America’s affection for minivans may be on the wane, but in Europe the tall-roof family mover (or MPV) segment is as strong as ever. At the Paris auto show, Ford launched the second generation of its S-Max MPV, which is offered in two distinct body styles with room for five or seven passengers. Visually, the new S-Max is an evolution of the outgoing model, but this car is entirely new: It stands on a different platform and doesn’t share a single body panel with the first S-Max.
What’s more, it now sports the grille that reminds us of a certain British sports-car maker that once belonged to Ford’s “Premier Automotive Group.” The lighting design is particularly impressive with dynamic LED headlights and beautifully executed taillights.
The previous S-Max ranked among the more refined people movers, and the second generation raises the bar from there. Ford says handling and comfort both have improved, a claim we’ll verify from behind the wheel next year. The S-Max will use electric power steering whose ratio varies according to road speed; sometimes that technology makes for better steering, although it often only improves fuel efficiency.
Ford says the new range will include several efficient gasoline and diesel engines. Diesels include a 1.5-liter making 104 horsepower and a 2.0-liter with 118, 148, or 177. Gasoline-burning 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines will generate 158 and 237 horsepower. For the first time, the S-Max will offer all-wheel drive.
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Available bells and whistles include a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats with a massage function. And the assistance systems include a speed-limit recognition system. The new S-Max will hit European markets next year. As to a U.S.-market launch, don’t hold your breath. But perhaps the “One Ford” strategy will eventually sweep this car onto our shores.
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via Agya
