Ford C-MAX (2015)

In addition, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will be offered with higher quality trims across the entire range, a heated steering wheel, door-sill scuff plates and load-net fitting points behind both the first and second row seats.

Noise, vibration and harshness have been improved through the use of thicker side glass and more absorbent seals around the tailgate and rear view mirror. The engine bay heat shield has been filled with acoustic damping material to reduce powertrain noise, and diesel cars are equipped with extra acoustic seals to further reduce noise intrusion.

Continuing under the bonnet, a retuned dual mass flywheel helps to reduce shaking forces when an engine is under load, while new engine mounts offer improved refinement during Auto Start-Stop operation. On the outside, stiffer, noise- and vibration-optimised alloy wheels have been designed to reduce resonant vibrations.

"We are committed to delivering clean, and intuitive interiors across the entire Ford line-up and C-MAX is the latest vehicle to benefit from our comprehensive restyling programme," said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. "The new C-MAX has received its most significant remodelling to date and is now more comfortable, more practical, and delivers the best driving experience in its segment."

Sensing danger

The new C-MAX family is equipped with advanced Ford technologies that help drivers avoid or mitigate incidents - from scrapes and bumps while parking to more serious, higher speed collisions.

Ford's Active Park Assist system locates suitably-sized parking spaces and, at the push of a button, steers a vehicle in to the space while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. C MAX and Grand C-MAX add Perpendicular Parking capability with the addition of two new ultrasonic sensors at the rear of the car. The system helps drivers reverse into spaces side-by-side with other cars.

The extra sensors also enable two additional technologies that help drivers as they manoeuvre out of parking spaces:

• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Operating with radar at a range of up to 40 metres (131 feet), the system will issue three distinct warning signals if it detects a vehicle approaching from either side
• Park-Out Assist helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space. After the driver has chosen either the left or right hand side the system operates the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake

Ford also has improved its Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions. New C-MAX offers the latest system that now operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph), up from 30 km/h (19 mph).

In the case of moving objects Active Braking works in a similar way to Active City Stop but with a vehicle speed range of between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 180 km/h (112 mph). It supports drivers at higher speeds, for example on the motorway, by issuing warnings and applying braking as required.

Also new to C-MAX, Ford's Adaptive Cruise Control technology enables drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even when that vehicle is travelling more slowly than the cruise speed. For occasions when Adaptive Cruise Control is not active, Distance Indication enables drivers to set a preferred distance they would like to maintain with the vehicle ahead. Should the driver get any closer, the system issues a three-stage dashboard display warning - from grey to yellow to red.

Better connected with SYNC 2

The new C-MAX family is equipped with Ford's SYNC 2 voice-activated connectivity system that features a high-resolution, 8-inch colour touch screen and advanced voice control for hands-free operation of audio, navigation, climate control and connected mobile phone functions.

SYNC 2's navigation system is supported by map services provider HERE, and offers a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views alongside the MICHELIN guide.

SYNC 2 enables drivers to issue simpler "one-shot" navigation destinations, and to ask the system to "play" a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying "I'm hungry" will bring up a list of local restaurants, which you can then get directions to.

"We have developed SYNC 2 so it is simple and intuitive for drivers to use, and it seamlessly switches between touch screen and voice commands," said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. "Drivers will be able to control more in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel."

The new C-MAX also will be offered with a premium sound system that incorporates 10 Sony speakers, including a subwoofer that is dedicated to the reproduction of low-pitched audio frequencies, or bass, and delivers a more rounded and deeper sound.

Powerful, efficient and dynamic

The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX offer significantly improved CO2 figures and for the first time feature as standard Ford's Auto-Start-Stop technology on EcoBoost petrol and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines. The most improved model is expected to offer a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The new C-MAX family powertrain line-up is being extended to include Ford's fuel-efficient new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with 150 PS and 182 PS, and also will be offered with Ford's new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, delivering 95 PS or 120 PS, and a new ECOnetic version that is expected to deliver 99 g/km CO2 in the five-seat C-MAX. The C-MAX family will continue to be offered with 100 PS and 125 PS versions of the multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

During the first seven months of 2014, more than a quarter of C-MAX models sold in Europe were equipped with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which in 2014 was named International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third consecutive year.

The new 120 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to offer up to a six per cent improvement in CO2 compared to the 1.6-litre diesel it replaces, while delivering 5 PS more power. The revised 2.0-litre diesel is expected to improve emissions by up to 20 per cent and power by over four per cent.

"Ford's new 1.5-litre EcoBoost and TDCi engines are significant additions to a powertrain line-up that offers comprehensive power and fuel efficiency improvements," said Jim Baumbick, Ford's global C-car vehicle line director, "These powertrains also will help make C-MAX the first car in its segment to comply with the latest EU Stage VI emissions regulations across the entire range from launch."

Brighter future

The New C-MAX family is offered with LED Daytime Running Lights, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps and Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle to one of seven settings depending on traffic and road conditions. For example; when cornering at lower speeds, the system will project a beam towards the side of the road to make cyclists and pedestrians more visible. The system also will support drivers cornering at higher speeds by directing light further into the bend.

The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will for the first time offer Ford's MyKey technology, which enables owners to programme a key - usually for younger drivers - that restricts the top speed, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and can disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts. The system also can prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies such as Traction Control.

"C-MAX and Grand C-MAX deliver a more relaxing experience with chassis and interior enhancements, but also with sophisticated driver assistance technologies," Baumbick said. "The ability to see more clearly in challenging conditions, to detect potential accidents and to keep less experienced drivers safe provide additional assurance and reduce stress for drivers whether at the wheel or not."