Ford's new C-Max Hybrid — 47 highway, 47 city, 47 combined
(August 7, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford once again raises the hybrid fuel-economy bar with the all-new Ford C-Max Hybrid, which is now officially EPA-certified at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined — beating Toyota Prius v by up to 7 mpg.
The certification is significant because it makes C-Max Hybrid the first hybrid vehicle to offer 47 mpg across the board. Also, hybrids traditionally have been more economical in city driving than on the highway, unlike conventional vehicles.
C-Max Hybrid, however, returns the same fuel economy whether driving cross-country or across the city – stemming mostly from a growing list of Ford innovations that have helped the vehicle to deliver an impressive list of metrics, such as a top speed of up to 62 mph in EV mode.
“The all-new C-Max Hybrid is a great symbol of how Ford has transformed into a fuel-economy and technology leader with 47 mpg across the board and a highway rating 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v,” said Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering Joe Bakaj. “We’ve done this with innovation – represented by nearly 500 hybrid patents – while driving costs down 30 percent so we can bring these fuel-saving vehicles to more customers.”
Among the Ford innovations helping C-Max Hybrid drivers enjoy maximum fuel economy are the patented SmartGauge with EcoGuide that coaches for top fuel efficiency by providing growing green leaves in the gauge cluster as a reward for economical driving; and ECO Cruise, a feature that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.
Hybrid vehicle drivers traditionally saw superior fuel-economy figures in city driving, so loyalists maximized their fuel economy through regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic. But now, higher-speed innovations have caught up on efficiency.
“City, highway and everywhere in between, C-Max Hybrid is EPA-certified at 47 mpg,” Bakaj said. “It’s a win-win-win.”
C-Max Hybrid is expected to be America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle with a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery, which is $1,300 lower than Toyota Prius v. C-Max Hybrid is currently available for order at select dealerships.