Ford S-MAX

The S-Max is an MPV with a lot to offer. Cleverly conceived and brilliantly executed, the Ford has very few weaknesses in any area. Families need look no further.

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Rating:
On the road price: £20,695 - £28,750
For : + (For) Quality cabin, seven-seat layout, nine airbags, good build quality, car-like ride and handling, performance
Against : - (Against) Stability control an option, styling not to all tastes, some high prices, third-row headroom

Styling/Image

The S-MAX isn't quite the future of motoring, but thanks to its sporty stance, the Ford doesn’t look huge. The roof slopes down at the rear, while the details, such as the prominent front foglights and side vents, set it apart. Competitors are fairly wide ranging, and include the Vauxhall Zafira, Mitsubishi Grandis and Renault Scenic. Ford also sees it as a rival to premium estates such as the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3-Series. Pay an extra £1,500 for Titanium over Zetec and bigger alloys, sports seats and privacy glass lend the S-Max more menace.

Interior/Practicality

Inside, it's similar to the Galaxy, as both share the same seating layout. Called the Fold Flat System, it creates a useable load area without the need to lift out heavy chairs. Middle row seats slide back and forth too, and also fold for easy access to the rear. The cabin also exudes an air of quality, with high-class dashboard materials and tight-fitting trim. Upgrade to Zetec for simple luxuries – dual zone climate control and leather steering wheel – but despite the extra cost, Titanium makes most sense with park assist, ambient lighting and auto headlights. Tempting is a panorama glass roof for £700.

Engine/Performance

Despite undercutting the platform-sharing Galaxy by a fair margin, the S-MAX is expensive compared to rivals, with the 2.0-litre petrol a good way of saving money for those not covering enough miles to recoup the additional cost of either the 1.8- or 2.0 TDCi. And the extra £700 is worth paying for the larger of the two diesels. It’s noticeably quicker but not thirstier than the 1.8 TDCi. And while tempting, the fuel consumption of the turbocharged 2.5-litre - shared with the rapid Focus ST - is too high (25-30mpg) to seriously consider.

Driving experience

The S-MAX is easily the class's best handling and riding MPV. Even so, it's not as sporty as Ford wants you to think, with plenty of body roll and steering that can't match the C-MAX or Mondeo for sharpness. Avoid optional 18-inch alloys and sports suspension as they ruin the ride. Ford’s Continuous Control Damping (CCD) makes more sense for around £600, offering drivers the choice of Sport, Normal or Comfort settings. Consider cruise control (£300), bi-xenon headlights (£650) and electric park brake (£150) as they're useful and are desirable options when resale time comes.

Ownership Costs

The Ford is the strongest residual performer of the sector at 48 per cent, with the smaller diesel - the 1.8 TDCi LX - enjoying the highest figure at 50.9 per cent. Expect 45mpg for the two TDCis, but business users will be interested to know the smaller diesel sits one tax band below the 2.0 TDCi due to lower emissions. Ford has the largest dealer network in the UK, and some of the lowest servicing prices, although 12,500-mile intervals are less impressive.

Safety/Environment

All buyers will be impressed by the S-MAX's safety, with a driver kneebag and curtain bags in the first and second row, plus a very stiff structure and a full five-star Euro NCAP rating. Ford is mid-way through rolling out its ECOnetic badge to Focus, Mondeo and Fiesta with no word on whether S-MAX will get the low emission technology. Drivers of the people carrier would benefit from lower tax bills if it did.

Our Choice 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec