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2015 Ford S-Max adds all-wheel drive, adaptive steering

The Blue Oval's 'One Ford' mantra has seen rapid commonization of the automaker's products across markets, but North America still has to look from afar at most of the company's Max-branded people movers, including this new S-Max. That's a bit of a shame - we like the space efficiency and above-average driving dynamics of the C-Max models we do get, but seeing this updated seven-seat small minivan makes us want the One Ford initiative to extend even further.
The new model's changes include an updated powertrain range including a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four with 158 horsepower, and a larger, 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter model, along with a pair of revised lower-emissions 2.0-liter diesels. The big news, however, is the advent of available all-wheel drive, something that hasn't been offered since the S-Max first went on sale back in 2006.
On the technology front, the S-Max is the first European model to receive Ford Adaptive Steering, a variable-ratio technology we recently sampled in a prototype Fusion that is expected to go into production on the next-generation Edge. The S-Max also receives a new aluminum-intensive integral link rear suspension, packaged to continue to fit up to 32 different seating combinations. Safety equipment is always a prime concern in kinschleppers like the S-Max, and to that end, this new model receives pre-collision assist technology and LED headlamps.

This is the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum, full of Nirvana

We knew two the most important things about the Platinum trim on the Ford Explorer when the configurator arrived online at the end of last year: it starts at $52,600 and comes standard with just about everything. In advance of the Explorer Platinum arriving at dealerships in September, Ford's dropped details on the superluxe crossover and what its chief designer calls "the most upscale, high-quality interior we've ever offered on a Ford vehicle in North America." So-called Nirvana leather goes everywhere, on the micro-perforated front seats, the rear seats, the instrument panel, armrests, door bolsters, and upper door trim. It looks like it can be had in two colors, either Soft Ceramic or Ebony, with a headliner colored Anthracite that goes with a matching, fabric-wrapped A-pillar. Elsewhere, there's genuine aluminum and ash wood, a stitched-leather-and-wood steering wheel with a brushed aluminum Ford logo, and a gauge cluster with a 10-inch digital display flanked by analog dials. View 16 Photos Another first is the 500-watt Sony stereo, the first time that brand has incorporated its premium home audio technology into a vehicle. Twelve speakers in ten locations are said to be able to recreate the sound from several concert halls around the world, and to stage instruments and voices around the cabin the same way you'd hear them at home. The Explorer Platinum is less ostentatious outside, with LED headlights, silver skidplates front and back, and special 20-inch wheels denoting the Platinum from other trims. The 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is standard, along with Terrain Management, active park assist that works for both perpendicular and parallel spots, lane keeping assistance, and rain-sensing wipers. The two press releases below go over all the goodies.

Ford recalling 390,000 cars over door latch woes

Ford is recalling certain Fiesta, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles due to faulty door latches, marking the latest in what seems to be a recurring issue for the Blue Oval. This is the third door latch recall from Ford in 2015, following a 213,000-unit recall in March and a 205,000-unit recall in January. This one, however, is significantly larger. A total of 390,000 units are affected, including Fusions and MKZs from model years 2013 and 2014, as well as Fiestas from model years 2012 to 2014. A "broken pawl spring tab" is the culprit, potentially keeping doors from latching shut. According to Ford, even if the door does shut, it could come open again without warning. The affected Fiestas were built between February 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013 at the Cuautitlan, Mexico factory. The Fusion and MKZ siblings, meanwhile, were screwed together at Hermosillo Assembly in Mexico between July 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. Ford is aware of three minor reports of door malfunctions. In two cases, the door bounced back open, quite literally hitting drivers on their way out. In the third case, a door swung open of its own accord while a driver was attempting to park, hitting another vehicle. Ford will notify owners, who will need to report into dealers to have all four latches replaced. Scroll down for the official press release. Related Video: APR 24, 2015 | DEARBORN, MICH. FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES SAFETY RECALL IN NORTH AMERICA FOR DOOR LATCH ISSUE ON FORD FIESTA AND FUSION, LINCOLN MKZ Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for approximately 390,000 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta and 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for a door latch issue. The door latch in these vehicles may experience a broken pawl spring tab, which typically results in a condition where the door will not latch. If a customer is then able to latch the door, there is potential the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury. Ford is aware of two allegations of soreness resulting from an unlatched door bouncing back when the customer attempted to close it, and one accident allegation when an unlatched door swung open and struck an adjacent vehicle as the driver was pulling into a parking space. Affected vehicles include certain 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta vehicles built at Cuautitlan Assembly Plant, Feb.