Maximus

This is a link to the EPA test scenarios http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml For the highway test, the average speed is 48.3 mph with a top speed of 60mph, no stops. The EPA adjusts this test with additional tests, one is for "High Speed" which includes a short little time spend at 80 mph, like only 20 seconds. Still the "High Speed" test averages only 48mph

Congratulations! For the auto hatch door to open, when you kick your foot under the bumper, you have to be standing toward the middle of the bumper, not to either side. There is supposedly a sensor under the bumper to detect your foot kicking, and a sensor in the back of the bumper where you would be standing that detects your leg. This is to make sure the hatch only opens under certain conditions and doesn't open when say a dog walks under the rear bumper.

it must be that only plug in vehicles count, like the C-Max Energi

You're saying it gets 31.5 mpg at 80 mph? That's pretty good, especially with the roof racks. 60% of the power required to cruise at highway speed is used to overcome aerodynamic effects. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of the speed, which means its a non-linear relationship. It would not be possible for the car to get the same mpg at 65, 70, 80 mph if you are on level land and no difference in head wind. By definition you need to press the throttle more to go faster, therefore more fuel used.

Looks very nice! As far as the auto opening rear hatch, I don't know which models have it and which ones don't, but I do know that you need to have the keyfob with you at the back of the car for it to work. It won't work if the key is inside the car (it's a safety/security feature so someone else doesn't open the hatch when you don't want them to). Also, you need to stand at the center of the rear bumper, not off to the sides. Enjoy your car and good luck with the storm!

Congratulations on your new CMax!

Good find! Here is a direct link to the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zdzIzzaQtgg

I'm not surprised. It's just an extremely well thought out and efficiently packaged car (small on outside, big on inside). Judging from my own reaction, and the reaction of others online, it seems once people check out the car, they're sold.

Congratulations! And thanks for sharing the info about how the auto wipers work. It's interesting to hear about some of the cool features the C-Max has.

Great photos! I can tell the Great Dane is enjoying it's new ride. I'm sure it appreciates the extra head room in the C-Max. I also noticed there are some reflectors inside the rear area when the hatch is open. Seems like a good safety feature.

Great looking fleet. Must be a lot of that new car smell in your garage! Thanks for posting pics.

Dealers dont like to trade unless the vehicle is very common. They'd rather to keep a car in stock so they can demo it and take orders, show different available colors etc. Unless you have some reason you have to get a car right away, waiting for your order is probably the way to go, espeically with X-Plan. You can always ask to be released from your order and take a chance the other dealer would match the deal.

Found this in the owners manual. Might be handy if you have a low garage door. Setting the liftgate open height To change your liftgate opening height: 1. Open the liftgate. 2. Manually move the liftgate to the desired height. 3. Press and hold the control button on the liftgate until a chime is heard, indicating the new height has been programmed. The new open liftgate height will now be recalled when the power liftgate is opened. 4. To change the programmed height, repeat the above procedure. Once the power liftgate is opened, it can be manually moved to a different height.

Ahh, good to know! I saw mention of this in the Energi's owner manual as a place to store the plug-in connector, but didn't know if it was included to the regular C-Max. I never thought to look under the floor mats on the one I saw.

Congratulations on your new fleet of cars! haha

Thats good to know an air compressor is included in the tire repair kit. Where is it stored?

I think you will like it even more in person. I'd describe it as subtle, soothing and sophisticated. Its not a color you see on other cars which I think will make the C-Max even more unique.

With the 110V outlet in the C-Max, you can keep a small air compressor in the car and pump up a low or flat tire. For a lot of people, changing a flat tire is not a good option, either the tire is too heavy, you're dressed too nicely, you're too close to moving traffic. Being able to pump up a low tire and then driving to a safer location is sometimes a better option.

Ice Storm is a great choice !

Owners manual are here http://www.motorcraftservice.com/ Click on the Owners Guides button on the left column

The owners manual is online, this is what I cut and pasted out of it. It uses synthetic blend as standard or optionally you can use full synthetic. Synthetic blend is a lot less expensive. Engine oil 4.5 quarts (4.3L) •Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (US) •Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (US) •Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil (Canada) •Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (Canada)

Thanks for the detailed reports ! I haven't test driven one yet, so I appreciate the info from owners.