Test drive Ford Focus C-Max 2003-2007 Minivan

"Focuses" continue

Ford displays the largest Focus C-Max to the market

The evolution of this model once again proves the speed of life and the swiftness of progress in the automotive industry. The fact that five years ago seemed a serious breakthrough both in design and in technology, today is perceived quite ordinary. The 1998 car on both sides of the Atlantic, the most successful news Ford over the past decade is now going and in Russia it was also difficult to believe in this immediately after the default. Focus is still in demand in the markets, and especially in Russian, but in C-class it is no longer as free as before. Over the years, competitors have squeezed his positions, and literally this fall, he will have new, even more serious rivals. It is not without reason that rumors about the imminent appearance of the second generation Focus are more persistent. The representation of the C-Max can be considered a big step along this path, although it belongs to the Focus family, it is still significantly different from the original source and acts as an independent model.

Faces, forms and content

The manufacturer prefers to call the Ford Focus C-MAX medium-sized family car. It sounds convincing, but not too specifically. At the site near the Austrian city of Graz, from where the test began, I saw anything more than a number of compact minivans to this type of machine and should be attributed to the novelty. And it was worth throwing a luggage into the trunk and looking into the salon, as I understood that the designers were a clever trick: outside the car seems less than it really is. Actually, the C-Max is longer, wider and above the Focus we know, its wheelbase is increased by 25 mm, and the track is 40 mm. But it looks no less sporty.

Later, at the evening press conference, the dynamism of the C-Max appearance was emphasized repeatedly. But whether it is possible by compactwane to judge the appearance of the future generation Focus this question was surrounded by a conspiracy of silence. Meanwhile, changes in the exterior, in my opinion, are fundamental, and, it seems, is quite logical. At one time, the New Edge style became a bold revelation. But either since then there have been too many similar faces, or the buyer's eye began to get tired of the abundance of sharp corners and lines, but now we are dealing with a softer and smooth version of the New Edge, as the designers themselves say. If we consider C-Max from nose to feed, then belonging to the Focus family is guessed unmistakably. What are only characteristic headlights (by the way, they can be on order by bi-ksenon). But further, behind the headlights, almost no detail does not cut the look. The swift, but smooth rise of the hood, inclined windshield, a sloping roof ending with a spoiler, a convex rear door, large vertical lights in the feed racks everything is harmonious, as if polished by the oncoming wind. It is no wonder that the aerodynamic resistance coefficient (CD \u003d 0.31) is extremely small for minivan.

C-Max is especially good with a sport packet, which is offered as an option with an original design of the air intake and radiator grille, with moldings on the sides, on 18-inch casting disks with low-profile rubber. And in fact, a sports, but at the same time family car.

The first thing you involuntarily pay attention to when climbing into a car is an extremely convenient landing. I do not think that this is a feature of my complexion, but with extraordinary ease I brought myself to the driver's seat through a wide doorway. It seems that there is enough space for a giant. Immediately starting the engine and turning on the air conditioner to full power due to the incredible heat, I decided to cool and leisurely consider the interior. Here you should make a remark: air conditioning or a separate climate control system (for top versions) have a wonderful feature. In most cars I know, the temperature in the cabin cannot be set below 18 degrees. C-Max generously offers not to limit itself to anything and turn the interior at least into a refrigerator: you can set 16 degrees, or you can completely provide continuous cooling. A matter of taste and resistance of the body to the temperature difference.

In this model, Ford generally relied not so much on practicality (although this cannot be taken away), but for comfort. First of all, the C-MAX car is five-seater, while it is not inferior in terms of dimensions, and in some cases exceeds 7-seater compactives. The refusal of the third row of seats allowed to ensure more than decent conditions of existence in the way to the rear passengers. In my opinion, three adults from behind will still be cramped, but two can get in a korolevsky, having 946 mm for the legs and 38 mm in the knees. The level of comfort, according to the manufacturer, in this case corresponds to the business class. Perhaps if the car is equipped with a special system of transformation of the rear seats, which is standardly installed in the trims Trend and Ghia. Then it is easy to turn the central seat into a wide armrest a table with cup holders, or to push into the trunk completely, while the extreme seats move not only forward, but also to each other. The volume of the trunk is 582, and with the rear seats removed 1692 liters. Impressive.

Well, if there is a system of transformation of seats, it is a sin not to order an audio system Sony Premium and a multimedia entertainment system for rear passengers with headphones, games, and displays mounted in the roof. By the way, DVDs, books and any other trifle fit perfectly in two boxes under the rear seats. In total, in the C-Max 11 different compartments, including a glove box of 10.5 liters, underground niches, open boxes. The salon as a whole makes a pleasant impression and is able to give a feeling of comfort.

On the run

What you evaluate similarity, it is worth driving the first kilometers is a wonderful organization of the driver's seat. In the C-Max, a person behind the wheel is certainly no less convenient than in the Sedan or in the Focus hatchback. A high landing provides an excellent review, the steering column and the seat have very decent range of adjustments, the can of the can, and not the Vanovskaya small in diameter, without a noticeable inclination, leather and with knitting needles for aluminum. I especially liked the location of the gearbox lever at the bottom of the central console, so you can reach with your finger to the climate control buttons without removing your hands from it. In addition, the driver's seat is equipped with a leap armor. It's funny, but you can’t order the same armrest for the front passenger. But you can install a common one, between the seats, and even with two cup holders and an additional compartment containing as many as 12 cans of 0.33 liters or one 1.5-liter bottle and 9 cans. But only in versions of Trend and Ghia, because they do not have the usual handbrake: for the first time Ford cars supplied to the European market are equipped with an electric parking brake (EPB). It turns on and turns off automatically.

Journalists were offered versions with modified and new engines. I started a 1.8 -liter Duratec gasoline Duratec gasoline, given its relevance to the Russian market. It is essentially a deformed 120-horsepower version of the motor, well known in Ford Mondeo, but with an improved torque. I will say right away, and the moment of 165 Nm does not save him in lower gears even with a 5-speed mechanics engine openly drilled at start and does not live up to three and a half thousand revolutions. And even if you try to promote the engine and abruptly throw the clutch, you will not achieve instant and effective acceleration. Further after 40 50 km/h, everything is in order, the C-Max is confidently accelerated, and there is no doubt precisely 10.8 seconds to hundreds, up to the set of maximum speed. Why is that?

The whole thing is in accordance with the Euro-4 standards that enter into force in a few years, and to which each serious manufacturer must be ready today. Euro-4 is the threshold in which the car stops going, speaking in simple language. Tough requirements for the content of harmful substances in exhaust gases force to calculate the power plant parameters in such a way that, with unhurried movement (I remind you, the higher the speed, the better the emission indicators) the car fully consistent with it. Hence the stretched first and second gear and impoverished mixture. Of course, this is a problem not only for Ford, but for any manufacturer. Moreover, I happened to try out several sports type cars with engines that meet Euro-4 standards.

I must make a reservation: I am far from the desire to complain about the excessive rigidity of environmental standards. On the contrary, I am convinced that it is necessary to take care of the purity of air and human health by any means, and primarily in Russia, where there is a real environmental lawlessness. And at the same time I am sure that everyone will be able to continue to go quickly the whole thing in the latest technologies. In fact, we live during the period of fascinating competition of automobile companies, including the right to sell dynamic and friendly to the environment.

The next day, I tested a new diesel Duratorg (Euro-3) with a volume of 2.0 liters, combined with a new 6-speed mechanical gearbox. And, without exaggeration, he experienced great pleasure. The 136-horsepower engine with an excellent twisting moment of 320 Nm provides compactwane with just such an acceleration that you are waiting. Moreover, under the accelerator pedal, it seems, there is always enough power to feel a jerk, whether in the first or even in sixth gear. Of course, a characteristic diesel diesel dieset is heard, especially from the outside (noise insulation of the salon at a height), vibration at low speeds is also felt, but it is not at all criminal. In general, the C-Max with such a motor should arrange a family person who did not have time to lose interest in swift riding.

Among the new diesel engines and a 1.6-liter unit. It is also very good: quiet, traction, economical. About the prospects of cars with different engines in the Russian market a little later, but still a little about the running qualities.

Perhaps the main advantage of the C-Max is that, despite his dimensions, he is managed, I would say so easily and reliably. An increase by 20% compared with other Focus models, the body rigidity of the body best affects the behavior of the car. It is perfectly controlled in steep turns and at high speed. Minor rolls in corners cannot be frightened, but, say, at a speed of about 200 km/h the sensation of the road does not disappear. These qualities are provided by the design of the body and suspensions.

A new subframe appeared in the bow that increases resistance to twisting. The front suspension has become more rigid, capable of adding additional severity to steering. Yes, and the back with a reptile stability stabilizer, with all the desire of engineers to provide decent comfort, does not seem too soft. But the very successful, from my point of view, the algorithm for the operation of the electro -hydraulic steering amplifier should be highlighted. At low speeds and when parking, he will allow him to be fragile with a fragile lady with compactwhen, and in corners and at decent speeds gives the driver a fairly clear picture of what is happening between the wheels and the road. According to my sensations after 120 130 km/h, it completely turns off. And it is right.

By the way, about the ladies. The clutch pedal is not at all tight, with a rather short stroke. However, the moment of adhesion can be felt. And the brakes are good: the front ventilated (on diesel modifications and the rear too), with the ABS and the electronic system of distribution of brake forces, guaranteeing a stop at a speed of 100 km/h at a piece of only 40 meters. Among the active security systems are also Brake Assist and the course stability system (option for all countries except Germany).

Passive c-max safety is the front and side airbags, as well as side curtains and three-point belts for all five passengers. In addition, the pedal node is folding during the frontal blow, and the steering column drives forward.

Market prospects

Focus C-Max took a niche between the compact Fusion and the seven-seater Galaxy in the line of Ford. Oddly enough, but in this niche it should not be too crowded. Due to the fact that five -seater competitors are mostly inferior to him in dimensions, and seven -seater in terms of comfort for the rear passengers. The most serious rivals in the company are Opel Zafira and Renault Scenic.

C-Max will appear in Russia in October, and at first only with a 1.8 liter engine. Later we promise versions with motors of 1.6 and 2.0 liters, as well as with CVT variator. Prices for the weakest modification of 1.6 in our market will start from 15,500 euros.

It is, I emphasize, only about cars with gasoline power plants. It was decided not to supply diesel engines to the Russian market. It's a pity. Perhaps, in fact, the demand for such machines is still small, and the benefit of their operation, taking into account our fuel prices, is insignificant. However, we have interest in diesel cars, and it will certainly grow, especially if you take into account all their improved dynamic characteristics.

Oleg Osipov
 
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 17 (40), 2003]