The C-Max Energi is a plug-in derivative of the C-Max, which is supposed to be even more efficient because it can run longer in electric-only mode.
FORBES: C-Max: Ford Makes A Great Car -- And Gets Slammed Anyway
Though Ford is concentrating on hybrid versions of C-MAX in the U.S., the designs of C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the gasoline- and diesel-powered European version.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
But no matter how good it is otherwise, the C-Max keeps bringing the conversation back to fuel efficiency.
WSJ: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review: A Fine Car Falls Way Short on MPG | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil
When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Energi uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine - powerful and fuel efficient and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
It got 37 mpg overall in the C-Max, with 35 in the city and 38 on the highway.
FORBES: C-Max: Ford Makes A Great Car -- And Gets Slammed Anyway
From our few minutes in the driver's seat, the C-MAX Energi certainly felt edgier than the Prius, but not quite as satisfying as the Focus Electric.
ENGADGET: Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
Shoppers looking to bracket the C-Max will want to look at the Kia Sportage, which has front-hinged doors, and the Mazda5, which has the sliding doors.
WSJ: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review: A Fine Car Falls Way Short on MPG | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil
While the C-MAX Energi nameplate is new to the U.S. market, the technology and design has proven itself already in other ways and in other places.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
The Ford Fusion Energi joins the C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric as the company's third vehicle with a charging connector and access to California's HOV lanes.
While it's a larger car than the C-MAX Energi, it weighs about the same and features pretty much the same plug-in hybrid powertrain with 195 net horsepower and three EV driving modes.
While the C-MAX Energi nameplate is new to the U.S. market, the technology and design has proven itself already in other ways and in other places with its fresh, modern style that provides plenty of utility.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
Of course, we'll need to do a proper test with the C-Max Energi to get a full feel for the vehicle.
ENGADGET: Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
The C-Max Energi has an EV mode button on the center stack that lets the driver choose between three modes: electric-only driving, normal hybrid mode (which blends electric and gasoline engine power as appropriate) or EV-later mode, which reserves the battery pack power for later use.
FORBES: C-Max: Ford Makes A Great Car -- And Gets Slammed Anyway
At this point they include not only the two C-Max models but also the Focus Electric.
FORBES: C-Max Delivers On Ford Game Plan: Take A Bite Out Of Prius
While we were impressed with the Focus Electric's excellent driving dynamics, we were disappointed with the C-MAX Energi's vague steering and soft handling (this despite sharing the same platform as the Focus).
ENGADGET: Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
But especially with hybrids such as the C-Max, he says, variables such as temperature, a driver's behavior and the engineering choices Ford makes to balance mileage and performance can make a big difference.
That means C-MAX Energi is being built on the same line as C-MAX Hybrid, Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
To wit: While Ford is eager to put C-Max against Prius v and therefore be counted as worthy of comparison with the magnificent Prius brand, C-Max notably is not being compared with the original and still-dominant Prius hatchback with which most American consumers are familiar.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
The new C-MAX Energi also has 60 more horsepower than the Prius plug-in hybrid considering full battery power, along with class-exclusive technologies such as hands-free liftgate and active park assist for easier parallel parking.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
This new feature debuted on the C-MAX Energi and will be featured on Fusion Energi.
The funny thing is, I really, really like the C-Max and would strongly consider buying one.
FORBES: C-Max: Ford Makes A Great Car -- And Gets Slammed Anyway
With big trucks and SUVs in the mix, automakers need small cars like the C-Max to overachieve.
FORBES: C-Max: Ford Makes A Great Car -- And Gets Slammed Anyway
In our brief road trip around the Embarcadero in San Francisco, the C-MAX Energi felt comfortable yet zippy.
ENGADGET: Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
The C-Max's fold-flat rear-seat system is brilliant, and rear cabin access is about as good as anything on the market.
WSJ: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review: A Fine Car Falls Way Short on MPG | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil
But as an apartment dweller with nowhere to plug in a car, the only greener Ford option that would work for me is the C-Max Hybrid.
Since the C-MAX Energi is more than just a regular hybrid, you can choose one of three different driving modes via an EV Mode button on the center stack.
ENGADGET: Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
But any consumer comparing the C-Max Hybrid and Prius v also quickly will see that Ford claims 47 mpg overall for C-Max Hybrid while Toyota claims only 40 mpg for Prius v.
FORBES: Consumer Reports Zings Ford Over Hybrid Mileage Ratings
Where does all this leave the C-Max?
WSJ: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review: A Fine Car Falls Way Short on MPG | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil
Three Ford models are represented, including the Focus Electric and the Fusion and C-Max Hybrids, as well as the new-for-2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid.
Because owners plug in to charge the advanced lithium-ion battery in C-MAX Energi, the vehicle is able to achieve increased electric mode and total range.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
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