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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Ford C-Max debuts, Grand C-Max bound for American shores





Among the many cars available here in Europe that we pine for Stateside, you may be surprised that Ford minivans rank among them. We got a ride in the Galaxy-based S-Max on our way back from driving the new Fiesta in Tuscany and were thoroughly impressed, and from what we hear its Focus-based kid brother C-Max isn't half bad either. But today Ford unveiled a new C-Max, and we need pine no more, for the compact MPV is headed our way. At least, the seven-seat Grand C-Max version is, anyway.

Echoing Chrysler's minivans, the new C-Max is available in two formats: standard wheelbase and long-wheelbase Grand C-Max. The five-seater (green) has a sportier appearance with conventional rear doors, while the seven-seater (silver) gets sliding doors and a plane ticket across the Atlantic. Both are based on Ford's new global C-segment platform that will underpin the next-generation Focus and offer clever packaging with a compelling adaptation of the Blue Oval's kinetic design language

All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show

The wait for an all-new Ford Focus in North America will soon be over as Ford has announced that it will debut the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The Detroit festivities will mark the global debut of the new global Focus that will be sold here, Europe and the rest of the world.

The Ford Focus shares its platform with the C-Max and Grand C-Max that are in Frankfurt this week. North American hatchback fans will be happy hear that the five-door form factor is returning alongside the four-door sedan. Initially, we won't be getting a three-door hatch, but it's a start. The overall look will be very similar to what we see in the C-Max twins, especially at the front and along the sides.

The new Focuses for North America will be built at two U.S. assembly plants in Michigan and will go on sale about a year from now. Ford isn't announcing its powertrain plans yet, but the 1.6-liter EcoBoost will likely find a home in these cars before long.