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New Ford S-MAX unveiled

The new Ford S-MAX gets smarter looks, extra equipment and revised engines

by Russell Campbell

15 Sep 2014

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Ford has revealed pictures of the new seven-seater Ford S-MAX, ahead of its public debut at the Paris Motor Show. The car gets a classy new look, extra equipment to make it easier to live with everyday, and a range of more economical engines.

Falling in line with the new Ford Mondeo and the new Ford Focus, the 2014 S-MAX has been given a classy chrome grille that means it looks more upmarket than the old model.

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The interior remains just as practical, though, and the new car benefits from power-folding rear seats. Another option is a bootlid that’s operated by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper, so that you can use it even when your hands are full.

The new S-MAX is also the first car in its class to include an electrically adjustable steering wheel, plus heated and cooled massage seats.

The S-MAX was already the best car in its class to drive and that's set to continue, with the new model coming fitted with Adaptive Steering, which should make it more manoeuvrable at low speeds and add stability at high speeds.

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Another MPV first is side airbags for the middle row of seats, and the car can also be fitted with Ford's latest-generation parking system. This helps with parallel and reverse parking by taking care of the steering while you move slowly into a space. Lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking are also options.

We already know the S-MAX will be available with a 118bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. Also on offer are 148bhp and 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel engines, with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch gearbox. Petrol engines include the frugal 1.5-litre EcoBoost, with 158bhp, and a powerful 237bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. For the first time, buyers have the option to spec four-wheel drive. This gives added grip in slippery conditions and makes the S-MAX a better tow car.

After its Paris unveil, the new S-MAX is set to go on sale next summer, priced from around £24,000. Read all our latest reviews on the Ford range on the Carbuyer Ford reviews page.