Most drivers choose a hybrid in the hope that it will help them save money on gas or contribute to reducing their impact on the environment. Thoughts of driving dynamics and quarter-mile times are shouldered aside by visions of brag-worthy fuel economy and gold-star sustainability. Ford?s Focus-derived hybrid C-Max and plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi buck this efficiency-first convention, however. They are more enjoyable to drive than most of their electrified competition but less efficient?in some cases significantly so. They even get worse fuel economy than some conventional gasoline- or diesel-powered compact cars. The C-Max has many qualities that we wish for in other hybrids, but its limited cargo space, inefficient powertrains, and the cost premium for its hybrid technology raise serious questions about the wisdom of purchasing one. READ MORE ??
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