lanthony

The interface is relatively easy and straightforward. The "Voice" to Navigation is nice. Just speak "Destination" and you receive a prompt to supply the POI or address, and away it goes. The cartography has a few issues, but it looks good. I was a Computer Cartographer for some 25 years. It is better than most I've seen. I reside in the last area within the continental US to be mapped, and most maps here are still provisional. I am sure most of the US is better than Southern Utah when it comes to this. The C-Max is a real quality ride, much better than the VW or Prius. I think anybody that is unbiased would readily agree after driving one. Ford is using new Lithium Ion technology that uses some 30% less precious metals in thier version of LI batteries. There is new technology out there that will replace all the precious metals I see lately (Gizmag), required in the lithium ion batteries. LI have a lot of advantages. You can go online and see for yourself. They are very lightweight for one. They recharge much faster allowing the Volt and C-Max to charge back up quickly. One small downhill with the C-Max, riding the breaks a little, will fully charge the C-Max's 1.2 KW LI battery. I am pasting in below something from "How Stuff Works," to better explain the differences. The most obvious difference between Li-ion and NiMH batteries is the material used to store power. Lithium-ion batteries are made of carbon and highly reactive lithium, which can store a lot of energy. Nickel metal hydride batteries use hydrogen to store energy, with nickel and another metal (such as titanium) keeping a lid on the hydrogen ions. With these different structures there are, of course, several practical differences, too: Cost: Nickel metal hydride batteries are, right now, the less-expensive technology. As production of lithium-ion cells ramps up, though, economies of scale come into play and the cost of Li-ion cells should drop. When more vehicles require more batteries, each individual battery becomes less expensive to manufacture. Weight: NiMH batteries are larger and heavier than Li-ion batteries. Weight matters in hybrid cars, since the battery power will have to overcome the vehicle's inertia (without any help from the gasoline engine) for maximum mileage. Lighter battery packs with higher energy density make it easier to get the car going. Power: Li-ion and NiMH batteries can actually hold a similar amount of power, but the lithium-ion cells can be charged and discharged more rapidly. Li-ion also doesn't have as much of a "memory effect," which occurs when a battery is recharged before it is fully empty. This can diminish a battery's capacity. Lithium-ion batteries are less affected by memory effect than NiMH batteries are [source: Hitachi]. Durability: While both types of batteries are durable and both have been in use for years in various applications, this is the one area where NiMH has an advantage. Some Li-ion batteries don't last as long in extreme temperatures, particularly in very hot climates. But manufacturers are working to improve the chemistry to make the Li-ion batteries last as long as the vehicles they power.

Cruising around neighborhoods and side streets, fairly flat, with the cruise on 25 and 30 for most of the time, with some 10-15 MPH, the C-Max registered 52.3 MPG. Before I came back home, taking me slightly uphill, the C-Max was showing just below 60 MPG. 52.3 was the total for the entire in town trip. Not bad. If I were driving on totally flat terrain, I would bet 55+ at these speeds. LN

Reviews, including Car and Driver, whole heartedly favored the C-Max over the Prius V. The prius V has more cargo space but the C-Max has a lot too. I am a big guy and I cannot even fit into a prius other than the passenger seat. The power, quietness and comfort reside with the C-Max, no question. The C-Max is like a small luxury car. It rates way above my Golf TDI in comfort. I liked my TDI except that it was extremely noisy and I had to get down low to get in and out of it. The C-Max has a tire repair system. Fill the flat with the goop and air and away you go? Supposedly good for nail size punctures. So it has no spare persay. I think the batteries are guanteed for eight years. Everyone seem to be going to Lithium Ion. The C-Max batteries are made by Sanyo of Japan? Overall the C-Max in a much more substantial vehical than the Prius or Golf. Really no comparison.

Just pulled in from my 394 mile trip through Nothern Arizona and Southern Utah. This included Dixie National Forest, Zion National Park and every place in between. More hills and mountains followed by more hills and mountains. My C-Max Hybrid runs and rides beautifully. I traded in my 2010 VW Golf TDI. There is no comparison in ride, quality, quietness and on and on. I liked my TDI power and paddle shifters but I think this has more power as well! Through rough and rugged terain, even at elevation, 3000-8,500 ft/msl, she averaged 42.2 mpg. The continual veriable transmission does not lose one MPH. And no shifting. It's perfect. The C-Max computer and the gas pump were almost exact. Within a couple of tenths. I was impressed The EV mode is impressive as well. I pulled out of my driveway in EV mode. Drove in and around the Wallmart parking lot, it stays in EV. Down a hill will charge the battery. It then goes into EV mode, on up to about 65mpg or until you hit the next hill. EV is great. I think the C-Max Energi will be the bomb. It comes in at about $6K over mine, the normal hybrid? I bought my C-Max at Bell Ford in Phoenix. I did not want the normal dealer add ons over sticker, so I negotiated for exact sticker minus $1000.00. They gave me $18,250 for my Golf TDI. I did not want to take less than 19K, but ended up comproming. Their first offer on the TDI was 16K. Their finance guy ended up selling me the Ford Maintenance package and replacement parts/labor coverage for 5 additional years. I wouldn't bite at first. Why did I end up doing it? He lowered his interest rate offer below my banks best offers until it came in within 200 bucks of it paying for itself. And I am with USAA Bank. So, this worked out and I think I got a great deal? Normally I would not go for all of this after the sale stuff, but this is a new vehicle and a hybrid, and the price, so away I went. My C-Max is Platinum White, Stone Leather and loaded. There is not one option this does not have. Nav/Sony/Parks itself, etc., etc.. Not exactly what I was going for, but? I loved the vehicle and by local dealer had no clue if they would ever get one, so I bit and bought. Really liked the guys and gals at Bell Ford in Phoenix. Really professional folks. During a couple of flat stretches, going 65-67 mph, it appeared to get over 50 MPG. I think smart driving in town and in normal highway terain, I will see 48 to 50+ MPG. We'll see! LN

Typo in last message: "pushing" upwards of 7000 FT/MSL. Sorry, LN

Just purchased the first C-Max Hybrid in Arizona. Great to Drive. I traded in my 2010 Golf TDI. Much better ride and quiet. I liked my TDI Power but my C-Max so far, is great! First MPG test came in at exactly 44.0 MPG mixed. This in Northern AZ at 4000-5000 MSL, in hills. Today I got 45.3 mixed but mostly city. Very hilly where I live. I love it. My C-Max is loaded with every option, on top of the already SEL package. This weekend I will take a longer trip between Page, AZ and Cedar City, UT. This is in extremely hilly terrain including several elevations puching upwards of 7000 FT/MSL. I'll let you khow. LN