2012 Ford Focus C-MAX Buying Advice

The 2012 Ford Focus C-MAX will be based on the company's next-generation Focus compact car. The European Ford Grand C-MAX is shown here.

Minivans aren’t as mini or fuel-efficient as they used to be, so the C-MAX should be an appealing option for minivan buyers who are willing to sacrifice some space to get more miles per gallon. The Mazda 5 and Kia Rondo are its only close rivals at the moment, but General Motors will introduce its own compact people-mover in the 2010 Chevrolet Orlando, and other brands will doubtless weigh-in to this segment. The current C-MAX has been widely praised for its high utility and car-like moves. The new version may add eye appeal to the mix, but those who don’t find it cool enough can opt for any number of small, sporty hatchback cars and crossover SUVs such as the Best Buy Suzuki SX4 and Honda CR-V.

2012 Ford Focus C-MAX Release Date: Ford confirms a U.S.-market Focus C-MAX wil go on sale in late 2011.

2012 Ford Focus C-MAX First Test Drive: If the above proves out, media previews should be on for spring or summer of 2011.

2012 Ford Focus C-MAX Prices: We can’t be too sure this far out, given the unstable energy and commodity costs that are causing fits for product planners at most every automaker. But taking an educated guess, we see the C-MAX overlapping Ford’s Focus and Fusion pricing, which could mean a base-sticker range of $15,800 to $22,500.