Next-generation Ford S-Max to debut as concept in Frankfurt

The next-generation Ford S-Max will be previewed to European audiences next month as the new Ford S-Max Concept to be displayed at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 next month. Early pictures released by Ford show a sleek-looking vehicle that retains the same basic silhouette of the current model, but proudly wearing the design language of Ford’s next generation of models.

While the folks at BMW might not be amused by Ford’s usage of the term ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ to describe the S-Max in its press releases, our experience with the current model suggests that if there ever is such a thing as a sports MPV, the S-Max fits the bill perfectly. It has the dynamics to shame hot hatches, and the 240PS version that we currently get has more power than a Golf GTI.

Ford’s new Aston Martin-aping grille signature look dominates the front fascia, flanked by a pair of swept-back headlamps illuminated by Organic LEDs, a technology claimed by Ford to be the latest development in lighting that offers greater flexibility in terms of positioning and design, fast response and colour range. From the side, it retains a similar window line to the current model.

The current S-Max is also notable for an excellent choice of interior materials, and based on Ford’s claims in its press release, this virtue is supposedly preserved. The dashboard is designed with a driver-centric focus and touchable surfaces are trimmed with a combination of leather and carbon fibre. We expect the final production model to introduce less opulent trims.

In line with Ford’s emphasis on cutting-edge technology, the new S-Max Concept is unsurprisingly equipped with the company’s renowned Ford SYNC system, which now incorporates (get this) heart-rate and glucose level monitoring features. Other technologies mooted include car-to-car communications, autonomous braking with pedestrian recognition, and the next iteration of Active Park Assist that is able to control steering, gear selection, and fore/aft movement as well.

We can expect a range of petrol and diesel engines to power the production S-Max, but for the concept, Ford has chosen to highlight the all-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that debuted with the Mondeo in China earlier this year.

KON

Pictures: Official Ford release.