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Ford C-Max Energi, C-Max Hybrid and Vertrek

  • Ford unwraps a pair of C-Max Hybrids
  • Plug-in and a coventional hybrid on show
  • Range of 500 miles for the C-Max Energi

Written by Parkers Published: 7 January 2011 Updated: 1 February 2017

Ford has unwrapped a pair of C-Max Hybrids at the Detroit Motor Show.

The C-Max Energi is a plug-in while the C-Max Hybrid is a conventional hybrid. Both cars will come to Europe by 2013.

These cars have been given a few styling tweaks to differentiate the models from the petrol and diesel siblings.

Exterior changes are minimal. The front grille has been inspired by the Ford Focus Electric revealed last week in Las Vegas.

A 2.0-litre petrol engine and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack powers the C-Max Energi. Ford claims this version of the C-Max should have a range of 500 miles. The Energi will be powered by electric power for the majority of the time as the engine will only be in use when the battery runs out of charge or when certain driving conditions are met.

Just like the Energi the C-Max Hybrid uses the identical engine and battery pack but the Hybrid cannot be plugged into the mains and recharged.

Ford has also displayed the Vertrek concept. Like the majority of Ford concepts, this is close to a production model and should be a strong hint of what the second-generation Ford Kuga will look like.

The new Kuga is due to arrive in the UK by late 2012.

Although the concept has carbonfibre step plates, 21-inch alloys and leather seats, it's very close to the new 2013 Ford Kuga.

The Kuga will be a full five-seater (whereas the concept is four seats only) and there will be no seven-seat version. Expect the production car to have the usual line-up of engines from the Focus family. A hybrid is on the cards and may be available from 2013.

Manual and twin-clutch Powershift transmissions are to be offered when the Kuga goes on sale in the in late 2012 and this Focus crossover should start from around £21,000.