Ford looses its Prius killer

Ford’s C-Max Energi, a plug-in hybrid, will go farther than the Toyota Prius Plug-in under electric power.

(Credit:
Ford)

Toyota has had an excellent run with the Prius, making it the most popular hybrid in the country. Now Ford will attempt to supplant the Prius’ position with the new C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi, dedicated hybrids that can boast similar specs.

The Prius faced competition from the Honda Insight previously, and handily trashed it, so Ford will be challenging a tested competitor. Previously, Ford put its Fusion Hybrid up against the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but this is the first time Ford has brought out a dedicated hybrid, a characteristic that has helped the Prius maintain its position.

Although the C-Max is launching in the U.S. as a dedicated hybrid, it has been sold in Europe with conventional gasoline and diesel engines. The vehicle is an odd size, sort of a large hatchback. Ford puts it between the Focus and Escape for size and utility.

The C-Max Hybrid uses a 2-liter four-cylinder en… [Read more]

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Ford looses its Prius killer