n2scuba

Thanks, guys. I suspect Adrian is correct about the lack of room for a brake assist device, but I also suspect others are correct that it's a marketing decision and Ford is just not motivated to equip this car with a state-of-the-art safety package.

I've been lurking as a potential buyer for almost three years now -- unfortunately long enough to have the fabulous Ice Storm color disappear from the offerings. The C-Max is the right size for me and just plain fun to drive. My interest goes back to 2013, but I thought if I waited, I could eventually get a safety package with today's technology, even if I had to pay extra. But where's the rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, and, most importantly for me, forward collision warning and braking assist? Ford has this technology available on its other models. Why not for the C-Max? Does anyone know whether the 2017 C-Max is expected to offer these items? Thanks.

I'm lurking but ready to buy a C-Max and am devastated they dropped the Ice Storm. Even considered looking for a 2014 in Ice Storm. None left in my area. Now they're dropping the Blue Candy and adding what appears to be a Navy blue. Booooring. Ice Storm, Turquoise or bright yellow? I'd buy one ASAP.

Holy heck. I have a lot more to learn. I didn't realize that was an option. Installing a 240 for me would entail the added expense of needing to expand my electrical panel which is currently full and in need of updating, something I need to do anyway, but not immediately.

Thanks, Blue Tom. I am indeed looking into a two-year lease. I'm awaiting a quote on the cost of a 240 power station installation but am leaning toward going with the Hybrid SEL. If there were a fully loaded (302A) Hybrid SEL or Energi in Ice Storm available in my area for lease, I would grab it. But I'm thinking a Tectonic or Red would be ok for two years while I wait to see if they bring the Caribou color to the States in a C-Max -- or bring back the Ice Storm or something close to it.

Wow. That Energi lease deal with an $8000 rebate sounds awesome.

I appreciate the feedback. Most of my driving involves short trips under 20 mi, and in the Bay Area, I rarely need heat or air-conditioning. But driving only about 4k mi per year, I don't think I would ever make up the difference in cost between the SEL hybrid and the Energi in gas savings. But there is something to be said for just choosing the "greener" alternative. I am particularly intrigued by the posts from C-Max owners who say their only "regret" is not going with the Energi. I am also a little concerned about the cargo space reduction in the Energi. I often make runs to the airport with a couple of guests with a couple of pieces of luggage each. I also need a trunk big enough to conceal its contents while I'm traveling or shopping. I have used my Toyota Corolla Wagon for years for hauling furniture, storm doors, etc, but I'm getting a little too old for hauling heavy items anyway. I too like the fact that the C-Max seating position is high. I test drove a Lexus CT200h and loved the comfort of the driver's seat. But the driver is seated low. I'm not looking for a sports car feel, and getting in and out is difficult at my age. On the other hand, getting into and out of the Ford Escape was equally difficult for me, being too high. The C-Max was easy to enter and exit, just right. But for the colors. Sigh. I haven't seen an Ice Storm C-Max in a Bay Area dealership for months, but I think I would prefer to await the 2016 so that I can get the latest safety upgrades.

I took a C-Max out for a drive. Except for the turn radius, I loved everything about the drive. Just plain fun. I should introduce myself by at least revealing I'm a 71-year-old female. I'm reading this forum to decide on buying versus leasing, as well as Energi versus regular SEL Hybrid. But what's stopping me from moving forward so far is the boring exterior color choices. Seriously? Just because I'm old doesn't mean I don't like color. I loved the Ice Storm color (though paler than I'd prefer) and was disappointed to see it discontinued. Red is at least a real color, but been there, done that. Then I got really excited when I saw the gorgeous 2016 Caribou color introduced at the Paris show. But it's not in the 2016 order brochure. How about a bright yellow, turquoise or teal, or even a Green? After all, this is a "green" car. I drive a car for many years, so color matters. I guess I could lease for a couple of years and wait. At the moment the only "color" I could live with is Tectonic. If the Caribou was available, though, I would buy it ASAP.