Ford has revealed fresh details on its new-generation Ford S-MAX family car. The seven-seater MPV will boast more than 20 new technology features. These include all-new safety features from Ford, such as an Intelligent Speed Limiter and Glare-Free Highbeam headlights.
The new S-MAX will be the first Ford sold worldwide to feature the Intelligent Speed Limiter. This gadget combines the functions of two previous launched technologies, the Adjustable Speed Limiter and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The Intelligent Speed Limiter can scan the road ahead for traffic signs and adjust the throttle to help drivers stay within legal limits and therefore avoid speeding fines. Using steering wheel controls, the driver can adjust different settings for controlling the car’s speed limit. For example, the driver can set a speed tolerance of up to 5mph over the detected speed limit.
On S-MAX models with sat-nav onboard, the Intelligent Speed Limiter can also use map data to boost accuracy. When this feature detects the car is going above the current speed limit, rather than apply the brakes, the car instead decreases engine torque by electronically adjusting the amount of fuel delivered.
If the S-MAX is going over the set speed limit because it’s travelling downhill, then an alarm is sounded. Drivers can temporarily override this system by pressing firmly on the accelerator.
Other new driving gadgets debuting on the new S-MAX include the Glare-Free Highbeams, which, using shutters, can automatically adjust the angle and intensity of the LED headlights to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. This is achieved with the support of a windshield-mounted camera that can detect oncoming vehicles from 800 metres ahead.
Also debuting is Ford Adaptive Steering, which continually adjust the ratio between the steering wheel and the road wheels to make manoeuvring at low speed and in tight spaces easier. This will also be the first Ford S-MAX to be available with four-wheel drive.
The engine range for the new S-MAX will include a TDCi diesel and two EcoBoost petrol units. The 2.0-litre diesel is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and will offer three outputs of either 118bhp, 148bhp or 178bhp. CO2 emission outputs start from just 129g/km.
The turbocharged petrol engines comprise of a 1.5-litre unit with 158bhp and a 2.0-litre unit with 237bhp. The manual gearbox is standard again for the former but the latter uses a six-speed PowerShift automatic gearbox.
Deliveries of the new Ford S-MAX are due to begin during this summer. Pricing will be confirmed at a time closer to the car’s launch.
