Ford

Ford C-Max
Blending style and practicality, this is set to be one of the most desirable family cars around when it goes on sale in five and seven-seat bodystyles in November.

The C-MAX will have a new 1.6-litre direct-injection EcoBoost turbo, a development of the unit fitted to the Iosis MAX concept. This produced 178bhp and, thanks to stop-start technology, emitted only 125g/km – and Ford claims these figures are feasible in the production car, too.

The new vehicle borrows the Iosis MAX concept’s looks as well, with a swooping coupé-like roofline and bold waistline which will make it stand out in the MPV market. Practical touches include back seats that can be folded flat, while on the Grand C-MAX, which can carry seven, a sliding rear door
provides easy access.

Throughout the cabin there’s a feast of bold shapes and tactile materials. A wraparound console gives a cockpit-like feel, while a multifunction steering wheel reduces dashboard clutter. Under the skin, the C-MAX uses a new platform which is essentially a re-engineered version of the current Focus’s
chassis. That car is renowned for its driving characteristics, so the new C-MAX looks certain to impress on the road.

Ford Focus
With head-turning looks, driver appeal and a raft of modern technology, the new Focus is set to be one of the most popular cars on the market when it goes on sale towards the end of 2010. Also taking cues from the Iosis MAX, it gets a sleeker design than the current car – particularly in three-door form, which arrives in 2011, after the five-door.

Inside, the cabin features a panoramic windscreen and a range of futuristic kit, including an updated version of Ford’s Human Machine Interface. The newcomer rides on a modified version of the current car’s chassis, so the two vehicles should be much the same size. Engineers have worked hard to maintain the sharp handling while also improving the ride. Power comes from the blue oval’s line-up of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, ranging from an 89bhp 1.0-litre unit to a flagship 178bhp 1.6. Two diesels, including a 1.6-litre TDCi, will be available, too.

All powerplants are mated to manual boxes as standard, but Ford will also offer its Powershift twin-clutch transmission. Start-stop technology is set to be rolled out across the range, as well.

Ford S-MAX
Named the Best MPV in our New Car Awards 2009, the S-MAX is already an impressive package. But in January 2010, Ford will introduce an updated model featuring EcoBoost engines.

The 2.0-litre turbo, badged STCi, delivers 200bhp, and will take the S-MAX from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds; that’s more than two seconds faster than the 2.3-litre model it replaces. Styling updates include a new facia, bonnet and grille, and there will be a host of options such as a rear camera and blind spot-warning system.