Ford has finally revealed a name for the production version of its sporty seven-seater people-carrier SAV concept, which will be called S-Max when it goes on sale later this year.
As with the Galaxy, the S-Max can seat seven, thanks to Ford's fold-flat seating system. However, while both models are being built alongside each other in Genk, Belgium, the S-Max takes a far more sporting look and will be the first production Ford to reflect the firm's new design direction as shown in the Iosis concept car of 2005.
The Iosis is reckoned to be a strong indicator of what the next generation Mondeo will look like when it is unveiled late in 2007.
The S-Max is hoping to build on the criticial acclaim of the smaller five-seater C-Max version of the Focus. Most of the praise for the C-Max has been for its Focus-derived handling and ride characteristics rather than its flexibility.
At the time of its production, Ford had considered making the C-Max a seven-seater, but instead opted for five, something that many regard as a mistake.
It meant the C-Max could not properly compete with the likes of the seven-seater Opel Zafira or Renault Grand Scenic in terms of family flexibility.
Despite growing concern expressed at the Detroit motor show last week that US brands are producing too many model variations, the blue oval brand is planning to launch the new S-Max in the same year as it releases the latest Galaxy model.
The difference between the S-Max and the Galaxy is that while the S-Max is a "5+2" format, the new Galaxy - much larger than the current model - will easily hold seven adults.