I do not plan to have kids for about 5-9 years (23 now), but the Grand C-Max seems like the answer to that problem.the top posted cmax looks sweet, I'd hit it. The "grand" version looks like a vibe/matrix...
It’s the grand opening for the Stateside version of Ford’s mini-minivan.
The Americanized C-Max has one unique party trick: a hands-free liftgate release. Like the hop-on-one-leg trunk popper on the latest European VW Passat, the C-Max’s system uses sensors mounted on the rear bumper that detect when your leg and foot (or anything, really) are waved past, and pops the hatch. The proximity key has to be nearby, so don’t expect free access to C-Max cargo holds or fear for the safety of your groceries when a pack of feral dogs rampages through your neighborhood. The idea is that, when your hands are full of packages/kids/laziness, a leg wave is easier than fumbling for your keys. We wouldn’t be surprised if makers of full-size minivans adopt this technology soon.
Ford says the C-Max is designed for “growing, busy North American families.” The same phrase describes Ford’s C-segment platform: The company promises 10 new vehicles based on this architecture—which is shared with the new Focus—by 2012. The U.S.-spec C-Max will be shown first at January’s 2011 Detroit auto show, with the car going on sale in early 2012.
***cough*** STATION WAGON! ***cough***compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV)
*cough* minivan *cough****cough*** STATION WAGON! ***cough***
Ford will launch C-MAX Energi, its first-ever production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and C-MAX Hybrid, a full hybrid variant, in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013
• Both versions of the five-passenger multi-activity vehicle will leverage the company's global C-car platform, critically acclaimed powersplit hybrid architecture, next-generation driver information features and advanced, lighter and smaller lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems
• C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better miles per gallon than Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America
• C-MAX Energi targets more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of driving range using the battery and engine, more than any other plug-in or extended-range vehicle. It also targets AT-PZEV status and delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt