Ford S-MAX Review, Specs & Performance

Overview of the Ford S-MAX

Excellent MPV will impress

Great fun to drive

The latest version of the Ford S-Max is built on the new Mondeo platform and delivers fun and agility for drivers. Its sleek style offers a well-designed and comfortable car that's an ideal choice for families and those who do not want to move into an SUV - the S-Max certainly offers more versatility than SUVs and estate cars.

Engines and performance for the Ford S-Max

The Ford S-Max range comes with a good choice of engines, including a 1.5 litre EcoBoost unit producing 165 bhp and returning economy of around 40 mpg. The best economy comes from the 2.0 litre TDCi Titanium model producing 180 bhp and offers economy of 58 mpg. The best performing S-Max is the 2.0 litre TDCi unit producing 240 bhp which delivers a much quicker acceleration with emissions of 156g and economy of 47 mpg.

Equipment and handling

The Ford S-Max is an MPV that has won lots of new fans with its functionality and versatility along with a great driving experience. Built on the new Mondeo platform, the engines deliver excellent performance and it's a great performer around town and on motorways. There's a lot to like about the S-Max which is really in a segment of its own with more versatility than an SUV and more functionality than an estate. The high seating position gives a good view of the road and the steering delivers good feedback. There's little in the way of body roll and it's an excellent performer on long journeys. There's also adaptive cruise control, a blind spot information system and the firm's Clearview wiper system. Ford calls its stylish S-Max a sports activity vehicle and it sits alongside the more spacious Galaxy but for many people, the S-Max will meet all of their needs with the excellent EcoBlue diesel units delivering the power and economy most drivers will be looking for. There's also a new eight-speed automatic transmission that's easy to live with and which features good shifting and utilises an ergonomic and stylish rotary gear shift dial. Other systems include an adaptive front lighting system which sees the headlights being adjusted to match the driving environment and many owners will find the active park assistant for hands-free parking manoeuvres particularly useful. The MPV also features the firm's Sync3 entertainment and communication system, which is intuitive and easy-to-use, particularly for satnav and there is smartphone connectivity too. Essentially, the Ford S-Max is the best choice for those who love to drive, have a large family and occasionally need a large boot. Or if they just want to enjoy a spacious car with a functional and practical interior and punchy engines that deliver agility and performance.

More information about the S-Max

Why not have a look at the S-Max on the official Ford UK company website and get the latest news about it at The Ford Owners' Club.