FordGeneva2015 S-MAX

The 2015 Ford S-Max, pictured here in range-topping Titanium Sport trim, has been confirmed for a UK market debut in the middle of this year. Prices are expected to begin at circa £25,000 (RM137,155). The CD4-based MPV will be available as standard with seven seats for the UK market.

Looks wise, the second-generation soccer mom mobile successfully apes the current design language with a Mondeo-esque front grille flanked by adaptive LED head lamps which employs Glare-Free High Beam technology. Said system works by detecting both oncoming and/or parallel vehicles and cuts out the required amount of light as to not dazzle other motorists.

Elsewhere, the UK-spec range-topping S-Max Titanium models receive a bodykit which consists of a rear diffuser-like element with integrated exhaust outlets and twin-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels - 19-inch designs are an option. Inside, the new S-Max is, supposedly, "more luxurious and sophisticated."

FordGeneva2015 S-MAX

Taking centre stage is the inclusion of a eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Blue Oval's SYNC platform. Along with the lessened number of buttons and an electronic parking brake, more storage compartments were included, further increasing practicality. Access to the boot is also possible via a gesture-controlled motion, a move Malaysians will be familiar with from the Ford Kuga.

Electronic aids are present in the form of an autonomous braking system (up to 180 km/h), parking aid, lane keeping assist and a 180-degree front camera that increases forward sideways visibility. Also included is Ford's Intelligent Speed Assist system that slows the vehicle down according to stipulated speed limits.

Under the skin, a new integral link rear suspension has been added along with a ZF-sourced electric steering system, with a fully-variable setup offered optionally. Two petrol and five diesel engines are offered. A 1.5 litre EcoBoost petrol mill with 158 hp gets paired to a six-speed manual transmission while the more powerful 2.0 litre petrol unit with 237 hp gets hooked up to an automatic.

FordGeneva2015 S-MAX

On the diesel front, a 2.0 litre TDCi unit is available with three states of tune - 118 hp, 148 hp and 178 hp. All three are mated to a six-speed manual as standard with the six-speed Powershift unit offered on the latter two options. Also available on the two top diesel models is an all-wheel drive system.

In Malaysia, the current-generation Ford S-Max is on sale for RM193,619 OTR without insurance and comes powered by a 2.0 litre EcoBoost petrol mill with 240 hp and 340 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox.