2010 Ford S-Max facelift spied in the Swiss Alps

When the S-Max was launched back in 2006, the model was a winner for Ford of Europe from the start. It promptly took the European Car of Year Award prize and went on to be a sales success and a favorite of consumers and auto journalists alike. Now the S-Max is due for a mid-generation facelift and Ford needs to keep the model fresh without compromising its hard-won credentials with the public.

Here are some spy shots of the facelifted S-Max out for some exercise in the yard otherwise known as the Swiss Alps. The changes seem less than dramatic but will likely do enough to satisfyingly update the model for that public with raised expectations. These include newly designed air intakes and fog lights for the S-Max's new face, which also comes with a new front bumper. A new bonnet and grille also provide for the changes in features at the front end.

At the back is a minor design change to the hatch and new tail lights with LEDs as well as a new bumper for the rear too.

The facelifted Ford S-Max is expected to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show this September.