2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Has the Toyota Prius v in Its Sights

WATERTOWN, MASS. (05/29/2012)(readMedia)-- With fuel economy now a prime consideration for many American car buyers, Ford has vowed to triple its electrified-vehicle production capacity by 2013 to meet the rising demand for efficient vehicles. The automaker's efforts have resulted in its first hybrid-only vehicle line in North America: the 2013 Ford C-MAX compact utility. Now available for pre-order at Ford dealerships, the C-MAX Hybrid will make its nationwide debut this fall, while the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will arrive later in the year.

Directly targeting the Prius v, the largest member of Toyota's Prius lineup, Ford claims that the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will offer superior fuel efficiency and performance, all at a price that starts at roughly $500 less than its Japanese competitor. Though EPA fuel-economy estimates have yet to be set, both C-MAX models will use a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine, along with a powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. By comparison, the Prius v features a 1.8-liter engine and a nickel-metal hydride battery along with its electric motor, returning 40 mpg on the highway.

"The C-MAX Hybrid's use of a lightweight lithium-ion battery will help it beat the Prius v in fuel efficiency, and the C-MAX Energi is even expected to have better electric-mode fuel economy than the Prius Plug-in," said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealership. "Ford has struck the right balance between affordability, capability and fuel efficiency in the C-MAX, creating a vehicle that will even appeal to those who have not previously considered a hybrid."

While the Toyota Prius v and Ford C-MAX can both accommodate up to five passengers, occupants in the C-MAX will have more room to breathe, with greater overall passenger space and more headroom in the front and the back. When owners need to maximize cargo space, the C-MAX can fit in 54.3 cubic-feet of gear with the back seats folded flat, an area that can be accessed through an available hands-free liftgate that opens by swinging a foot under the bumper. There is also a hidden storage compartment in the floor behind the driver's seat, a prime spot for smaller items like books, maps or even a tablet PC.

For buyers looking for a similar mix of versatility and fuel economy without having to wait until the fall, the 2013 Ford Escape currently arriving at dealerships offers even greater capability without sacrificing efficiency. Available with two of Ford's innovative EcoBoost engines, the all-new Escape compact SUV can return a class-leading 33 mpg on the highway with a 1.6-liter powerplant or tow up to 3,500 pounds with a more powerful 2.0-liter unit. Meanwhile, an Intelligent 4WD System is available for maintaining performance when road conditions are harsh.

Inside, the Escape features plenty of cargo capacity, opening up to 68.1 cubic-feet of space behind the front seats, and more than half of that area is still available with the back seats occupied. The rear cargo floor is even adjustable in select models to provide a completely flat loading surface or to maximize vertical space.

"When it comes to utilizing space, the level of thought behind the new Escape is very impressive; it has everything from umbrella and parking-ticket holders to hidden compartments," King noted. "Both the 2013 Ford Escape and C-MAX make the days of having to choose between utility and fuel efficiency a distant memory. It's going to be an uphill battle for the competition to catch up."

About Watertown Ford:

Watertown Ford is where Greater Boston Ford lovers head for the best deals on new and used Fords. No other Massachusetts Ford dealer has the same dedication to the customer, and that dedication has earned Watertown Ford the loyalty of Ford owners all over the state. Their new and used Ford inventory can be viewed online at www.watertownford.com, and interested customers can visit their showroom at 625 Pleasant St. in Watertown, Massachusetts. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyWatertownFord and reached by phone at 800-584-6486.