Scoop: 2015 Ford S-MAX Minivan Based on the Fusion-Mondeo Spotted in the USA

Our spies nabbed the first photos of an actual (and not a test mule) Ford S-MAX prototype wondering, or rather testing, just outside the Blue Oval’s development facility in Michigan.

Naturally, the appearance of the S-MAX in the USA raises the question whether Ford is pondering to sell the upcoming, second generation of its stylish European MPV (the term used in North America is “minivan”) or if it’s here for development and assessment purposes only.

The S-MAX’s smaller sibling, the Focus-based C-MAX, is sold in the States, but only in Hybrid and Energi (PHEV) forms. Perhaps Ford could be considering something similar for the Fusion / Mondeo based S-MAX? Given the negative attitude that many consumers have towards traditional minivans, maybe it’s time Detroit started using the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) moniker for sportier iterations like the S-MAX. The SUV nameplate worked wonders for 4x4s….

It may be shrouded in black camouflage, but the new S-MAX isn’t exactly an unknown quantity, as Ford displayed a near-production concept of the MPV at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

From these spy shots, it looks like the production car will remain close to the study in design, but it won’t be as impressive due to the higher roofline.

Like the concept, the next S-MAX should come with a 5+2 seat layout, with the third row of pop-out seats to be for children only, while also offering Ford’s new 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost unit among other diesel and petrol powerplants.

In Europe, the new S-MAX will probably launch onto the market early next year.

By John Halas

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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