FORD GRAND C-MAX DEBUTS WITH INGENIOUS SEATING OPTIONS - GALLERY

About a year after this stretched Ford C-Max goes on sale in Europe, it'll likely be on sale in North America as the 2012 Ford Focus C-Max; or Ford Grand C-Max; or Ford Focus Grand C-Max; or something. Slightly larger than the Good 12 Supersize-winning Mazda 5, this mini-minivan looks good (from most angles) and should drive well, too. Given its Euro-Focus origins, the Grand C-Max will be forced to meet high expectations at a time when fuel prices will likely be rising, North Americans downsizing; and sales of larger minivans capsizing.

Since 2003, Ford has offered some other markets an upsized version of the Focus as the C-Max; a competitor to the Honda FR-V, Vauxhall/Opel Zafira, a variety of Toyota Verso models, and a vast array of French competition. Though commonly equipped with diesel engines, don't be surprised if the Grand C-Max that comes our way is fitted with a turbocharged 1.6L generating somewhere north of 180 horsepower.

After the 21 picture Gallery, you can read three more quick facts about this Frankfurt debut.

Hiding the sliding door rails is a wonderful way of making the Grand C-Max appear less "old".
The middle seat in the three-seat second row can fold underneath either outboard seat.
Ford anticipates the use of the Grand C-Max's platform to multiply to more than 2,000,000 vehicles per year.