Cars Service

Car Review Ford S MAX 2 5 Titanium

Overview

Its the most eagerly awaited new Ford since the Focus - and with sales of large family cars in freefall, its crucial to the firms success. The all-new S-MAX is the blue ovals practical vision of the future, and promises a fun driving experience and a flexible seven-seat cabin, wrapped up in a sporty body. On sale in June, the new MPV will be priced from £16,995. Its more costly than the traditional Mondeo, but is it really as good as it sounds? Auto Express got behind the wheel to find out.

Based on the daring SAV concept - which debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show - the S-MAX features bold lights, a steeply slanting screen and rakish profile. As a result, it is the sportiest-looking MPV yet launched.



The styling also disguises the cars size. Longer than the current Galaxy, its only 50mm shorter than the forthcoming model - which Auto Express drove last week (issue 904). The two cars share suspension and chassis components, which will also be used to underpin an all-new Mondeo.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel

The S-Maxs driving position is lower than many MPVs; its a matter of personal taste whether this suits you or not. Either way, the seats and steering wheel have plenty of adjustment, and the dash is clearly laid out and places everything in easy reach. Visibility – as with most MPVs – is compromised slightly by the four front pillars.

Space & practicality

The S-Maxs ample headroom and legroom mean that five people can sit in comfort. Access to the rear seats is good and kids will be happy there, but the low-slung seating position means adults wont relish long journeys. The five rear seats fold flat rather than lift out, and when used as a five-seater theres a huge, well shaped boot. Even with all seven seats in use, theres still space for a couple of bags.

Equipment

Every S-Max comes stuffed with airbags – there are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags cover the front two rows. Theres also an airbag next to the steering column to protect the drivers knee. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted to all models.

ON THE ROAD

Performance

The S-Max has two petrol engines (a 143bhp 2.0-litre unit and a 217bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre motor), and two turbodiesels (a 123bhp 1.8-litre and 138bhp 2.0-litre). So far, weve only driven the 2.5-litre petrol, which uses a version of the Focus STs engine. Our experience of the 2.0-litre diesel in the new Galaxy suggests its a good performer.


Ride & handling

Ford reckons the S-Max is an MPV for those that enjoy driving. We agree; informative steering, plenty of grip and good body control make it surprisingly sharp on twisty roads, although 2.0-litre diesel versions have a less involving steering system. When family duties take priority, the suspension is supple enough to provide good comfort.

Refinement

Although the S-Maxs large glass area creates more wind noise than many saloon rivals, it does a great job of shutting out road and suspension noise, so its an impressively quiet cruiser. Weve yet to drive all variants, but we can confirm that the 2.5-litre petrol engine is exceptionally quiet, with just a cultured rumble when extended.

Quality & reliability

The S-Maxs interior design is more conventional than rivals such as the Citroen C8 and Renault Espace, but its stylish, solidly built and there are plenty of appealing, soft-touch materials on the top of the dash and doors. Lower down and further back the plastics arent as attractive, however.

Safety & security

Every S-Max comes stuffed with airbags – there are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags cover the front two rows. Theres also an airbag next to the steering column to protect the drivers knee. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted to all models.