Ford has revealed its redesigned S-MAX seven-seat people-mover ahead of its public debut at the Paris motor show next month, sporting a classy new look, more luxury features and segment-first power-folding second- and third-row seats.
The new model raises the company's stakes in terms of luxury and safety, becoming the first Ford to be fitted with rear-side airbags for second-row passengers, while front-seat occupants benefit from in-seat massage functionality.
Engine types have not been confirmed by Ford of Europe, but the new model is tipped to get a range of compact four-cylinder engines, including the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine worth 118kW.
Despite the new-fangled comfort, convenience and safety features, the Kia Rondo competitor is unlikely to be sold in Australia due to a lack of interest in the people-mover market segment, says Ford.
Ford Australia's Brand Communications Manager, Neil McDonald, explained that the company's previous decisions not to import S-MAX and smaller B-MAX and C-MAX people-mover models remains.
"The S-MAX and its B and C (segment) siblings are intrinsically European models, and in the EU they are popular. But in Australia that [people-mover] segment is very small, so the business case is difficult to resolve."
The Blue Oval's Australian spokesman noted that "our position hasn't changed" in regards to the S-MAX and its smaller relatives. In other words, it won't be coming to Australia.
Instead, Ford will remain in the seven-seat vehicle market after it ceases production of the Territory in 2016 by introducing the all-new Ranger-based Everest SUV next year, followed (perhaps) by the next-generation Explorer seven-seater, which could continue the Territory nameplate here.
Before then, Ford Australia may release the five-seat Edge as part of its expanding SUV line-up, which by 2017 could comprise the pint-size EcoSport, mid-size Kuga and Edge, and the large Everest and Explorer/Territory.
Based on the same platform as the new Ford Mondeo, the S-MAX is tipped to be a more dextrous vehicle and, along with power-folding rear seats, the new model also gets a hands-free tailgate, opening at the wiggle of a foot a la Kuga.
Along with the new second-row side airbags, Ford is pushing the safety angle with the new seven-seat vehicle, with automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring available.
A more advanced version of its self-parking system will reverse and parallel park by itself too. UK pricing is expected to start at around £24,000 --roughly $A43,000.