What is it? Ford says it will jump into the mini-minivan market with its European Focus Grand C-Max when it introduces the next generation of the van in late 2011. As the name implies, the Grand C-Max is based on the overseas Focus, though this taller people mover has sliding rear doors and seating for seven. A smaller five-passenger C-Max is not planned for U.S. sale.
The Grand C-Max will join an underrated sub-class of mini-minivans here in the United States. There are only two such vehicles on the market today, and neither setting the sales charts on fire: the Mazda5 and the Kia Rondo. However, both are efficient, smart packages that have performed well in our tests and make appealing alternatives to more traditional car types.
The C-Max will have a new four-cylinder Ecoboost engine, with turbocharging and direct injection. Ford estimates the Grand C-Max will have about 180 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. At least in Europe, the vehicle will offer start-stop technology that turns off the engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when needed, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Electronic aids such as blind-spot detection and Ford's semi-automatic parking system will be available.
The C-Max will give Ford dealerships an alternative to a more traditional crossover vehicles and SUVs--an important proactive move in a tough economy and with tightening fuel economy regulations. Chevrolet will offer a similar concept when their small Cruze-based people mover, the Orlando, goes on sale in 2011, as well.
