By Bill Schaffer
The Toyota Prius may finally have a worthy competitor in Ford’s new C-Max hybrid.
In a classic case of one-upmanship, Ford rolled out its interpretation of the hybrid and their vision is impressive. I had a chance to spend a few hours in Ford’s first dedicated gas/electric hybrid driving through the hills north of Los Angeles and it was clear that Ford engineers had done their homework.
Rather than re-inventing the wheel, they have Americanized and hybridized the successful European C-Max. For reference, the new C-Max is about the same length as the last generation Ford Escape or the Toyota Prius. It’s a five-door hatchback wagon-style configuration, which many people are calling a mini-minivan, but I say it falls more in the crossover category, similar in concept to the Mazda5.
It’s a comfortable and roomy vehicle for its size and capable of carrying five adults and luggage. In fact, with ...