The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE

Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE (base model) – $25,132

I had it only for one weekend, the booking just worked out that way.

Plenty of pickup from the 2.0L Hybrid Electric eCVT engine, that provides 141 hp with 129 lb.-ft of torque.

Then the handling surprised me… it responds really quickly upon initial steering input, and it’s tight and stable cornering. This car was quite fun to drive.

The interior is a bit busy for my taste. Too bad I didn’t notice the pole until blogging the photo.

Ample rear leg room, would tranposrt 2 adults comfortably.

Few manufacturers add secret compartments in.  Ford introduced one to their new 2013 Escape.

It’s behind the passenger seat.

The leaves on the right: I have a vague memory from a Ford event last year, something about the more leaves the better your eco driving is; you want to grow the most leaves.

The car’s stated fuel economy is 4.1L/100km, I got 7.0L.

2013 Ford C-MAX

I wouldn’t listen to me about anything fuel economy-ish. Everything gets left in Sport mode.

Features: Power lift gate, back-up camera, heated seats and panoramic roof are options; leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls come standard.

A great-handling hybrid.

 

 

The New 2013 Ford Escape On the Track

That something, with that centre of gravity, would corner so well surprised me.  Technically it’s a cross-over vehicle, but it drives like a car.

(worst YouTube thumbnail luck for a track video, ever)

The gentleman in the interview is Nick Lacasse, Product Marketing Manager for Ford Canada. Very basically, he manages all the SUVs that come to Canada.  Welcome to my blog, Nick!

The interview is from the LA Auto Show 2011, they had kindly invited me along. Click to watch the video, ‘Exploring The 2011 LA Auto Show’.

That’s Ryan Durrell, my partner in the video above, we’re a good team.

Click to watch when we experienced for the first time, a Ford Focus parking itself.

I think the look of the Escape will always be in vogue, because it’s not really in vogue to begin with.  I mean that as a compliement, it has classic lines, so it’ll always be in style.

Check out the previous version of the Escape, 2012 or earlier,  I think you’ll see what I mean.  It’ll be easy to spot them, because the Escape the been the best selling SUV in Canada.

Ford put its heart into this car, and it shows.

My favourite feature.

Click here for a 15 second driving tip video, “Cross Your Arms When Turning”.

Congratulations on your beautiful new machine, Ford!

 

PS – that will be the last video I’ll ever film with that camera, so grainy. I declare it officially retired forever.

PPSclick here to watch a green-screened video of me riding a mountain bike.  Fast forward to 0:15 and 0:30.