Ford S-MAX 2010 Road Test Report

Performance

Ford has concentrated its efforts with the update of the S-Max in the under-bonnet area and the results are impressive. Gone are the 1.8-litre turbodiesels and the 2.3-litre petrol motor. In their place are a range of three 2.0-litre turbodiesels and a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine respectively. The diesels are all essentially the same engine in different states of tune, so buyers can choose between 113-, 138- and 161bhp versions, all with the same 152g/km carbon dioxide emissions and 49.6mpg average economy. The big difference is the two more powerful diesels can now also be ordered with Ford’s Powershift dual-clutch gearbox. This is a manual gearbox but without a clutch pedal, so it can be driven as an auto or the driver can change gears via the gear lever as per usual. There is also a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 173bhp. The entry-level 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol persists, but a better bet is the new 2.0 SCTi EcoBoost engine, which only comes with the new six-speed Powershift twin-clutch ’box. This new petrol engine boasts 200bhp, covers 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and underlines the S-Max’s sporty credentials brilliantly.

Ride & Handling

Where the S-Max’s full-size sister, the Galaxy, errs on the side of comfort, the S-Max is the more sporting option. The ride trades some of the Galaxy’s outright soft and cushiness over urban bumps for greater control of body lean and even more accurate handling on twisty roads. This isn’t to say the S-Max is uncomfortable as it still glides along motorways with a svelte ride and superb refinement. It’s just the S-Max feels that little bit more alive and lithe when its driver wants to press on. With this in its favour, the S-Max is not just a worthy alternative to some sporting family estates, it can show them a clean pair of exhaust pipes on snaking back roads, yet it can also out-plush them when you want to cart the family in comfort.

Build Quality & Reliability

The S-Max has fared well in reliability and satisfaction surveys, so it looks set to continue as a solid bet for the future. The diesel engines and the non-turbo petrol are known quantities and trustworthy, while the 2.0-litre turbo and its Powershift dual-clutch gearbox are still to prove themselves. However, we reckon they will be just fine. The materials used in the S-Max are high grade, though some of the edges along the undersides of the seats are not as neatly finished as the more obvious parts of trim.

Safety & Security

No less than seven airbags are standard with the S-Max, including one for the driver’s knees. The curtain airbags extend all the way back to encompass the third row of seats, so there is protection for all occupants. Anti-lock brakes are in all models, as is ESP traction control, and all seven seats have three-point seat belts. Security is covered by deadlocks, alarm, immobiliser and a visible VIN number.

Space & Practicality

The S-Max is not quite as generous with space for those in the third row of seats as its Galaxy sister model. The slope of the S-Max’s roof reduces headroom for adults, so the third row in the S-Max is best kept for children. The middle row offers plenty of space for three fully grown occupants and the driver is very well catered for thanks to lots of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel. All of the five individual rear seats fold flat into the load floor to create a huge, uninterrupted cargo bay, or you can mix and match the seating and load arrangements to suit any need. There are also a host of cubbies, boxes and pockets to keep small items from rattling around inside the S-Max.

Ownership & Value

The S-Max has a number of rivals from the MPV and family estate classes, yet it holds its own admirably as it works in both roles. This has made it popular with used buyers, so residual values have stayed buoyant. Running costs are also easy on the wallet, especially with the frugal diesel models, though the 2.2 turbodiesel offers little benefit over the 161bhp 2.0-litre model, while servicing is inexpensive thanks to Ford’s reasonable labour rates. Insurance is also not finance-sapping, near-50mpg economy from all three turbodiesel engines means you won’t be stopping often for refills. Ford’s facelift of the S-Max has rationalised the trim line-up to Zetec, Titanium X and Titanium X Sport. All come with alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and CD stereo. The Titanium X has larger 17in alloy wheels and cruise control, while the Titanium X Sport adds 18in alloys, sports suspension, Alcantara upholstery and a panoramic glass roof.