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Ford enlarges its S-MAX range with the five-seat S-MAX Trend for customers who want more space instead of more seats.
- In 2007, Ford launched the award-winning S-MAX as a seven-seat Sport Activity Vehicle. Today, Ford announces the introduction of a five-seat variant that offers the convenience of more load space.
- With class-leading driving dynamics, bold kinetic design, responsive 2.3-litre engine and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the 2008 Ford S-MAX is the driving definition of the perfect sport activity vehicle.
- All Ford S-MAX models are equipped with ABS (with EBD), rear parking sensors, The seven-seat S-MAX Ghia and Flagship models are equipped with front-passenger seatbelt reminder and side airbags as standard occupant safety features.
CHONGQING, 8 April, 2008 – Ford S-MAX owners appreciate the safety and convenience of three rows of seating for seven passengers. However, for some potential Ford S-MAX customers, seven seats is two too many.
Today, Ford releases details of the five-seat S-MAX Trend that joins the S-MAX model range for 2008.
Ford will debut the new five-seat S-MAX Trend at Auto China 2008 in Beijing alongside the seven-seat S-MAX Flagship.
“The S-MAX is spacious, safe and convenient but not everyone needs seven seats. Introducing a five-seat variant to the S-MAX range makes perfect sense and illustrates Ford's ability to provide Chinese customers with cars and features they want," said Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company.
Four Model Range, Additional Features for 2008
The five-seat S-MAX Trend is a new variant tailored to meet market demand. It has two rows of seating in line with requests of some S-MAX customers who desire more cargo space.
With the absence of a third-row of seats, the five-seat S-MAX Trend offers 185 litres more of rear cargo space.
2008 introduces additional safety and luxury features across the Ford S-MAX range. Rear parking sensors and footlights are now standard features on all 2008 S-MAX models.
All S-MAX models are equipped with ABS (with EBD).
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is offered on certain models. The S-MAX Ghia and Flagship models gain front-passenger seat-belt reminder and seat-mounted side airbags to improve side-impact protection for front seat occupants.
More Advantages than a Sedan or an MPV
Award-winning Ford S-MAX with space flexibility, precise driving dynamics and bold, energetic kinetic design reaches a new exciting segment in the SAV market. Compared with sedans, it offers more room with the advantage of flexible seating. Compared to an MPV, S-MAX is naturally more agile, quicker to manoeuvre and delivers more driving pleasure.
The five-seat Ford S-MAX Trend is economical to run. For example, vehicle repair costs and maintenance costs for the five-seat S-MAX Trend are approximately equal with the associated cost of a traditional family sedan.
Flexible Space
Seven-seat Ford S-MAX models feature the Fold Flat System which can be arranged into 32 different seating layouts. S-MAX also has 26 storage areas so finding a convenient place to put stuff is never more than an arm's length away. These clever features allow the S-MAX to meet the various needs of modern families – for work, school and leisure.
Driving Dynamics
Excellent driving dynamics is a quality every driver will appreciate and S-MAX has it. It responds to driver inputs precisely, remains balanced on-road and is relaxing to drive.
The 2.3-litre engine develops more than 117kW at 6500rpm and delivers peak torque of 205Nm at 4000rpm. The engine uses Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) to deliver more power over a wider engine speed range. The engine develops 90 percent of peak torque between 2000-5000rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission with driver-select manual mode accompanies the all-aluminium engine. The combination is impressively smooth, quiet and refined.
MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear independent suspension layout is the basis of Ford’s excellent C3P chassis design. Body integrity and structural rigidity enhanced by a front and rear sub-frame contribute to the S-MAX's precise steering response and outstanding dynamics.
Kinetic Design
Ford S-MAX is the first production model to feature Ford of Europe's kinetic design form language. Mondeo and next-generation Fiesta also feature distinct and bold kinetic design elements.
The Ford S-MAX is characterized by a distinctively angled nose and dynamic headlamps. Fog lamps are placed inbound and high on the front bumper, giving the vehicle an athletic look. The slim upper grille is complemented by a dominant inverted trapezoid grille below the number plate area. This is a Ford design signature, and adds a touch of aggression to the frontal appearance. At each side of the lower grille area, "gills" resembling cooling ducts give S-MAX a distinct performance identity.
Ford’s kinetic design creates an S-MAX that is visually bold and dynamic. The fast roof line arching into the bonnet, the muscular wheel arches and the distinctive kick-up to the rear window all visually indicate that S-MAX is the perfect Sport Activity Vehicle.
About Ford Motor in China
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 245,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
Ford's wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and investment in China include Ford Motor (China) Limited, Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automotive Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automotive Co., Ltd., Nanjing Company, Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd., and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd.
For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com and www.ford.com.cn.