Ford of Europe has
released its press junket for its all-new S-Max (click pic above for high-rez version), which appears more than ready
for the harsh lights and rotating displays of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The S-Max wears Ford’s
new ‘Kinetic Design’ language that was previewed on the gorgeous SAV concept at Geneva last year. This production
version features some nifty tricks, however, especially the FoldFlatSystem that, like Chrysler’s Sto-N-Go here in
the States, allows the second and optional third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor.
The interior
also features what Ford calls the Human Machine Interface–two sets of steering wheel-mounted toggle switches that
control a center display mounted in the gauge pod. The S-Max can also be ordered with a sliding load floor in lieu of a
third row that can be pulled out 1.57 feet to aid loading.
The engine range is occupied by two gassers and
three diesels, of which the best of each is a 217-hp, five-cylinder turbo also used in the Focus ST and a 138-hp, 2.0L
Duratorq TDCi.
Follow the jump for the rest of Ford’s high quality S-Max photos and the full press
release. We’ll have live shots of the S-Max when we visit Switzerland for the show in March.
[Source:
Ford]
THE NEW FORD S-MAX: SPORT, STYLE AND SPACE
2006 Geneva Motor Show (incl. photos for registered media users)
New Ford S-MAX to debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show
- All-new
model for Ford portfolio, sits between Mondeo and Galaxy - Introduces elements of Ford ‘kinetic design’
language, expressing energy in motion - Stylish, spacious and flexible with sporty design
- Demands to be driven – sporty, athletic lines with Ford’s acclaimed driving quality
- 220PS
2.5-litre turbo performance unit tops range of engines - S-MAX features Ford’s unique FoldFlatSystem (FFS),
which keeps all seats on board as well as providing impressive luggage space - Interior provides 26
thoughtfully designed stowage compartments - New user friendly technologies include Human Machine Interface
(HMI) - Ford Intelligent Protection System provides latest driver assistance and occupant protection
technologies, including a new driver’s knee airbag - Optional sliding load floor available for
five-seat S-MAX - New S-MAX fully developed in-house and exclusively built at Ford’s Genk plant in
Belgium - Cologne, February 20 2006: The all-new S-MAX is an exciting new addition to Ford of Europe’s
product portfolio, and will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2006. It shares many of the convenience,
dynamic and safety features with its sister car, the new Ford Galaxy, but is a distinctly different vehicle.
The new Ford S-MAX offers 5 2 seating and distinctive styling, while the availability of a 220PS
Duratec 5-cylinder turbo engine from the Focus ST, signals its sporty character. A range of new driver-focused
technologies plus innovative approaches to seating, stowage and flexibility make the S-MAX one of the most exciting new
Ford cars ever.
S-MAX Features:
Exterior Design: The new Ford S-MAX is the first production Ford model to
include elements of Ford of Europe’s ‘Kinetic Design’ form language. Its distinctive lines were first previewed in the
Ford SAV Concept vehicle at Geneva 2005.
The front end of the new Ford S-MAX is characterised by its
distinctively angled nose and dynamic headlamps which give it a purposeful appearance. Fog lamps are placed inbound and
high on the front bumper, giving the vehicle a sporty look. The slim upper grille is complemented by a large inverted
trapezoid below the number plate area. This is Ford signature, and adds a touch of aggression to the frontal
appearance.
To each side of the lower grille area, distinctive “gills” which resemble cooling
ducts give the vehicle its unique identity.
The athletic side profile of the new Ford S-MAX makes it easy
to see what Ford’s kinetic design is about: The fast roof line arching into the bonnet, the pronounced wheel
arches with trailing-edge vents and the distinctive kick-up to the rear of the window glass area all help to indicate
that this is a dynamic vehicle. An optional Panorama Roof gives occupants a view to the sky, and allows additional
daylight into the vehicle interior.
Interior Design: Just as
individual exterior styling reflects the different characters of S-MAX and new Galaxy even though they share a common
architecture, the interior of the two cars is also distinctly different.
A new flexible seating system and a
host of other innovative touches give the S-MAX interior its own personality.
Flexibility with all seats on board: Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS): A
new-to-the-segment feature is the Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS). Second-row seats and the optional third-row seats
don’t have to be removed from the car to free up additional luggage space. The seats fold away individually to
form a flat floor, giving up to 32 possible seating combinations, all attainable with ease. In S-MAX, an optional third
seat row is available, making it a 5 2 seater. The S-MAX’s third seating row has been designed to accommodate
passengers with a height of up to 1.8 metres.
Cockpit feel: In S-MAX, the driver enjoys more of a ‘cockpit-feel’ driving position than in a traditional
MPV. This is naturally feels more involving, and is complemented by a flow-through console and sports seats.
In creating the S-MAX interior, designers had 127mm more length to work with than in the original Ford Galaxy
(4,768mm vs. 4,641mm). An overall width increase of 60mm (1,854mm vs. 1,794mm) is another ingredient in the recipe for
a more passenger- and stowage-friendly vehicle. Designers also provided ample headroom while achieving an 83mm
reduction in overall vehicle height (1,607mm vs. 1,692mm) for the sporty silhouette of the new S-MAX. Shoulder room now
is best-in-class with 1,531mm, an increase of 27mm compared with the original Galaxy.
Supportive and comfortable seating: Matching the cockpit feel, Ford S-MAX offers an
8-way power adjustable sport seat for the driver. It provides separate adjustments for fore/aft, seating height,
cushion angle and seat-back recline. There is an extensive amount of seat travel (319mm) to accommodate occupants
within a body height range of 97.5 percent, ensuring that almost everyone will find a comfortable seating position.
S-MAX also offers a manual seat with 6-way adjustment and lumbar support, depending on series.
Roominess and comfort for second-row passengers:
Compared with the previous Galaxy, S-MAX offers second-row passengers a seating height elevated by 64mm, 60mm more
legroom up to a class-leading 1,062mm, and more shoulder room (1,535mm vs. 1,523mm). In addition, each of the three
individual seats can be adjusted independently. For an even more relaxed posture during long trips, the second-row
seats feature a refined recline system with a lower pivot point. When reclining the backrest of the seat, the cushion
will adjust by automatically inclining down.
Advanced ventilation and
air-conditioning: Air conditioning is standard equipment on all new S-MAX models, and for maximum interior
climate control, dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) is available. The EATC system features separate
temperature controls for the driver, the front passenger and the second row passengers.
Human Machine Interface (HMI): Two sets of sophisticated steering wheel-mounted
toggle switches in combination with an easy to read instrument cluster centre display form the basis for Ford’s
latest-generation HMI (Human Machine Interface). HMI is standard on all Ford S-MAX models. It is simple and intuitive
to operate, thanks to a newly developed chime system. This categorizes each warning sound according to their purpose
giving the driver greater control over the audio warnings he/she receives.
Outstanding versatility: In addition to the Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS), several tie-down points are
located across the floor and up the sides of the vehicle, helping secure items placed in the rear compartment. With all
seven seats up and in position, S-MAX offers an impressive 18-per cent increase in luggage volume over the original
Galaxy (285 litres vs. 235 litres). This allows room for luggage even when the seats are fully occupied. Maximum
luggage capacity is an impressive 2,000 litres (all rear seats down, loaded to roof). With all rear seats folded flat,
the load floor offers a space 2m deep and 1.15m wide.
Sliding load floor for easy cargo loading: In lieu of
the third seat row, customers can specify an optional sliding cargo platform on the new S-MAX. This convenience feature
allows the loading of shopping goods or travel bags with ease. With the tailgate open, the platform can be pulled out by
48 cm. It then slides back into the vehicle with a drawer-type motion once loading has finished.
Stowage for life’s necessities: New S-MAX
provides ample and sensibly-proportioned space with 26 different stowage compartments. Ford not only wanted to meet
basic expectations for stowage. Its target was to provide added functionality and high-quality execution. In total, the
S-MAX’s stowage capacity adds up to a possible 90 litres of volume.
Audio and Communications: The Ford S-MAX can be specified with a wide variety of
high-quality audio and communications systems, and steering-wheel mounted toggle switches for the HMI system provide
full driver control. Depending on market and on series, stereo radio/cassette or stereo radio/CD players can be
selected, including a 6-CD autochanger. A DVD Multi-media system is also available, featuring LCD screens in the rear
of the front seat headrests.
Outstanding
safety: Ford has equipped the S-MAX with an impressive array of active and passive safety features – many
seen for the first time on a Ford vehicle.
S-MAX features an enhanced version of Ford’s Intelligent Protection
System, including a new airbag for the driver’s knee area. New safety systems introduced for S-MAX include its
Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC), an all-new active suspension system which integrates:
- Active Suspension with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) to improve suspension performance and comfort in all
road conditions and interact with the vehicle’s ESP system for better dynamic vehicle behaviour - Hill-Launch-Assist (HLA), which allows the driver to release the brake pedal and to step on the accelerator pedal
without the vehicle rolling backwards - A new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Strong and economical powertrains: The S-MAX engine line-up features two Duratec
petrol and three latest-generation Duratorq TDCi diesels. Top of the range is the 220PS (162 kW), Duratec 2.5-litre
5-cylinder turbo engine, also used in the acclaimed Focus ST. This engine perfectly matches the sporty character of
Ford S-MAX.
The successful 2.0 litre Duratec 145 PS (107 kW) engine plus clean and efficient diesels round out
the range: 1.8 litre Duratorq TDCi 125 PS (92 kW), 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi 130 PS (96 kW) with DPF, 2.0 litre Duratorq
TDCi 140 PS (103 kW) with or without DPF.
Ford
PrecisionDrive: The new S-MAX explores the sporty side of Ford’s driving style, while the Galaxy’s
suspension is tuned to a considerably more relaxed ride. Ford is now signalling its acclaimed driving quality
attributes to customers under the Ford PrecisionDrive banner.
Compared with Galaxy, S-MAX’s slightly lower centre
of gravity, unique damper tuning and spring travel of slightly less than 200mm offers precision ride and handling
designed to reward the enthusiastic driver. Ford’s optional new active suspension system with Continuously Controlled
Damping (CCD) provides even better handling, comfort and stability, plus shorter braking distances.