What is it?
While giving the new C-Max its North American debut at Detroit, Ford has rolled out hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the car. The Energi is the plug-in one.
The conventional hybrid (yes, hybrids are conventional now) uses the same petrol-electric powertrain already on sale in America in the Fusion saloon (not a four-door version of the old European Fusion) and Escape SUV. It allows electric-only driving up to 75km/h and should return around 5.6 litres/100km (50mpg).
The plug-in Energi goes further by allowing user charging. Ford won't reveal its electric-only range, but does say it has a 800-kilometre tank range.
Why's it here?
Along with the freshly unveiled electric Ford Focus, this pair comprises a trio of green technology just around the corner from the Blue Oval. As with the Vertrek, also unveiled in Detroit, Ford is pushing its kinetic design language and generally Euro-centric philosophy to the American public. People movers as efficient and good looking as the C-Max should do the trick. Oh, and they're on sale in Ireland in Energi and Hybrid guises in 2013.
Show stopper or floor filler?
The grille might make it look as though it's swallowed an Aston DB9 from the front, but as people carriers go the Ford C-Max is about as stylish as it gets. Add that to the fact hybrid technology is a more socially acceptable way of improving economy than dirty diesel is across the pond, and these MPVs should do well.