Ford projects that its upcoming C-MAX Hybrid will achieve 44 mpg highway and 47 mpg city – higher fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v's 40 mpg highway and 44 mpg city ratings, according to Ford.
The company expects to offer the C-MAX Hybrid at a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery, resulting in an estimated payback period of two years for the vehicle. According to Ford, the C-MAX's projected base price is $1,300 lower than that of the Toyota Prius v.
‘The C-MAX Hybrid builds on Ford's 20 years of hybrid innovation and fuel-efficient offerings to take on Prius v with better city fuel economy at 47 mpg and at better value – a great chance for us to shake up the hybrid market,’ says Raj Nair, Ford's group vice president of global product development.
When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, and the lithium-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the vehicle's regenerative braking system recaptures more than 95% of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery, Ford says.
Other features include a hands-free liftgate, optional active park assist, and the latest-generation SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which provides information such as instantaneous fuel economy to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle's efficiency.
The C-MAX Hybrid, which is being produced at Ford's Wayne, Mich.-based assembly plant, will be available this fall.
