2012 Ford C-Max

We have already driven the three-row Grand C-Max in Europe and liked what we experienced -- basically a mini-minivan with some clever packaging -- but the cars we drove didn't have the American powertrains installed, perhaps because details of the U.S. engine lineup had not yet been ironed out.

Two Fours and 5+2

Now we know that the base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine is a 1.6-liter EcoBoost (that means it's turbocharged and direct-injected, for those who haven't received the message) four that puts out the same horsepower as the 2.5 on regular gas, but cranks it up to 180 hp on premium; torque using either fuel is 173 ft-lbs. Ford promises better fuel economy for the more expensive and sometimes-more-powerful EcoBoost four, thereby justifying its higher cost. (A similar scheme is planned for the all-new Explorer.) No matter which powerplant is fitted, a six-speed automatic transmission is the only choice.

The interior has the same "5+2" seating as Europe's Grand C-Max. The second row's middle seat can be folded and stowed inside the seat to its right, creating an aisle for easy access to two small seats in the third row. Buyers will be able to choose a third-row-delete option for 5+0 seating. Sync and MyFord Touch will be available, as will a rearview camera, active park assist, and Curve Control, an evolution of stability control first seen on the new Explorer.