The Ford is taking aim at the Toyota Prius v with the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi.
Ford is taking direct aim at the Toyota Prius v with its new C-MAX Hybrid, announcing that the vehicle would provide better fuel economy and have a lower base price when it goes on sale as a 2013 model.
The company said dealers are not taking orders for the C-MAX, which it says will be the most fuel efficient of a new breed of vehicles it is calling hybrid utility vehicles.
In addition to the hybrid model, later in the year, Ford will introduce the C-MAX Energi, a plug-in hybrid, which it also claims will be more efficient in electric-only mode and have a longer electric driving range than the coming Prius plug-in hybrid.
The C-MAX Hybrid will carry a base price of $25,995, although the company did not say if that includes destination charges.
“C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup – from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles – because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time.”
C-MAX will also feature class-exclusive technologies including Ford’s new hands-free liftgate, active park assist for easier parallel parking and improved versions of SmartGauge and EcoGuide, which help drivers increase their fuel economy.
Ford said that C-MAX will help Ford triple its electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013.
Dealers have started taking orders for the vehicle.