Ford S-MAX

S-MAX crowned Auto 1 champion of Europe

Ford's S-MAX has won Europe's most prestigious new car award

Auto Express Car Reviews

Ford Europe boss John Fleming (right) gets award from Auto Bild Group chief Dr Andreas Wiele

16th March 2007

Ford's MPV was named Auto 1 Champion of Europe at a glittering Geneva gala, which was attended by bosses of all the major marques. The S-MAX made the final after being nominated by Auto Express readers in our poll last November. It then went forward to a European shoot-out against the other top cars in its class, before progressing to the final against five other sector champs.

This took place at the Bridgestone Test Track in Rome, Italy, and was conducted by the editors in chief from the Auto Bild group of magazines - including Auto Express - plus technicians and top international racing drivers. After the votes were counted, the S-MAX was the clear winner, with Lexus's hybrid GS450h in second position and the BMW 3-Series Coupé in third.

Ford boss Roelant de Waard also collected a trophy for the S-MAX at the Geneva show from Auto Express editor in chief David Johns on behalf of UK readers.

As well as taking the runners-up spot, the Lexus received an innovation award for its Advanced Obstacle Detection system.