8:00am Friday 21st May 2010
AT-A-GLANCE Ford S-Max Duratorq TDCi 2.0-litre powershift 140ps Titanium.
Price: £24,995 (on the road).
Top speed: 120mph.
0-60mph: 10.5 seconds.
Fuel: 47.1mpg (combined figure).
CO 2 emissions (g/km): 159.
Verdict: Great styling, superb drive, quality build, practical, new technology for safety and comfort.
FORD’S S-Max has done much for the company’s image.
The seven-seat MPV looked great when it was first launched three years ago and promptly won the Car of the Year award but the new sculptured bodywork and upmarket interior look of the new model is far more appealing.
The price is right, too, with the new vehicle being 10-12 per cent cheaper than the outgoing model. Prices now start at £20,645 with three specifications – Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X Sport.
Besides possessing striking styling and a more premium appeal, the MPV comes with a range of advanced motors to give improved performance, economy and emissions.
Ford’s diesels are among the best in the business and represent by far the company’s biggest sellers, although the petrol motors also command a strong following and the S-Max is one of the first cars to be available with the new 2.0-litre 203ps Ecoboost petrol unit.
It joins the new 115ps and 163ps 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesels, with an updated 140ps version arriving later. All the power trains belong to the latest stage five category.
Additionally, the Ford powershift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on the S-Max and Ford’s large car range.
On the road the S-Max immediately conveys a sporty feel. The engines are eager and powerful, the suspension taut but composed and comfortable, and the power steering feels just right, being nicely positive and giving plenty of feedback. The driver’s splendid communication with the S-Max makes for an enjoyable drive.
Both manual and powershift transmissions are smooth operators with the powershift being standard equipment with the Ecoboost petrol unit and optional with the 2.0 140ps and 2.0 163ps Duratorq diesels.
While many would-be buyers will be drawn to the new engine technology, others will view the interior with equal importance.
It is thoroughly modern, well laid out and space is generally very good, particularly for the first five passengers with plenty of head and leg room.
However, the positioning of the third row of seats is rather low so that they are only suitable for children or small adults.
But the S-Max has much family practicality for everyday use and utilises Ford’s system as standard equipment whereby the five rear seats can fold flat, leaving a large space for luggage. There are plenty of new interior features, including a premium sound system, a choice of colour schemes, graphics and materials.
There are full leather options.
And among the high-tech gear is a blind spot information system and an adjustable speed limiter device.
If it is out-and-out space you need, then you should consider the new Galaxy which has also just gone on sale.
This model is a firm favourite and improved its market share in its segment last year. The new model also puts on the style with a more sculptured bonnet, new grille, further chrome detailing and an upgraded interior.
Compared with the S-Max there is a good deal more shoulder and leg room and the third row of seats is set higher which gives more space and comfort and allows adults to be carried.
Ford’s excellent fold-flat seat system also comes as standard so that with the seats down the load space is simply cavernous.
The ride quality is a tad softer than the S-Max, especially with the family aboard. However, with a starting price of £22,945, which includes the latest reductions, it is £2,300 more expensive than the S-Max.
But at the same time it also represents very good value for money when the new engines, build quality, practicality and wealth of equipment is compared to leading rivals.
Ford’s lower pricing also extends to the Mondeo.
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