“Through our comprehensive safety approach we are continually improving the active and passive safety of our vehicles,” said Gisbert Gaeb, manager vehicle safety, Ford of Europe.

“With the new S-MAX, we have further enhanced our Intelligent Protection System (IPS) by introducing a driver’s knee airbag in combination with a sophisticated collapsible steering column and an ultra stiff body structure. This five-star performance in the Euro NCAP tests clearly underlines our no-compromise strategy to safety.”

Ford S-MAX safety systems include the latest-technology front air bags and a new driver’s knee air bag as well as side-mounted thorax air bags for the front seats plus first- and second-row window curtain air bags.

S-MAX also features a three-anchor ISOFIX system for the outer seats of the second row and Ford dealers offer special seats for children of all sizes and ages, which in combination with the ISOFIX system helped secure a four-star child protection rating.

An advanced neck injury protection system is standard on the all-new Ford S-MAX. Together with three-point seat belts, optimised pre-tensioners and load limiters, anti-submarining seat subframes, a collapsible steering system and safety pedals, this adds up to a highly comprehensive set of passive safety features.

In addition to standard anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and an optional enhanced electronic stability programme system.