FORD has lifted the wraps from its all-new S‑MAX seven-seater ahead of its public debut at next month's Paris Motor Show.

And when it hits the streets next year the newcomer will herald the American brand's Adaptive Steering technology in Europe.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and a range of fresh powertrains - including a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine - will also contribute to a more rewarding driving experience.

S-MAX will be the first Ford model in the world to feature Dynamic LED headlamps with glare-free highbeam that can maintain maximum illumination without distracting other road users

In addition, the company's advanced Pre-Collision Assist technology will help in mitigating accidents, even at motorway speeds.

Ford says the new generation S-MAX will have some 32 seating and load-space combinations, as well as easy-fold second and third row seats.

More than 400,000 S-MAX models have found homes in Europe since the original launch of a vehicle that  won Car of the Year in 2007.

Style-wise, the new version looks sleeker as the front pillar has been moved further back to create a longer, sculpted bonnet, while a raised chrome grille and slim headlamp design gives the car a sharper appeal.

And to ensure the cabin's durability, Ford's engineers simulated the punishment interiors can receive from being snagged by zips and studs.

A metal ball with needle-sharp spikes called a mace - just like the medieval weapon - is used to brush the fabrics 600 times.

What's a more open and airy interior also gets a full-length panoramic glass roof and seats with thinner backs to provide more legroom.

Ford is also helping families by ensuring easier parking courtesy of technologies like a perpendicular parking system which can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars in the same way that Active Park Assist helps drivers to parallel park.

Park-Out Assist helps drivers exit a parallel parking space while there's also Side Parking Aid, Cross Traffic Alert, a blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping and driver alert systems.

Engines include a 120PS 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed manual transmission and a revised 150PS and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi with manual or PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Petrol options including Ford's new fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost with manual transmission and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost automatic.

Ford vice president Stephen Odell said: "S-MAX struck a chord with customers all over Europe - people who need space and practicality but who could never picture themselves in a typical family hauler.

"The all-new S-MAX takes this no-compromise ethos to new levels with a stunning design, cool technology and dynamic driving experience."