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.

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.