Ford S-Max 2

The second-generation Ford S-MAX has been spied testing near the company's testing facility in Michigan. The production seven-seater MPV was previewed by a concept revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and will be based on the next Mondeo.

Despite the heavy camouflage, it is clear that the S-MAX will feature many key design elements featured on the concept (Ford has a fairly good track record in keeping the design of the production car faithful to the concept), although the roofline appears to have been raised slightly.

Ford S-Max 7

Out in front peeks the now-ubiquitous Aston Martin-esque front grille and swept back headlights, while the rear features arrow-shaped tail lights and dual trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

The range of petrol and diesel engines available with the S-MAX will be shared with the Mondeo. The main highlight of the range will be the new 1.5 litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that made its debut in the Chinese-market Mondeo last year. In that application the turbocharged mill produces 177 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.

The production Ford S-MAX is expected to make its debut at this year's Paris Motor Show ahead of its market introduction in Europe early next year.