Ford previewed a facelifted C-MAX at the
Bologna Show, though sales will not start until summer 2007. Along with the effective facelift, Ford will drop the Focus part of the name, aligning the C-MAX instead with the S-MAX, which is the MPV of the moment.
The most obvious styling changes to the C-MAX have been to the nose, including new bonnet, lights and bumper. Unsurprisingly, it mimics the look of the S-MAX, though in a less extrovert way and without the distinctive circular driving lights. Changes at the rear are limited to a new bumper and the use of LEDs in the unchanged light housings.
A few changes have been carried out inside too, including a new centre console, door panels and instrument cluster with newly designed instruments illuminated in red. More interior colours are now available and Ford claims that the quality has been raised, no doubt in an attempt to compete on a level playing field with the recently enhanced
VW Touran.
The
2007 Geneva Show should be the first outing for a production ready version of the new C-MAX, but its appearance is likely to be overshadowed by the revealing of the new Ford Mondeo.
Shane O' Donoghue - 13 Dec 2006