Spyshots: Ford S-Max Facelift

American manufacturer Ford is getting ready to renew the image of the European aimed S-Max MPV even if, as you can see for yourselves, there are only a few changes to look at. Spied while undergoing testing somewhere in Switzerland, the restyled S-Max is getting ready to be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show this fall.

The most extensive modifications can be noticed at the front, not as much because they are striking, but because they engulf most of the Max's front end. The hood, the bumper and the grille are different than the ones on the current, 3-year-old version. Ford got rid of the Fiesta look on the S-Max's face, giving it a more aggressive one.

From the side, not much has changed. The main noticeable difference is that the tail lights no longer extend over the rear fenders.

Don't get spooked about the very-low riding hight, as this is not a sign of the guys testing it carrying melons. The S-Max seems packed with tools, which may hint that a new engine or transmission is being tested.

At the back, the face-lifted S-Max is setting itself apart from the current generation through the reshaped tail lights, now equipped with LEDs.

As for the engines, the revised S-Max will be offered largely in the same engine configurations, four diesel (1.8 TDCi 101 hp, 1.8 TDCi 126 hp, 2.0 TDCi 131 hp and 2.0 TDCi 140 hp) and two petrol (2.0 and 2.0 Turbo). As we said, a new unit may be on the way.