrid electric vehicle option for the first time – Mondeo has never been more appealing.”

Ford launches refreshed C-Max and Grand C-Max, better looking that the new S-Max.

• Stylish new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency and CO₂emissions; advanced technology; and smart new stowage ideas
• New C-MAX family inherits sleek exterior design with bold new face of Ford and an intuitive, beautifully crafted interior
• Hands-Free Tailgate and Perpendicular Parking available; improved Active City Stop collision avoidance now works at speeds of up to 31mph
• Powertrain line-up for the UK includes a 1.5-litre TDCi engine offered for first time on C-MAX

Ford Motor Company today unveiled the stylish new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with a new sleek exterior design, beautifully crafted interior with improved stowage ideas, and major fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions improvements.

The five-seat C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX will also offer superior comfort and refinement when they go on sale across Europe in early 2015. The models will introduce advanced technology including Ford’s SYNC 2 voice-activated connectivity system.

“Ford C-MAX has earned a reputation for providing a balance of great fuel economy, responsive, sporty handling and a flexible, roomy interior package,” said Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “All powertrains benefit from CO₂ improvements without sacrificing any of the car’s great driving dynamics.”

“The new Ford C-MAX family also delivers levels of refinement often found in larger, more upmarket vehicles – including the segment-first Hands-Free Tailgate that only requires a gentle kicking motion to gain access to the boot space.”

Ford first introduced the C-MAX in 2003 and since then has sold more than 1.2 million in Europe.** Now in its third generation, C-MAX has accounted for more than 12 per cent of all MAVs sold in Europe so far this year.***

Flexible, comfortable, sporty and stylish

The five-seat C-MAX or the seven-seat Grand C‑MAX, which features Ford’s innovative twin sliding doors and “walk-through” seat design for greater convenience, space and flexibility, remain available.

The Ford C-MAX family has been restyled to reflect the One Ford global design language and is available in new exterior colours Red Rush and a stylish brown-grey shade called Caribou. The dynamic styling delivers a stronger, sleeker front end, featuring Ford’s distinctive inverted trapezoidal grille. The washer jets have been hidden underneath the windscreen to complement the cleaner look of the restyled bonnet. 

Sleeker, more chiselled front headlamps and more rectangular, elongated fog-lamps add to the bolder front end. The tailgate has been given a smoother and more sophisticated one-piece appearance using the latest laser-brazing technique, which applies cleaner and exceptionally strong welds to thin sheets of metal. A compact tail lamp design completes the contemporary look.

The new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX interiors follow the customer-led design refinements that have already been executed on new Focus. The more intuitive layout has fewer controls and switches, while the new black satin trim and chrome detailing contributes to a cleaner, modern look. Functions are simpler to use, such as the air-conditioning controls that now feature buttons that are easier to recognise and distinguish from each other.

A redesigned centre storage console offers increased space and features a sliding, integrated armrest. The new adjustable console accommodates a variety of bottles and cups with the capacity to hold a one-litre water bottle and a 0.4-litre cup simultaneously, while the swing bin glovebox makes items stored inside easier to access. A deeper upper storage area significantly improves the capacity on top of the dashboard for family belongings, and features a new USB connection point for integrating and charging mobile devices.  

In addition, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will be offered with higher quality trims across the entire range, a heated steering wheel, door-sill scuff plates and load-net fitting points behind both the first and second row seats.

Noise, vibration and harshness have been improved through the use of thicker side glass and more absorbent seals around the tailgate and rear view mirror. The engine bay heat shield has been filled with acoustic damping material to reduce powertrain noise, and diesel cars are equipped with extra acoustic seals to further reduce noise intrusion.

Continuing under the bonnet, a retuned dual mass flywheel helps to reduce shaking forces when the engine is under load, while new engine mounts offer improved refinement during Auto‑Start-Stop operation. On the outside, stiffer, noise- and vibration-optimised alloy wheels have been designed to reduce resonant vibrations.

“We are committed to delivering clean, and intuitive interiors across the entire Ford line-up and C-MAX is the latest vehicle to benefit from our comprehensive restyling programme,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “The new C-MAX has received its most significant remodelling to date and is now more comfortable, more practical, and delivers the best driving experience in its segment.”

Sensing danger

The new Ford C-MAX family is equipped with advanced Ford technologies that help drivers avoid or mitigate incidents – from scrapes and bumps while parking to more serious, higher speed collisions.

Ford’s Active Park Assist system locates suitably-sized parking spaces and, at the push of a button, steers the vehicle in to the space while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. C‑MAX and Grand C-MAX add Perpendicular Parking capability with the addition of two new ultrasonic sensors at the rear of the car. The system helps drivers reverse into spaces side-by-side with other cars.

The extra sensors also enable two additional technologies that help drivers as they manoeuvre out of parking spaces:

• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Operating with radar at a range of up to 40 metres (131 feet), the system will issue three distinct warning signals if it detects a vehicle approaching from either side
• Park-Out Assist helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space. After the driver has chosen either the left or right hand side the system operates the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake

Ford has also improved its Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions. New C-MAX offers the latest system that now operates at speeds of up 31mph, up from 19mph.

In the case of moving objects Active Braking works in a similar way to Active City Stop but with a vehicle speed range of between 5mph and 112mph. It supports drivers at higher speeds, for example on the motorway, by issuing warnings and applying braking as required.

Also new to C-MAX, Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control technology enables drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even when that vehicle is travelling more slowly than the cruise speed. For occasions when Adaptive Cruise Control is not active, Distance Indication enables drivers to set a preferred distance they would like to maintain with the vehicle ahead. Should the driver get any closer, the system issues a three-stage dashboard display warning – from grey to yellow to red.

Better connected with SYNC 2

The new Ford C-MAX family is equipped with Ford’s SYNC 2 voice-activated connectivity system that features a high-resolution, 8-inch colour touch screen and advanced voice control for hands-free operation of audio, navigation, climate control and connected mobile phone functions.

SYNC 2’s navigation system is supported by map services provider HERE, and offers a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junctions, landmark views and the MICHELIN guide.

SYNC 2 enables drivers to issue simpler “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will provide a list of local restaurants, which you can then get directions to via the navigation system.

“We have developed SYNC 2 so it is simple and intuitive for drivers to use, and it seamlessly

switches between touch screen and voice commands,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. “Drivers will be able to control more in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

The new Ford C-MAX will also be offered with a premium sound system that incorporates 10 Sony speakers, including a subwoofer (bass speaker) to deliver a more rounded and deeper sound.

Powerful and efficient

The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX offer significantly improved CO₂ figures and for the first time feature as standard Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop technology on EcoBoost petrol and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines. The most improved model is expected to offer a 20 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions.

The new C-MAX family powertrain line-up will be offered with Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, delivering 120PS. The C-MAX family will continue to be offered with 100PS and 125PS versions of the multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

During the first seven months of 2014, more than a quarter of C-MAX models sold in Europe** were equipped with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which in 2014 was named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third consecutive year.

The new 120PS 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to offer up to a six per cent improvement in CO₂ compared to the 1.6-litre diesel it replaces, while delivering 5PS more power. The revised 2.0-litre diesel is expected to improve emissions by up to 20 per cent and power by over four per cent.

“These powertrains will also help make C-MAX the first car in its segment to comply with the latest EU Stage VI emissions regulations across the entire range from launch,” Jim Baumbick, Ford’s global C-car vehicle line director.

Brighter future

The new Ford C-MAX family is offered with LED Daytime Running Lights, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle to one of seven settings depending on traffic and road conditions. For example; when cornering at lower speeds, the system will project a beam towards the side of the road to make cyclists and pedestrians more visible. The system also will support drivers cornering at higher speeds by directing light further into the bend.

The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will for the first time offer Ford’s MyKey technology, which enables owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and can disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts. The system can also prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies such as Traction Control.

“C-MAX and Grand C-MAX deliver a more relaxing experience with chassis and interior enhancements and, with sophisticated driver assistance technologies,” Baumbick said. “The ability to see more clearly in challenging conditions, to detect potential accidents and to keep less experienced drivers safe provide additional assurance and reduce stress for drivers whether at the wheel or not.”

Ford tests auto braking in paris at rush hour, now thats a real test.

• Ford tests automatic braking technology on some of Europe’s toughest commuting roads at the worst possible time – Paris during rush hour traffic
• Paris is among 10 most congested cities in Europe with notorious junctions like the Place de l’Etoile at the Arc de Triomphe, where 12 major avenues converge
•  Ford’s Active City Stop helps reduce severity of rear-end collisions and helps to prevent an accident entirely. Testing found that automatic braking system activated when there was a risk of rear-end collisions
• Advanced version of Active City Stop, which operates at speeds of up to 30 mph, debuts on the new Ford Focus that goes on sale in Europe later this year
• New Focus also will debut new Perpendicular Parking that helps drivers reverse into spaces alongside other vehicles, and Park-Out Assist that helps drivers exit parallel spaces

Ford has put its automatic braking technology, Active City Stop, to the test in some of Europe’s toughest driving conditions. The streets of Paris provided the ultimate challenge, with the French capital carrying a reputation as one of the most stressful places to drive in Europe.

Having conducted a comprehensive closed track development and testing process, engineers turned to a challenging real-world environment to test the system. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, dangerous junctions and drivers pushing through the narrowest gaps made Paris the ideal location to put it to the test.

“Paris streets are not for the faint-hearted, with multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic competing for space, and busy junctions testing the nerves of even skilled drivers,” said Nils Gerber, technical expert, Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. “We knew these streets would be perfect to help test Active City Stop in conditions that are simply not possible to replicate on the test track.”

An advanced version of Active City Stop, which operates at speeds of up to 30 mph, debuts on the new Ford Focus that goes on sale in Europe later this year.

Active City Stop’s light detecting and ranging sensor scans the road ahead 50 times every second, enabling the system to help reduce the severity of rear-end collisions, and in some cases even prevent an accident entirely.

If the driver does not react in time to traffic that is slowing or stopped ahead the system brakes, reduces engine torque, and activates the rear hazard lights.

For the test, professional drivers with local knowledge drove vehicles along busy Paris streets – ranked among the 10 most congested in Europe* – and through notorious junctions like the Place de l’Etoile at Arc de Triomphe, where 12 major avenues converge.

For the purposes of safety the automatic braking function was disabled during the tests, however engineers were able to monitor the system to see when it would have deployed, and to ensure the brakes were only triggered when there was a risk of rear-end collisions. They then examined specific events in more detail using real-time video of the traffic conditions.

“Paris is a very good place for this kind of test – you encounter all kinds of driving situations,” said Pascal Houssais, a professional chauffeur, who took part in the test. “Drivers can be very unpredictable, changing lanes without any warning, and people are always in a hurry.”

The latest Paris testing allowed Ford engineers to cover almost 2,500 miles in five days with Mondeo and Tourneo Connect prototypes during peak traffic conditions. The real-world tests enabled the team to sign off the system as production ready for each model.

Active City Stop has proved a success with European drivers after first being introduced on the Ford Focus in 2011. More than 170,000 Ford vehicles across Europe are now equipped with the technology that has since been extended to the Fiesta, B-MAX, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Kuga, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect.

The new Ford Focus also will introduce advanced technology for safer and less stressful parking. Perpendicular Parking will help drivers reverse hands-free into spaces alongside other cars; Cross Traffic Alert will warn drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them; and Park-Out Assist will helps drivers exit a parallel parking space.

Looking ahead, Ford researchers are developing a Fully Assisted Parking Aid that could enable drivers to park with only the push of a button from inside or outside of their car.Ford also is investigating advanced systems to help improve road safety based on car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications. This includes an Electronic Emergency Brake Light that could alert drivers even around corners and through traffic.