Already last year's concept , supplemented by a luxurious version of the Vignale , suggested that the new S-Max will completely take over the design style of current Fords. And this was indeed confirmed after the first official images were revealed.
Compared to the concept, the second generation S-Max lost some of its aggressiveness . The basic proportions, including the chrome trapezoidal grille, have remained, but the sporty front bumper, hidden door handles and futuristic rear lights are missing. Although it should be noted that even the standard rear lights look very nice and the front ones will be equipped with full LED technology for a change. The top Titanium version, which accounts for 60% of S-Max sales, will be equipped with extra 19-inch wheels or a diffuser with integrated exhaust tips. Overall, the appearance of the new S-Max, now looking more sporty and less "vanish", could be compared to the last Mondeo , which after a long delay will finally arrive in Europe. By the way, the dimensions of the body should remain at approximately the same numbers as the current model.
Even the interior has not retained its conceptual appearance (with the exception of the ventilation outlets and the digital instrument panel), but it still looks very pleasant when compared to other Fords of today. The reduction of buttons can be evaluated very positively, as well as the eight-inch display of the SYNC 2 multimedia system , which is finally legible and located in a more convenient place than drowned on top of the dashboard. And it wouldn't be a Ford if it didn't come with some "Simply Clever" details . The foot-opening trunk lid is already familiar from the SUV Kuga, the electrically folding seats in the second and third rows (the S-Max will have seven seats as standard) are, on the other hand, unique in their class. Also new will be an electrically adjustable steering column, side airbags for the rear seats, a panoramic roof, air-conditioned/heated front massage or orthopedic seats and the option to pay extra for ventilation outlets for the rear seats.
The engine range includes a 160-horsepower EcoBoost 15 -liter gasoline engine and a more powerful 240-horsepower two-liter EcoBoost , diesel engines will be available with a 120-, 150-, or 180-horsepower two-liter TDCi . In addition to the two-liter EcoBoost, all units will cooperate with a six-speed manual, the most powerful engine will receive a conventional automatic as standard. In addition to the already mentioned two-liter and the weakest diesel engine, all versions also get a six-speed dual- clutch Powershift automatic for an extra charge. Similar to the Mondeo, Ford will also offer all-wheel drive here. The CD4 platform will be shared by the S-Max with the new Mondeo or the Edge SUV, but the MacPherson -type front axle was taken from the original S-Max with changes. At the back we find a completely new Integral Link axle and the electronic control system from ZF is also new. Among the electronic assistants, autonomous braking , parking assistant and lane keeping assistant will be available.
In addition to the new S-Max, the updated versions of the smaller MPVs C-Max and Grand C-Max will also be presented at the Paris Motor Show. And it will probably not be a surprise if I mention the design affinity with the modernized Focus, the new Mondeo or the S-Max.
Source: Ford, autocar.co.uk
