Ford C-Max Offers Glimpse of New Economy Engine

The new Ford C-Max — think a tiny minivan like the Mazda5 — will be redesigned for global markets and debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks. Ford has released a few images (above and below) of the new design and a few tidbits about the car that could have import to car shoppers here in the U.S.

On the design front, we actually prefer the look of the previous-generation C-Max to the new one. This new style looks like a puffier Fiesta, but it will likely help with headroom and interior space overall.  It’s larger than the Fiesta and based on an all-new platform that will underpin the  European market’s Focus compact car.

The big news from Ford is it will have a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine with direct injection. Unlike the EcoBoost V-6 engine in the Ford Flex and Taurus, this one does not appear to be turbocharged.

Ford says the new Focus is slated to go on sale in late 2010.