Car Spy Photos: Ford C-Max 5 and 3 Door & Fiesta based SUV or Escape?

During a recent vacation to Colorado Springs, we took a drive up Pikes Peak for some amazing views. The total elevation is just over 14,000 ft. and it is some times used by car makers for high altitude testing on vehicles. I was in luck, as Ford had chosen the same day to test five upcoming models!

Here are the photos (All copyright of Travis Taylor)

First the group as a whole:

So you can see right off the bat that were looking at three small cars (C-Max) and two small SUV's (new or next Escape)

So let's take a closer look at the ones we know, the C-Max:

So, what's interesting about this little guy? How about the sliding rear door? That would be a new idea!

Upon closer inspection, I also noted that two of the vehicles had air hose like connectors protruding from the rear end. I'm not sure if this points to propane power, or something else entirely.

For now, at least in the testing phase, you can see that the interior is stock Fiesta or Focus, albeit right hand drive on this one. I get a kick out of the sign stating that the airbag is not working.

On this model, we can see it's a coupe, with rear hatch, and there defiantly hiding something on the top edge of the hatch... new spoiler design?

You can see most of the front fascia is plum fake, catching only a glimpse of the underpinnings through the fog light hole.

This is a slightly better shot of the runner for the sliding rear door.

Alright, now let's move on to this new to me small SUV:

You can see the air or propane connector coming out of the undercarriage on this one again. Also just to the upper right of the spare is a gap in the body work that looks intentional, not sure of the purpose though.

You can see here pretty clearly here the matching interior.

I didn't notice it at the time but just to the bottom left of the main grill is a strange opening can't guess at its possible use.

Again with the strange air or propane hook up, and no tail pipe, must be propane then. Also badge placement would indicate that they actually plan on having the spare mounted on the rear as it is here.

This one at least appears to be a manual with a five speed, also takes regular fuel.

We also managed a shot of them on their descent.

So what do we know?

• C-Max is being tested 3 and 5 door.
• A possible new small SUV or a redesign on the Escape
• They can handle 14,000 ft of elevation.

If you would like to re-post or publish these photos you must first contact me at: miltrucker@gmail.com

-Thank you.