A DEVICE that can help drivers avoid a speeding ticket will be fitted to Ford's all new S-MAX people mover as part of an array of high technology that will feature on the latest model.

The third generation of the award-winning S-MAX is due in the summer and will be priced from £24,545.

As well as the 'intelligent' speed limiter the car will also be available with a camera system to help negotiate blind junctions, anti-dazzle headlamps and automatic parking systems.

Some models will be fitted with four-wheel-drive and the new S-MAX sees the debut of Ford's first bi-turbo diesel engine.

The S-MAX retains its seven seat configuration that has made it a firm favourite with families and the latest model can be fitted with a hands-free power operated tailgate making it more user friendly.

The sophisticated speed limiter is a world first for Ford and uses cameras to read speed signs then adjusts the power from the engine to stay safe.

Drivers can over-ride the system if necessary and models fitted with sat nav will have greater accuracy when changing speed zones. The device can be set to work at speeds ranging from 20mph upwards.

Other innovations which Ford is using for the first time include a 180 degree camera system to scan T-junctions with restricted visibility and LED headlights which are designed to stop dazzling other road users.

Adaptive steering, additional side airbags for middle row passengers and anti-collision systems are also being fitted.

The latest S-MAX will have a variety of engines including a 160ps 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol unit and Ford's new bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel which develops 210ps and will be mated to a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

Manual diesel models will be powered by updated 2.0-litre engines pumping out either 120, 150 or 180ps which Ford claims will be good for 56.5mpg with emissions of 129g/km.

The 150ps and 180ps diesel S-MAX models will be also be offered with the six-speed PowerShift automatic gearbox and the option of all-wheel-drive for added traction.

Flagship models will come with Ford's 240ps 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

Since it was first launched in 2007 - when it was voted Car of the Year - the S-MAX has become one of Britain's most popular MPVs notching up almost 82,000 sales in the UK.