(September 15, 2009) DEARBORN, Mich. — In conjunction with the Frankfurt Auto Show, Ford Motor Company held a Dearborn version of the company’s announcement of an all-new Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV), the Ford Focus C-MAX. The “Focus” name will not be used in Europe where the vehicle emanates and at some point the name may be dropped from U.S. models but that remains to be seen.

The C-MAX is the first vehicle on what will be at least a 10-model global C-car platform. There will be two models — a 5-passenger, two-row vehicle simply called C-MAX, and a 7-passenger, three-row version called the Grand C-MAX. The vehicle is an evolution of Ford’s Fiesta. The 7-passenger version will be marketed here in the late-2011 model year and the 5-passenger will follow it in the 2012 model year.

The styling of C-MAX is quite striking and for a small vehicle it speaks loudly. It has a dynamic, rising beltline, full-sculpted surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders and the distinctive kick-up of the C-pillar’s window graphic. The 7-passenger version has a high roofline and twin sliding doors.

Though it seems like its too-small to incorporate three rows of seating, Ford engineers developed a new seat-folding mechanism for the three second-row seats, allowing the center seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats. This creates a handy walk-through space between them (or “crawl-through, depending on the size of the individual). Furthermore, second- and third-row seats can be folded to create a flat load floor regardless of how many seats remain in use. All folding mechanisms are designed to operate with one hand.

The interior seems awesome in its design and resembled a much-larger and more luxurious vehicle. There’s a taut, wing-like upper instrument panel that stretches to the sides of the interior and a dramatic sweeping form that connects the IP with the center console. Storage areas are plentiful throughout the cabin. There will be Sony Audio Systems, parking assist, blind-spot information systems and other safety and convenience features available. One of the key “ingredients” of the C-MAX will be its powerplant.

In many markets the new C-car will be offered with versions of Ford’s new EcoBoost engines. Initial EcoBoost engine will be the four-cylinder 1.6L and 2.0L engines. The four-cylinder EcoBoost engines will have all the power of a much-larger V-6 but will have the fuel efficiency of the traditional I-4. Six-speed manuals and automatics will no doubt comprise transmission choices.

Ford is putting a lot of trust in the success of the new C-MAX. It will be some time before we’ll get the opportunity to test drive one but if it performs anywhere close to its expectations Ford will have another arrow to put in its steadily-growing quiver.

— Al Vinikour