2008 Beijing Auto Show Preview: Ford S-Max Trend

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BEIJING — Ford's S-Max crossover vehicle will make the trek to China, where the European people mover will appear first in a new five-passenger variant. It will be on display at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show next week.

While Ford is still debating whether to bring a version of the S-Max to North America, it has green-lighted the crossover for the China market, where sales of the Blue Oval are beginning to ignite.

The new edition, dubbed the S-Max Trend, will be unveiled next week at the Beijing auto show. The China-spec version will be outfitted with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 157 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

By removing the third row of seats, Ford is able to increase cargo space in the S-Max Trend.

What this means to you: Looks like Chinese consumers will be able to buy a version of the S-Max before Americans will. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent