These are the first photos of Ford’s next-gen S-MAX, a seven-seater minivan that shares its underpinnings with the Mondeo/Fusion, revealed ahead of a world premiere at the Paris Motor Show.

It’s the production version of the homonymous concept from the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and it is expected to go on sale in Europe and possibly other markets around the world, but most likely not in North America where demand for minivans is dwindling, next year.

The sharp looking MPV employs Ford’s latest styling language both inside and out while keeping the same footprint as its predecessor.

Ford has introduced new practical and comfort features including power-folding seats on the second and third row, a hands-free tailgate, electrically adjusted steering wheel and heated and cooled seats.

On the safety and technology front, the S-MAX gets a new active parking system, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and automatic braking.

The Blue Oval has yet to release full details, but Autoexpress reported that the engine range will include Ford’s new 158hp 1.5-liter and 237hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost petrols, together with a 2.0-liter TDCi available in 118hp, 148hp and 177hp flavors. For the first time, the S-MAX will be available with all-wheel drive as well.

H/T to Autoblog.nl!

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