These are the first official pictures of Ford's all-new S-Max MPV, the second model for Europe to be spun off the same 'C4' platform as the Mondeo and a bit of a crucial car for Ford.
Crucial? Well yes, the S-Max has always been a strong seller across Europe but the original model is eight years old now and in need of replacement. Plus the new S-Max will be a serious litmus test for Ford's premium market ambitions with its new Vignale sub-brand. Apparently the model gains a considerable number of conquest sales from premium brand rivals and a significant proportion of Ford's customers have asked for a more luxurious, premium-feeling variant.
Even away from the Vignale model though, the S-Max is likely to boost Ford's quality image. The new cabin features a stripped-back, almost button-free environment, similar in concept to that of the new Volvo XC90. The centre console is dominated by an eight-inch touchscreen that features Ford's new SYNC2 infotainment system, which can apparently understand conversational voice instructions (we'll believe that when we see it...) and the rear seat passengers now get their own separate air conditioning system. Seven seats will be standard (the original S-Max actually had an optional third row) and engines will mirror the new Mondeo range.
Expect 1.5- and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel units, plus a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a four-wheel drive diesel option, not to mention the range-topping 240hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Given the S-Max's size, the 1.0-litre 125hp EcoBoost triple is unlikely to appear though.
Ford is talking up the S-Max's tech credentials too. Aside from the central touchscreen, the main instruments have also switched from analogue to a full-colour TFT digital screen and the S-Max deploys a battery of safety tech including Pre-Collision Assist that applies braking if a collision with another vehicle ahead is imminent - first sounding an alert and then displaying a warning onto the windscreen from 7km/h up to the car's maximum speed; Adaptive LED headlamp technology which employs Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting System to adjust the headlight beam angle to match the driving environment; and Glare-Free Highbeam technology that detects vehicles ahead, both on-coming and travelling in the same direction, and fades out light that could dazzle from the adaptive LED headlamp technology, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas.
There's also a new self-parking system that can cope with nose-in spaces and the rear parking sensors can warn you of crossing traffic approaching when backing out of a space. Not only that, but vibrating, massaging seats prevent numb-bum on a long journey. Ford is also saying that the S-Max will set a new benchmark for driving enjoyment in its class.
The current S-Max has always been the best-to-drive seven-seater, so the new model is going to have to work hard to better it. Ford says it has concentrated on reducing noise and vibration, as well as smoothing out the ride quality, but without sacrificing steering feel or that lovely sharp turn-in that drivers love so much. Sales will start in the New Year following a public unveiling at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.
Anything else?
"Developed without compromise to deliver a peerless combination of style, comfort, flexibility, efficiency and driving appeal, the all-new S-Max is underpinned with innovative and in many cases unique technologies," said Andrew Kernahan, Ford S-Max chief programme engineer. "This is a vehicle that looks and feels great in any situation and delivers for customers with the highest expectations."