Update - In Ford have passed the Kinetic Design a style that seems inspired by the Aston Martin last generation. The new models that the signing of the oval has presented include a calender quite reminiscent of sports Gaydon.

This case is kind of interesting because in the past Ford was owner of Aston Martin and now has nothing to do with the prestigious British sports, the American brand adopts a front design that looks like a copy of the latter.

The latest model of Ford to sport this new decision-shaped main air Aston Martin is the S-Max that will be presented to the public for the first time at the Paris Salon of 2014.

We kept a imputs receiving this second generation minivan Ford large format time. At the IAA 2013 a prototype S-Max Concept was presented in April 2014 and met the S-Max Vignale Concept. Now at last we know definitely like the model series we had seen not one but two concepts.

Electrically folding seats

The new S-Max will be available in two different interiors: 5 and 7 seats. With the second and thanks to the modularity of the folding seats we can give rise to 32 different configurations of the cabin.

The system of folding the seats of both the second and the third row is performed by an electric mechanism by pressing a button. To increase the comfort of the rear seats, the seats are older now and have a stronger fluffy.

According to Ford has worked hard to increase the comfort of the seats and improve the sound insulation of interior. Both materials used in dashboard, door panels and seats are of higher quality. In the second row also has side airbags.

One of the data that left more confused was the process that Ford used to check the strength of seat covers. Bump quite read a press release this phrase which we list below as it appears on the information provided by Ford: "tissues inside rubbed over 600 times with a metal ball with spikes sharp as needles engineers call maza , like the medieval weapon. "

The air conditioning system of the new Mondeo has been chosen for the S-Max with what is improved the cooling while the noise produced by the fans is reduced.

In order to optimize the storage capacity has compartments both the roof, in the center tunnel as under the floor of the carrier. There are no data luggage capacity in liters but according to the Oval is a leader in its segment.

AWD

One of the great innovations of the S-Max is available with all-wheel drive. A solution that will be useful to those who live in mountainous areas or with a rather bad weather.

Currently Ford has announced that it will release with five different engines, two petrol and three diesel. The less powerful engine range will be a 2.0 TDCi 120 hp with manual.

The other two diesel engines may have manual or automatic dual-clutch Powershift. There are two 2.0 TDCi 150 hp and 180 hp. Still unknown consumption data or vehicle performance.

Ai like the Mondeo and Focus, the S-Max will also feature the new 1.5 EcoBoost petrol engine. While in the Focus this same engine is available with two power levels (150 hp and 182 hp) in the S-Max only will be a 160 hp version.

The most powerful version of the range will be another 2-liter EcoBoost engine that will yield 240 hp. While the 1.5 EcoBoost may only have manual gearbox, the 2.0 EcoBoost be automatic.

Dynamic LED headlamps are other solutions designed to increase the safety of this MPV large format. This lighting equipment also has a function of beam that does not dazzle other road users.

A wizard that activates Pre-Crash Brake system in case of imminent collision, blind spot detector, signal recognition, parking attendants and desaparcamiento are some security systems that equip.

Still has not materialized exactly when Ford will begin marketing the new S-Max, for now just know it will be in 2015. Nor do we know the price range. We will see for the first time at the Paris Salon of 2014.

Loaded with technology

The market entry of S-MAX also heralds the arrival of the Ford forefront of new technologies range. This model opens the new Intelligent Speed ​​Limiter, a system that detects road signs and adjusts the speed of the vehicle to prevent it from exceeding the legal speed limits and so spare us any unwanted fines.

Also new is the global debut of Dynamic LED headlights with high beam glare. This technology attenuates the beam of light maintaining other driver dazzle light intensity in other areas.

Adaptive Management Ford has also been deeply revised to improve maneuvering reduced while providing a guided and more accurate response when driving at higher speeds speed. The system constantly adjusts the ratio of the steering wheel to the wheels as needed.

The Front Chamber can help drivers who approach an intersection with poor visibility or situations in which a pedestrian may cross a zebra crossing blind. Additionally, this camera is automatically cleaned when it detects dirt on your lens by a jet of pressurized water.

Pre-Crash Assistant Pedestrian Detection is designed to detect pedestrians near the road or who may cross in front of the vehicle. This system can automatically activate the brakes if a collision and the driver disregards warnings are detected.

Other driving aids, or rather the parking are Perpendicular Parking System and Assisted Parking that can maneuver the car without the driver using the steering wheel, Park-Out Assist helps the driver out of a square parking without having to manage the steering wheel, Assistant Lateral parking emitting audible alarms and indicators distance from any objects near the vehicle and Cross Traffic Alert warns the driver if a vehicle is approaching from the sides when we left the parking reverse.

The rest of available technologies encompass the Dead Angle Detector in the mirror, the system Traffic Sign Recognition, the Lane Keeping Alert, the Lane Change Assistant and Driver Alert.

Ford S-Max

Update - In Ford have passed the Kinetic Design a style that seems inspired by the Aston Martin last generation. The new models that th...

Ford S-Max

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Energetic and versatile

The Oval has updated the Kuga with the advent of mechanical innovations and increased equipment. For this update I opted to try the most powerful alternative 2.0 TDCi range, which now goes from 163-180 horsepower, and I've done with dual-clutch automatic version. This version of the most powerful TDCi is necessarily associated with four-wheel drive system, which broadens the horizons of US-based SUV off-road.

Price wise, this version is in an intermediate position in its segment, costing 33,850 base price of 38,700 euros and counting optional incorporating this particular unit. However, this second price may drop to 4,200 euros (34,500 euros) taking into account discounts offered by the brand today as PIVE Plan. The battle in the compact SUV segment is brutal, so the roster of competitors Kuga is really wide. These include the Nissan Qashqai, the Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35, the Renault Koleos or Toyota RAV-4.

The update received by the Kuga few months ago has not affected their aesthetic appearance, already thoroughly changed with the arrival of this latest generation. In fact, the design has been, since landing on the market of this model, one of the points where more stressed, although in this second generation is less risky. When reviewing your "look", robust and athletic, a frontal seen with a strong personality thanks to lower grille and some optical certain aggressiveness in his eyes.

Note that the LED daytime lights and bi-xenon headlamps with cornering function are standard. Chrome roof bars define the silhouette. In this lateral region, the rising beltline gives the car more dynamic while chrome strip at the base of the windows, on one hand, and the darkened rear windows, on the other, contribute to a higher poise.

With regard to proportions, remember that the car has a length of 4.52 meters while its height is 1.69 m and its width of 1.84 m. This leads to a very compact dimensions SUV. Moreover, it should be noted that the body color of the unit under test is new, is called Magnetic Gray and has an additional cost of 550 euros.

More equipped

Updating the model of the Oval includes the extension of the standard equipment across the range, with systems like cruise control with speed limiter on all versions. This can be optionally accompanied by adaptive cruise control (900 euros), alternative had not ridden the unit I tested. Among the systems that are now standard also is monitoring tire pressure.

Another novelty receiving the Kuga is the possibility to activate Smartphone applications through voice commands thanks to Ford SYNC AppLink system, standard on Titanium finish this unit. As a result, I saw that is easy to listen to our favorite group or singer by Spotify, for example, without having to look away. Ford Vectoring Control, Hill Start Assistant, Ford SOS Help, fog lights, active grille, climate control system Automatic dual zone, light and rain sensors, multifunction steering wheel and shift knob and leather-wrapped gear shift indicator.

The possibilities to complete the equipment in key technology are numerous. One of the most significant alternatives that could prove integrates the Tech package (1,050 euros), which incorporates notice of involuntary change lanes, traffic sign recognition, Active City Stop and Blind Spot detector, among other systems. Reviewing other optional rides this Kuga also find beige leather upholstery (1,400 euros), opening and boot without Ford Key Free (300 euros), the sunroof ($ 1,000), heated front seats ($ 200) key and Sony CD Radio MP3 with TFT 4.2 "nine speakers and USB input (350 euros). Although not included in this unit, also worth stressing the gate opening hands-free (600 euros).

A level of occupancy, no variation, so that the model provides a position comfortable and spacious driving with an elevated position provides good visibility. A keypads center console them would require a more intuitive use, but enjoy anyway good ergonomics. Given the measures that are today in the segment, the browser screen remains small and would be nice to stay in a position closest to the driver. The second row is sliding and tilting, which increases your chances in terms of modularity. Here two adults can travel comfortably. Should be three, keep in mind that the support of the central plaza is harder than the side. An important trunk of 456 liters complete the habitable qualities of the Kuga.

Power injection and saving

Under the hood is where it appears one of the most notable developments of this updating of the Kuga. And engineers signature oval been applied to an injection turbodiesel power inline four-cylinder 2.0 TDCi, which goes from 163 to 180 hp. Furthermore, it has also produced an improvement of maximum torque, increasing from 340 to 400 Nm, which delivery occurs between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm. This causes the response block is very good at low revolutions and still more freely move the vehicle. This improvement also ensures greater impetus to address longer pending in ascending highway.

For this test I chose the automatic version, in which the engine is associated with a gearbox six-speed dual-clutch Power Shift. This transmission is quite fast and makes gear changes smoothly. In addition to conventional D position has a Sport mode that spurs more when climbing gears, making the shift to higher regimes to achieve a more sporty performance. To have more control over the change, the transmission is equipped with a sequential manner. However, the way it handles not just convinced me. It has two buttons on the left side of the gear knob, whose access is not as comfortable as it should.

In terms of performance, the results are really good, as the vehicle accelerates from 0-100 km / h in 10.0 seconds and top speed is 200 km / h. Parallel to the increase in power there has been a considerable improvement in efficiency due to a decline in consumption and emissions relative to the engine we knew to date. Now, this automatic version, featuring Stop / Start automatic start and stop system records emissions of 140 g / km of CO2 and the average approved consumption is 5.4 liters per 100 km. The average I got after the test was 6.7 liters, which is still a good addition since this is the version with four-wheel drive value.

Near a tourist

The dynamic qualities of the Kuga are among the best in the segment, as it is an SUV that especially stands out for its stability. And, while driving on mountain roads, impeccable chassis handles minimize body roll. In fact, his behavior is so neutral that is very close to what one would expect from a tourist rather than an SUV that, by nature, has a higher and more evidence inertia.

The suspension recorded certain firmness, which is mainly perceived bad roads, but this in no way subtracts the car ride comfort as well copy small bumps. Meanwhile, the address is distinguished by its precision and a very direct feel. This, combined with the dynamic conditions as discussed above, results in an easy and fun to drive if we increase the pace twisty. Obviously, your sports features are limited but ranks among the best of its kind in this area. In addition, shows a considerable aplomb and a very good ride quality rolling motorway, which makes it a good companion for long trips through these pathways.

As I mentioned before, this mechanical variant only offered with four-wheel drive, which increases your chances when you leave the asphalt. It has an AWD system that, under normal circumstances, sends torque to the front axle though, when necessary, allocates part of the force to the rear. The result is a remarkable level of motor by simple tracks, gravel or snow. However, we must not forget that it is not an SUV. Your headroom improvement of tourism but also allows facing complex postage.

Conclusion

In short, although the recent update has brought changes to aesthetic or formal level in the model, we do need to highlight the step forward that has given the 2.0 TDCi. It's more powerful, more responsive and also is more efficient, qualities that are appreciated and that lead to Kuga to move more freely and spend less. The combination between the engine and the automatic transmission is very successful. The Power Shift does not reach the level of speed and smoothness of a DSG but provided very good overall results. Improvements in equipment are responsible for completing this update Ford SUV, which retains its versatile interior and effective dynamics, with the added value of the integral traction (mandatory, of course) of this mechanical variant.

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium 180 hp 4x4 PowerShift

Energetic and versatile The Oval has updated the Kuga with the advent of mechanical innovations and increased equipment. For thi...

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium 180 hp 4x4 PowerShift

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