Spy Shots: Nip/Tuck'd Ford S-Max spotted in the Swiss mountains
by Chris Paukert on Jul 7th 2009 at 9:30AM 
Ford's rakish S-Max people mover may yet come to the States, but we almost certainly won't see it before the facelift seen here takes effect. Caught by long-lensed spy shots for EVO Magazine, this next-generation S-Max mule was caught pulling caravan duty in the Swiss mountains. According to the U.K. publication, the S-Max's interior is likely to stay the same, meaning that buyers will once again get a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations. The exterior is clearly being tweaked with a new front fascia and grille, as well as reconfigured taillamps featuring LED illumination. Given that the production S-Max first debuted at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2006, this seems like as opportune a time as any to refresh the award-winning MPV.
The engine lineup is expected to remain unaltered, meaning buyers can expect a range of gas and diesel four- and five-cylinder engines as well as manual and automatic transmission choices.
We've been hearing for years now that the sporty S-Max might cross the Pond... is it finally our turn? And if so, would Americans consider it? Have your say in 'Comments.'
[Source: EVO]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DomErie 9:42AM (7/07/2009)
Hell yeah I'd buy this, especially with the diesel. Ford, please wake up. Americans are more aware of the rest of the world. We don't want your 19 mpg Edge.
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Tagg 12:51PM (7/07/2009)
So far this year about 40,000 people have wanted the Edge and they've sold over 100,000 every year since it came out. This is a cool van/car but I don't think it would sell as well as the Edge.
People want the Edge, it's the Flex they don't want.
Arumage 9:41AM (7/07/2009)
I would buy one. There's nothing wrong with a fun, frugal 7-seater in my book.
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Ligor 12:51PM (7/07/2009)
except it's one of the ugliest things i've seen, and I say things cause i don't want to limiit that statement to cars only
wtf were tehy thinking
keep that thing accross the pond, unless they redesign that ugly exterior
Arumage 2:55PM (7/07/2009)
I can't say I'm too much of a fan of the front either, but I have a Ford Freestyle and a Toyota Camry so I'm more in it for the practically than the exciting visual cues.
Tdogg 9:50AM (7/07/2009)
This could be the only minivan that can be described with the word "awesome" in the same sentence.
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cBraunDesign 9:54AM (7/07/2009)
This is so VERY close to the Mazda 5, which is the vehicle I've decided to buy next. Somewhere between the driving sensation of a wagon and the practicality of a minivan. With decent styling and good looking wheels. I love it.
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Bloke 10:01AM (7/07/2009)
The S-Max is larger than the Mazda 5 and shares its underpinnings with the Galaxy and the Mondeo. The Mazda 5, on the other hand, shares its platform with Ford's C-Max and (European) Focus.
BoneHeadOtto 12:03PM (7/07/2009)
I still cant fathom a minivan without the sliding doors. That is one of the features that makes a minivan practical. In fact more cars should have these doors. Without sliding doors, you cant have automatic opening doors. They really come in handy at times.
Arumage 10:10AM (7/07/2009)
The S-Max is 6" longer and 3-4" wider than the Mazda5, which is a good thing in my book. Especially is a couple inches of that went into the 2nd row and the rest into storage. The Mazda5 is a little tight in both places. It's not too big to kill any driving dynamics they share though.
cr12345 9:55AM (7/07/2009)
I'd trade in our Toyota Sienna in a second once Ford brings this to the US.
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EU_reader 10:16AM (7/07/2009)
This is a brilliant car. A friend of mine owns one, and it's superb.
It looks absolutely great too, very comfortable, and still a pleasant car to drive. Pretty fast as well, with the turbodiesel. Does 190 km/u without the least bit of drama at all, as on rails...
It's a pretty good bestseller here too, I see them literally everywhere. And for good reason. It shows again that good products get noticed by the consumer and just sell very good.
I mean, this car is simply ideal for normal families, it could be your only car. It's good enough to haul the kids around, but nothing to be ashamed of driving on your own, while still looking like a very cool car. I would buy one if I had a family, as my only car, no problem.
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chilipepper 10:43AM (7/07/2009)
I would absolutely consider buying it to replace our 2003 Mazda MPV. We bought the MPV because it was the smallest and sportiest minivan at the time.
The entire euro ford line up can't get here fast enough. I want to replace my Ford Contour with either the Fiesta or Focus.
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L3 11:46AM (7/07/2009)
3 thoughts:
This is going to be great. Because the R-class look has been sooooo successful.
This is so hot looking that it is blurring the faces of resting cyclists everywhere. Is that Lance Armstrong?!?
Are they all lowered like that? Look, its nine inches lower that that Passat next to it.
end of transmission.
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Bloke 12:02PM (7/07/2009)
"end of transmission"
Thank God for that.
Arumage 2:58PM (7/07/2009)
The R-class is a behemoth. It's 16 inches longer and 1600 lbs heavier so it's not exactly a good comparison. I'd compare it more to the Kia Rondo or Mazda5 which enjoy relative low but very steady sales.
Scott K. 12:12PM (7/07/2009)
This would definitely make it on to our short list. A little bigger than the 5, but still reasonable. Bring it, Ford!
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Fox 12:14PM (7/07/2009)
This is the ideal family car, not only has it a very usable interior - but it also drives incredible well and looks really good...
Hopefully Ford see the light and bring it to the US...
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Tagg 12:54PM (7/07/2009)
No way this car is comming here unless the C-Max does well. The C-Max hasn't been confrimed for the U.S. market but there is a "Focus derived vehicle" slated for production in Kansas City I believe. Consumers have already rejected the minivan as evidenced by the shrinking sales for entire segment.
I'm not trashing their practicality but people have moved on from minivans like they did from the giant station wagons and from SUV's to CUV's.
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Ligor 12:54PM (7/07/2009)
u need to check your eyes
that hting is as ugly as an Aztek
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