IRELAND - Fords new C-Max and Grand C-Max launches with more fuel efficient engines and better tech.

Ford’s new fuel-efficient, flexible and stylish C-MAX and Grand C-MAX which have just arrived in Ireland, offer modern and active families advanced driver assistance technologies, convenience features, and higher levels of comfort and safety.

The new five-seat C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles (MAV) offer enhanced refinement and ride quality with revised chassis, body and interior designs. The C‑MAX family also offers segment-first Hands-Free Tailgate that enables customers to access the boot with a simple kicking motion, and an enhanced version of the Active City Stop system designed to help avoid or mitigate incidents.

“C-MAX has been a popular choice for families in Ireland thanks to its style, roominess, functionality, high seating position, overall economy and 7-seat option”, said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland.  “And the new version comes with new driver assistance technologies, including the segment first ‘kick activated’ tailgate which we first saw on the Ford Kuga”.

Efficient and powerful engines

The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX offer reduced running costs with significantly improved fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, while retaining high performance and responsiveness with downsized engines including:

• Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, offered with 95 PS and 120 PS, both delivering 105 g/km CO₂ – a 12 per cent improvement in CO₂ compared to the 1.6-litre diesel it replaces, while delivering 5 PS more power
• 100 PS and 125 PS versions of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, the first engine ever to be awarded the International Engine of the Year trophy three years in a row

Auto-Start-Stop technology is offered on C-MAX as standard on EcoBoost petrol and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines for the first time, helping deliver up to 17 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions, with power increased by 7 per cent.

Driving Dynamics

The Ford C-MAX family delivers class-leading driving dynamics. The new models feature enhancements including:

• Stiffer suspension bushes, which help deliver a more controlled and intuitive driving experience, and reduced body roll
• Retuned dampers, which help enhance the agile steering feel while maintaining ride comfort and feature a new valve design that reduces squeaks and rattles to improve interior refinement
• Electronic Power Assisted Steering tuned to deliver greater steering precision and stability.

New C-MAX in Ireland

The car is available in two series in Ireland: Zetec and Titanium. In terms of engine line up, there are three powertrains (all Euro Stage VI):

• 1.0 EcoBoost 100 and 125PS (both 117g/km)
• 1.5 TDCi 95 and 120PS (both 105g/km)
• 2.0 TDCi 150PS (114g/km)

Specification details for each series is as follows:

C-MAX Zetec: 16” alloys; front fogs; Quickclear windscreen; SYNC 1; air conditioning; Privacy glass; leather steering wheel; driver seat lumbar adjust; MyKey; and Power front windows

Grand C-MAX Zetec adds:

Rear sensors; powerfold mirrors; and 3^rd row of seats

The C-MAX Titanium series includes in addition:

17” alloys; cruise control; chrome doorline; LED daytime running lights; dual zone climate control; power rear windows; centre armrest; keyless start; ambient lighting; auto lights and wipers; and scuff plates.

Grand C-MAX Titanium adds:

Rear sensors; powerfold mirrors; 3^rd row of seats; roof rails.

Full pricing details are as follows:

Compact Zetec 1.0 EcoBoost Turbo Petrol 100PS (117g/km).…….…...€25,755

Compact Zetec 1.5 TDCi Diesel 95PS (105g/km)…………….………....€26,500       

Compact Zetec 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS (114g/km) ………….………….€28,700      

Compact Zetec 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS Powershift (124g/km)….……..€30,300       

Grand Zetec 1.0 EcoBoost Turbo Petrol 100PS (119g/km)…………..…€28,355      

Grand Zetec 1.5 TDCi Diesel 95PS (113g/km)……………………...……€29,100

Grand Zetec 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS (119g/km)……………………...….€31,300       

Grand Zetec 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS Powershift (129g/km)………........€32,900       

Compact Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost Turbo Petrol 125PS (117g/km)…..….€28,205   

Compact Titanium 1.5 TDCi Diesel 95PS (105g/km)……………………€28,500

Compact Titanium 1.5 TDCi Diesel 120PS (105g/km)…………………..€29,500

Compact Titanium 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS (114g/km)…………………..€30,700

Compact Titanium 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS Powershift (124g/km)…......€32,300

Grand Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost Turbo Petrol 125PS (119g/km)………....€30,805

Grand Titanium 1.5 TDCi Diesel 95PS (113g/km)……………………….€31,100

Grand Titanium 1.5 TDCi Diesel 120PS (113g/km)……………………...€32,100

Grand Titanium 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS (119g/km)……………………...€33,300

Grand Titanium 2.0 TDCi Diesel 150PS Powershift (129g/km)………...€34,900

The All-new Ford S-Max, looks rather like the last one, but not as pretty.

• All-new Ford S-MAX debuting at the Paris Motor Show builds on the appeal of the original sports activity vehicle with space for seven to travel in style, and the agility and driving pleasure of a smaller car
• All-new S-MAX debuts Ford Adaptive Steering in Europe, and offers a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol and revised 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines to deliver improved CO₂ and class-leading driving dynamics
• Ford Dynamic LED Headlamps with Glare-Free Highbeam are made available for the first time; Pre-Collision Assist technology is first in segment
• All-new S-MAX offers 32 seating and loadspace combinations, and segment-first Easy-Fold second and third row seats
• Segment-first front Ford Multi-Contour Seats and dedicated rear climate system
•  Further convenience features include SYNC 2 voice-control connectivity system, Hands-Free Tailgate, and best-in-class stowage

Ford Motor Company today revealed the all-new Ford S‑MAX, a stylish and innovative reinvention of the trend-setting seven-seat sports activity vehicle.

True to the spirit of the original version, the all-new S-MAX debuting across Europe next year offers style, driving pleasure and advanced features without sacrificing space, flexibility and fuel efficiency.

“S-MAX struck a chord with customers all over Europe – people who need space and practicality but who could never picture themselves in a typical family hauler,” said Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The all-new S-MAX takes this no-compromise ethos to new levels with a stunning design, cool technology and dynamic driving experience.” 

All-new S-MAX will debut Ford Adaptive Steering technology in Europe for optimised response to driver input when it goes on sale in 2015. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and a range of sophisticated powertrains – including a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – will also ensure an enhanced driving experience.

S-MAX will be the first Ford globally to feature Ford Dynamic LED Headlamps with Glare-Free Highbeam that maintain maximum illumination without distracting other road users. Ford’s advanced Pre-Collision Assist technology will assist in mitigating accidents even at motorway speeds.

From an Alpine ski trip to the school run, the all-new S-MAX will enable seven people to travel in comfort – with 32 seating and load-space combinations, as well as segment-first Easy-Fold second and third row seats.

More than 400,000 S-MAX models have found homes in Europe since Ford first carved out a new automotive niche – the sports activity vehicle – and won Car of the Year in 2007.

Game-changing design

The Ford design team evolved the fresh and distinctive exterior styling of the original S‑MAX for an even more dynamic and upscale impression.

“The sleek and sporty S-MAX profile stands out from the crowd to deliver a unique proposition for customers who appreciate an exclusive appearance – whether for their car, their clothes, and even their home,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “A lower roofline, slim-line lights and muscular haunches around the wheel arches ensure the all-new S-MAX appears wider, sharper, and has an even more distinctive presence than ever.”

The sleeker styling makes economical use of graphic design features to avoid “visual noise”. The front pillar is moved further back to create a longer, sculpted bonnet for a more premium appearance. A raised chrome trapezoidal grille and slim headlamp design give a technical and cutting-edge look.

The charismatic S-MAX silhouette and distinctive window-line is now even more desirable, complemented by signature LED Day Time Running Lights and technically styled rear LED taillights that add visual width. They are connected by a signature satin chrome strip. A rear diffuser separates integrated exhaust pipes for a modern, sporty feel.

Inside, a mature, sophisticated and dynamic feel includes a sculpted centre console that flows from the upper instrument panel; aluminium accent above the glovebox; and stadium style seating design for second and third row seating space. The open and airy interior benefits from a full-length panoramic glass roof and smart design seats with thinner seat backs to provide more legroom.

Soft-touch materials and accent stitching are used throughout the all-new S-MAX interior. Materials can resist the wear and tear delivered by active families through anti-stain coatings and durability testing including soil and coffee application.

Engineers even meticulously simulate the punishment interiors can receive from being snagged by zips and studs. A metal ball with needle-sharp spikes called a mace, just like the medieval weapon, is used to brush the fabrics 600 times. 

“The all-new S-MAX interior offers a dynamic sanctuary. It calms occupants with more storage options to keep clutter at bay and reassures with modern, elegant design and refinement, but at the same time stimulates with padded materials and a driver-focused cockpit,” said Hak Soo Ha, Ford interior design manager. “Driver confidence is also supported with an interior design that minimises window and mirror reflections for better visibility, and provides intuitive analogue controls.”

Sitting comfortably

Available in five-seat and seven-seat configurations, the all-new S-MAX is optimised for comfort and functionality. The Easy-Fold system enables each rear seat to be folded flat from a push-button control panel. Easy-Entry second row seats provide one touch access to third row seating.

Finding the perfect temperature can now be achieved more quickly with the enhanced heating ventilation and air conditioning system that debuted in Europe with the all-new Ford Mondeo and provides more airflow, is capable of lower temperatures, and is quieter. Recognising that S‑MAX rear passengers expect the same comfort as those in the front, Ford has ensured they can select their own climate settings with auxiliary controls and a dedicated climate system.

Additional sound-deadening materials, improved door seals, and magnetic mass damper technology built into the roof to counteract vibration, make for a quieter cabin, and the S-MAX features first-in-segment heated and cooled Ford Multi-Contour Seats that offer the Active Motion massage function.

“S-MAX will reduce fatigue, aches and pains for both the driver and front passenger by keeping muscles and blood vessels stimulated with the unique wave motion delivered by inflatable cushions within the seats” said Jeroen Lem, research engineer, vehicle interior technology, Ford of Europe. “The advanced system monitors pressure in the individual cushions to feel like a single roller subtly stretching the back, and two intensity settings can be selected from the central touchscreen.”

Front-seat headrests can be adjusted up, down, forward and back, and drivers can tailor their seating position using segment-first power adjustment function for steering column reach and rake, and driver’s seat memory function. A heated steering wheel is also offered on S-MAX for the first time.

Contours and firmness of the rear seats have been refined to deliver optimised comfort for rear seat passengers. The all-new S-MAX interior offers best-in-class solutions for accommodating the storage needs of  occupants, with options including new covered stowage in the instrument panel top, a media storage area incorporated into the centre stack, and concealed under-floor stowage behind the third row seats.

Sixth sense technology

The all-new S-MAX uses camera, radar, and ultrasonic devices to deliver more than 16 remarkable driving technologies that help you drive and control your vehicle safely, including:

• Pre-Collision Assist applies braking if a collision with another vehicle ahead is imminent – first sounding an alert and then displaying a warning onto the windscreen from 5mph up to the maximum speed
• Adaptive LED headlamp technology employs Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System to adjust the headlight beam angle to match the driving environment
• Glare-Free Highbeam technology detects vehicles ahead, both on-coming and travelling in the same direction, and fades out light that could dazzle from the adaptive LED headlamp technology while retaining maximum illumination for other areas

The all-new S-MAX sensor technologies also make parking easier:

• Perpendicular Parking can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars in the same way that Active Park Assist helps drivers to parallel park
• Park-Out Assist helps drivers exit a parallel parking space, the system operating the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake
• Side Parking Aid delivers audible alerts and on-screen distance indicators to obstacles around the vehicle
• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them

Further driver assistance technologies offered with all-new S-MAX include Blind Spot Information System,Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.

All-new S-MAX also introduces Front Split View Camera technology to the segment, which makes negotiating junctions or parking spaces with restricted visibility easier through the use of a 180 degree camera system installed at the front of the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control technology uses forward-facing radar to enable S-MAX drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.

New Intelligent Speed Assist technology enhances the existing Adaptive Speed Limiter system that allows drivers to set a maximum speed, enabling it to adjust the vehicle speed limit according to information received from the Traffic Sign Recognition and onboard navigation systems.

“Speed limiting technology has proved incredibly popular with drivers who want to ensure they avoid incurring speeding fines by unintentionally exceeding the speed limit. Intelligent Speed Assist makes that even easier,” said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor, Ford of Europe.

Advanced chassis technologies

All-new S-MAX debuts in Europe Ford’s precise new Adaptive Front Steering that will make it a joy to negotiate twisty roads. The system optimises steering response, continually changing the ratio between the steering and road wheels according to vehicle speed. At lower speeds, such as when pulling into a parking space or manoeuvring in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn. At higher speeds, it enables S-MAX to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.

Ford’s new integral link rear suspension helps enhance the nameplate’s class-leading driving dynamics with a configuration that features reduced-weight aluminium components, provides more dynamic performance, and significantly improves refinement and ride quality – in particular for rear seat passengers.

Further technologies that improve the driving experience include:

• Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive that delivers superior road-holding and traction performance, offered for S-MAX for the first time
• Torque Steer Compensation and Active Nibble Compensation that cancel out unwanted feedback, forces and vibration

Low emissions and high performance

The all-new S-MAX will enable quiet and effortless cruising with responsive new fuel-efficient diesel or EcoBoost petrol engines.

Diesel engine CO₂ engine emissions will be reduced by an anticipated seven per cent, with options including a 120PS 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed manual transmission and a revised 150PS and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi with manual or PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Active Thermal Management System improves warm-up times to reach peak efficiency faster and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Petrol engine options including Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost with manual transmission and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost with automatic transmission.

S-MAX CO₂ emissions and fuel efficiency also are enhanced with Smart Regenerative Charging and Auto-Start-Stop. Underbody aerodynamic shielding and Active Grille Shutter technology have improved aerodynamic efficiency with performance optimised during 400 hours of wind tunnel testing.

Improved active and passive safety

S-MAX has been designed to help ensure you arrive at your destination not just relaxed, but also safe and sound. The body structure of the all-new S-MAX is three per cent stronger through the increased use of ultra-high strength steel, and offers additional active safety features that include, for the first time, second-row seat side-airbags.

Vehicle stability also is enhanced with Curve Control and Roll Stability Control systems that adjust engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control.

MyKey technology will enable owners to programme a key –usually for younger drivers – that can inhibit incoming phone calls; restrict top speed; prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reduce audio system maximum volume, and disable the audio system altogether if occupants are not using safety belts.

Features that simplify your life

The traditional instrument cluster makes way for an optional driver-facing 10-inch digital screen with animated analogue-style speedometer and rev-counter. Users also can customise the display settings and 3D graphics on the digital screen for a personalised and interactive experience.

An 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen in the centre console enables drivers to control Ford SYNC 2 with Voice Control to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. Drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by saying: “I’m hungry”.

SYNC 2 also features Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

S-MAX will for the first time be offered with the Hands-Free Tailgate that can be opened or closed using a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper. Half of new Ford Kuga customers opted for this feature last year after the model became the first mid-sized SUV in Europe to offer the technology.

“Developed without compromise to deliver a peerless combination of style, comfort, flexibility, efficiency and driving appeal, the all-new S-MAX is underpinned with innovative and in many cases unique technologies,” said Andrew Kernahan, Ford S-MAX chief programme engineer. “This is a vehicle that looks and feels great in any situation and delivers for customers with the highest expectations.”

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.”