Ford S-Max car review

The 2.5-litre engine can power the car from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 143mph

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 80%

Family MPVs only used to have to tick the box marked practical.

Now the market is so competitive, different vehicles are trying to fill different niches and the Ford S-Max is targeting drivers who like the Ford Galaxy’s practicality but would really like a good-looking car which is fun to drive too.

We drove the Ford S-Max for a week to see whether it delivers.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

Want an MPV that looks cooler than a Ford Galaxy? That’s why the Ford S-Max was created. The seven-seat model reflects more of a lifestyle choice for buyers looking to shift a large family. It has a more sporty (slightly lower and shorter) profile, more pronounced wheel arches and vents behind the front wheels. When launched alongside an updated Ford Galaxy in 2006 it also saw the introduction of the manufacturer’s kinetic design which has since been introduced on the revised Ford Mondeo and Ford Focus.

7/10

2. Looks inside

The driver-focussed nature of the S-Max interior continues into the car with the S-Max creating a less MPV-like environment behind the steering wheel. The windscreen is angled at a more car-like, steeper incline than on the Ford Galaxy. The information display sees the speedo and rev counters straddle a digital display. Audio, air-con and, where specified, satnav are housed within the central console which flows back via the gear stick and handbrake to a central storage area. The handbrake is one of the most eyecatching interior features and we liked the substantial C-shaped handle which takes the place of a conventional stick.

8/10

3. Practicality

Ford’s fold flat system boasting 32 seating permutations means not only can unrequired seating remain in the car but can maximise practical load space. With seven seats in place the Ford S-Max may only offer the same boot space as a small city car with its 285 litre capacity. But load it to the gills with all rear seats flat and this expands to 2,000 litres. There are also 26 different stowage solutions beyond the boot which include front door pockets and a cooled glove compartment able to hold 1.5-litre drinks bottles. If that doesn’t satisfy your needs then it would be worth looking at the Ford Galaxy which has a 2,325-litre capacity. The second row seats are spacious but the legroom available in the third row is tight and headroom limited. The huge hatch-style opening affords superb access but is surprisingly heavy to open.

8/10

4. Ride and Handling

Given its size and people-shifting capability the S-Max is fun to drive. The steering is more responsive than offered by a conventional MPV and the car handles like a smaller vehicle, partly thanks to a lower centre of gravity than its more conservative sibling. Buyers looking to shift lots of people will still demand a comfortable ride and the S-Max does not disappoint.

8/10

5. Performance

There is a wide range of performance to satisfy most needs with 1.8- and 2-litre diesel models and 2.3- and 2.5-litre petrol versions. We drove the 220bhp 2.5-litre petrol model – which features the same engine as the hot-hatch Ford Focus ST hot hatch. This can power the car from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 143mph and provides the ultimate S-Max driving experience. At the other end of the range the 125bhp 1.8-litre diesel model covers 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds and has a top speed of 116mph. There is a choice of 5- and 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual gearboxes. Our test model featured a high-quality six speed manual gearbox.

8/10

6. Running Costs

There’s a price to pay for the performance offered by the 2.5-litre petrol model we drove. It returns 30.1mpg, which is slightly better than the 2.3-litre petrol option. However, if its fuel economy you want, best to go for the 125bhp 1.8-litre model’s 45.6mpg. The 1.8-litre diesel also offers the lowest CO2 emissions – its 164g/km attracts an annual car tax bill of £140 (band D) compared with the £205 bill (band F) for the 224g/km produced by the 2.5-litre petrol model we drove. The 2.3-litre petrol model produces 232 g/km, which currently means a £300 (band G) annual tax bill. However this rises to £400 for those renewing from April 2008.

7/10

7. Reliability

The Ford S-Max was a new model when launched in 2006 so its reliability is as yet unproven. However, we experienced no problems with our model during the test drive and the car has been constructed to the expected high build quality.

7/10

8. Safety

The Ford S-Max achieved a maximum five star rating following EuroNCAP crash testing: partly thanks to driver’s and front passenger airbags, first and second row airbags and driver’s knee airbag. Electronic stability programme, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist will reduce the likelihood of an accident and are standard on all S-maxs.  Our model also featured very good directional headlights which broaden the beam in the direction of travel when turning.

10/10

9. Equipment

The S-Max is available in three generous trim levels: Edge, Zetec and Titanium. The Edge comes with electronic stability programme, anti-lock brakes, air-con, trip computer, CD radio and electric front windows. The Zetec model adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, electric rear windows, dual zone temperature control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, body colour door handles. We drove the Titanium model which features 17-inch alloy wheels and adds chrome door handles, privacy glass, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, front and rear parking sensors and ambient lighting. There are masses of options to choose from too, including DVD, satnav and eight-way adjustable front seats.

9/10

10. X-Factor

The Ford S-Max may not be as practical as its big brother the Ford Galaxy, but it can still hold six passengers or 2,000 litres of luggage. But the X-factor for this car is as Ford claims, it is fun to drive – for an MPV - and it looks good.

8/10