Previewed by the S-MAX Concept, the newcomer takes on board many of the styling cues seen on the facelifted Fiesta and Focus models, including the chrome trapezoidal grille and sculpted headlights.
It’s the same size as the old car but now boasts more practical features, like power-folding seats in the second and third rows – Ford says that’s a segment-first. What’s more, Ford has made the S-MAX safer for those in the second row of seats, thanks to new side airbags. A hands-free tailgate, first seen on the Kuga, is also available, allowing owners to wave their foot underneath the bumper to open the boot.
As for keeping all the occupants comfortable, Ford has added a few more segment-firsts to the S-MAX. The steering column can now be electrically adjusted and buyers can even opt for heated and cooled multi-contour massage seats.
Based on the next-generation Mondeo platform – due later this year – the S-MAX is hoping to uphold its reputation as the sharpest MPV in its class. To that end Adaptive Steering is available, which changes the quickness of the steering rack depending on speed. That should make it more manoeuvrable at low speeds, too.
Safety is boosted by a range of technologies, such as a new-generation active parking system that can now drive in to perpendicular parking spaces as well as parallel spots. The system can also help you reverse out again by warning of crossing traffic. Lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and automatic braking are also among the suite of safety options.
Ford hasn’t given away too many details on the engine front but we know to expect a 118bhp 2.0 TDCi with a six-speed manual. There are also 148bhp and 177bhp 2.0 TDCi units with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch transmission. There’s a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine with 158bhp and a 237bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost, too. Ford has introduced four-wheel drive to the S-MAX for the first time.
The new seven-seat MPV will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in early October, before going on sale in summer of 2015 for around £24,000.
