Ford Motor Company Global Auto Shows

Last year, Ford Motor Company introduced the award-winning Ford S-MAX, a seven-seat sport activity vehicle (SAV). It offered safety, space, comfort, and convenience along with Ford’s excellent driving dynamics and reliability—the full package, essentially. But Ford recognized that seven passengers might be more than some drivers need to carry, particularly in an emerging market like China. So this week provided the perfect opportunity to introduce the new five-seat S-MAX Trend in Beijing.

This take on the SAV combines the driving pleasure of a sedan with the spaciousness of a standard multi-purpose vehicle. It retains the same great drive, flexible seating, and bold design as the S-MAX Flagship, but has two rows of seats instead of three—plus an extra 6.5 cubic feet of rear cargo space and a lower price tag. This brings even more versatility to the adaptive car that’s been such a success in Europe, and positions the model for a wider global audience.

This year, the entire S-MAX range receives extra safety and luxury features. In addition to the standard 2.3-liter engine and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, rear parking sensors and footlights are now standard across the line. All models also come with anti-lock brakes, and the Ghia and Flagship models have a front-passenger seatbelt reminder and side airbags.

Like the new-generation Fiesta and the Mondeo, the S-MAX features Ford of Europe’s “kinetic design,” adding stylish energy and immediate appeal to the vehicles’ visual appearance. It’s just one more innovation Ford brings to a rapidly shifting global automotive market.