stevedebi

Driving those short distances is absolutely the worst kind of driving for a hybrid. The engine doesn't have time to warm up. I'm not sure if that model has seat heaters, they help a lot for not using the heat. Turning on the heat will cause the ICE to engage with the hybrid model, because that engine is the only heat source. The good news is that in warmer weather your mileage should go way up.

Out west I can't keep it below 75 in AZ and NM. Hurts the MPG, but I just can't handle the slower speeds... Even CA is 70 (so everyone drives 75-80). Desert can be so boring. I got about 36 on my last trip to Albuquerque from LA. Mostly at around 75. The Energi has a slightly worse final ratio though, and is 200 lbs heavier.

No, doesn't look like it: http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Air/MobileSources/CleanCars/Pages/states.aspx

You can disable traction control via the left hand settings screen, but you have to do it every time you power up the car.

It is possible to pursue a lemon law after the basic warranty expires. You would have to check with the applicable laws in your state.

What state are you in? The CARB states warranty the eCVT for 10 years / 150K miles.

Just a note, probably a typo, but the standard warranty is 3 years / 36K, not 2 years.

Just a note, I read that the advantage of the DSG was in cost more than anything else. I agree that Ford should have put the HVB under the rear seat. I suspect the reason they didn't is that they were using a standard battery pack and it wouldn't fit, and that they wanted a design that worked for the Energi as well as hybrid, and could not split the batteries without active cooling. To use air cooling, you need a larger space.

Yeah, I suppose folks on this forum would be more interested in the hybrid. I own the plug-in, so I was quoting those numbers.

The DCT is not going to be more efficient than the eCVT. It is cheaper, but six gears is inherently not as efficient as infinite gears. Everything I've read emphasized the cost and that it is more natural to drive, not that it is better at MPG. EDIT: Not sure about weight, as to which one may be lighter.

Paul, Interesting to know. You are the only person I've read of that uses premium. Some cars are programmed to adjust timing to match the octane, I had not realized the C-Max was one of those (it isn't in the owner manual). Well, it made me look at the OM again. They specifically mention Octane levels below 87 at high altitudes, and say not to use it.

Nope, the FOB would not be covered... Did I miss mention of the FOB somewhere?

The only test drives have been with the prototype last year. It had a rough ride, but they may have adjusted that. I had not read about the 12v battery. They could just run off of the HVB for starting, I suppose. I myself predict about 42 on the highway, maybe 47 in town. Could be more, we will see when the EPA numbers come out.

For those who don't follow the thread, the break even cost was about 19 bucks a gallon for a plug in to break even in 4 years. That was for the Fusion Enerigi, the best of the examined brands. Not sure, that might be Canadian, in which case the number would be $13 per gallon.

DSG transmissions are fun to drive, but complicated to maintain. We have one on our VW. Not sure about theirs, but the VW model has a 40K maintenance that costs about 350 bucks. For reference, the cD of the C-Max is .30; this one is .29. The better mileage would come from the smaller engine and lower overall weight. They indicated that the height will be 65 inches or so. The C-Max is 63 inches high (but it isn't an SUV). If correct, that is going to be trouble for the MPG.

Paul, I just checked and the maximum is 8 years and 150K. EDIT: That is, the maximum Ford Genuine ESP warranty is 8 / 150K. Costs about 3K including first day rental, with zero deductible. ESP PremiumCare, covers basically everything except wear/tear items like tires and belts.

I don't think the C-Max is rated for 91. They recommend 87 minimum. I would not run 91 in mine.

I think a 2017 model would have already been shown off at the auto shows. It would be selling this fall...

Wonder what he's smoking? Those pictures are of some kind of solar project that has been seen before, as a 2016 I think. But the color hasn't been used since 2014, and there is no way that small a solar array would power a hybrid. Not even close to anything real.

This is the first mention of the C240 project I could find since ... 2014. And nothing is confirmed by Ford at all. Sounds like it won't be a C-Max though.

The Prius has always been ugly in my opinion. It is just worse in this latest model. I compared the Prius V when shopping for my C-Max. I'm sure I could have squeezed 50 MPG in town, but the interior felt cheap, and it was very bus-like when driving. Not nearly enough visibility back in the rear.

I've not heard anything from my Pano Roof, even running in EV.

Considering the Euro redesign has been out a while (and not even a rumor about an updated US model), I'm still not sure they will even continue production. Let's hope so, my lease is up in 2017.

No, the shareholders will foot the bill as the loan is repaid. Ford did the smart thing and used Federal money, rather than higher interest bank loans.

It accelerates like a "bat-out-of-you-know-where" at any speed, and has excellent driving characteristics. The US Passat also has special seats that are considerably wider than other VWs, to accommodate American, um, bottoms. It also turns tighter than our Civic. Seating position and visibility are not the strong suits. The profile is low and the windows are small compared to the C-Max. Plus, it gets 42 MPG at 75 MPH.