Ford S-Max
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Ford's sporty take on the MPV combines seven-seat practicality with an impressive driving experience.
Review
Think of the S-Max as being the new Ford Galaxy's younger, sportier sister. Both are seven-seat MPVs, but while the Galaxy is charged with maximising space and practicality, the lower and sleeker-looking S-Max is meant to appeal to those who are seeking to combine family motoring with a more dynamic driving experience.
Not that the designers have been able to completely distinguish the S-Max from the Galaxy. The two cars share several panels, including the bonnet and the bottoms of the doors and although the S-Max's lower roofline gives it a slightly more dynamic appearance, it's still definitely an MPV.
It's when you get into the well-finished cabin that the S-Max really starts to impress. Not only do front and mid-row occupants enjoy an abundance of space, but the well-designed dashboard also has a real quality feel to it - marred only by a couple of areas of cheap plastics and a very flimsy-feeling under-dash storage tray.
The driving position is comfortable and refinement is very impressive, the S-Max cruising very quietly at rapid motorway velocities. It tackles twisty roads amazingly well for something so sensible, too - the chassis responding keenly to steering inputs and resisting body roll under hard cornering.
The S-Max is being pitched as a "five plus two" rather than a full seven seater, and the third row seats are only really suited for small occupants and short journeys. They collapse into the boot floor when not in use to maximise luggage space - and it's possible to specify the car as a five-seater.
Not that there's much excitement to be found in the lower reaches of the engine range, with a choice between a 2.0 litre petrol and three different turbodiesels - of these, the 143 bhp 2.0 TDCI diesel is by far the most sensible. Fortunately, Ford is also offering the same 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that's fitted to the Focus ST - it gives strong performance at the cost of a fairly serious thirst.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Lower roofline and more aggressive bumper distinguish it from its Galaxy sister - but aesthetically it's still very much an MPV.
Handling
4 star
Impressive refinement and a well set up chassis (much of which is shared with the new Volvo S80) give the S-Max some impressively sporty dynamics.
Comfort
4 star
Brilliant high-speed refinement makes the S-Max an accomplished long-distance cruiser. The multi-adjustable driving position is very comfortable too.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
As with the Galaxy, we're impressed by the high-quality of most of the interior - just a couple of areas of cheap plastics standing out for criticism.
Performance
3 star
Basic versions of the S-Max lack much in the way of urge, although at least it's spared the 98 bhp 1.8 TDCI diesel motor of the boggo Galaxy. The 143 bhp 2.0 litre TDCI diesel version is decently rapid - but the zingy 2.5 litre petrol turbo range-topper is by far the most exciting model.
Roominess
4 star
Not quite as big as the commodious Galaxy, although you're unlikely to notice much difference for everyday use. Third row seats are only really suited to occasional use or smaller kids.
Running Costs
4 star
Strong economy from the diesel engines mean an oil-burning S-Max should be cheap to run, with inexpensive Ford servicing reducing costs further.
Value for money
4 star
Being part of Ford's 'value pricing' scheme makes the S-Max look like attractive value - about £2,500 less than the equivalent Galaxy, although buyers will get far less of a discount.
