2015 Ford S-Max people-mover revealed

The new Ford S-Max - which was presaged by the S-Max Concept at the 2013 Geneva motor show - adopts the brand's Aston Martin-esque design language, with a broad, slatted grille, sculpted bumper and sleek headlights. The body of the car is similar to the model it replaces, though with some new styling lines running under the beltline of the car giving it slightly more presence than its slab-sided predecessor.

At the rear, the S-Max features a wagon-like tailgate with bold tail-lights, while twin exhaust tips poke out from its smooth rear bumper.

The S-Max is based upon the new Mondeo (set to arrive in Australia in 2015), and gains some of that car's bits, including hands-free boot operation (also on Kuga SUV) and electronic folding second- and third-row seats. Other new additions include side airbags for the second row, heated and cooled front seats with massage function, and an electronically adjustable steering column.

Ford's new SYNC media system - which will also be seen in the 2015 Ford Falcon and Territory - is also offered in the new S-Max.

No official engine details have been confirmed for the 2015 S-Max, but it is expected to be offered with the latest 1.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo engine, producing 118kW of power. A range-topping 2.0-litre EcoBoost with 177kW is also expected, with six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch auto gearboxes set to be offered with both petrol engines. Diesel versions will likely consist of a single 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The standard S-Max will be front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel-drive version is also likely, according to reports out of Europe.

The S-Max has never been sold in our market, and Ford Australia told CarAdvice it has no plans to introduce this new model.