The Ford S-Max has historically been one of the sportiest MPVs going, and all versions boast that all-important asset of seven seats to keep the whole family (and the family dog) mobile.
The S-Max features diesel engines with a choice of two power outputs, although there’s also the option of a hybrid combining a petrol engine with a battery pack and electric motor to drive down CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy.
Matching the S-Max’s three engines are the three trim levels, ranging from the sensible but still healthily equipped Titanium through the sporty ST-Line to the luxurious Vignale. But before we delve too deeply into the S-Max, let’s check in with its key stats.
| Brand-new price range | £39,000–£42,000 |
| Car Planet price range | £14,000–£16,000 / £289–£325 a month |
| Trims | 2 |
| Engines | 1 |
| Available fuels | Hybrid |
| mpg | 44 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £2,525 / £2,764 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £5,051 / £5,528 |
Equipment, options and extras
The Ford S-Max’s entry-level Zetec trim is attractively priced while still boasting alloy wheels, 8in touchscreen infotainment system and front and rear parking sensors. The only options we’d be tempted to add are metallic paint and cruise control for those who clock up a lot of motorway miles.
Next up is Titanium, our pick of the bunch, with alloy wheels, keyless start, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. It’s excellent value for money, although you will be limited to the basic diesel engine or full hybrid electric. Meanwhile, ST-Line brings a raft of sporty aesthetic upgrades inside and out-, as well as rear privacy glass and heated front seats, although it’s too pricey for us to recommend.
It’s the same story with the range-topping Vignale. For our money, keyless entry, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats, and leather seats with contrasting stitching aren’t enough to justify the sizeable price increase.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
The Ford S-Max is a little pricey compared to rivals such as the Volkswagen Touran and Citroën C4 Grand SpaceTourer, and the Vignale models are simply too expensive for us to recommend.
The diesel models aren’t stellar in terms of economy or emissions compared to smaller MPVs—again, like the Touran and SpaceTourer. The full hybrid electric has the lowest emissions in the range, which are decent for a car this big, but are still undercut by even regular petrol-powered versions of the SpaceTourer. However, it’s worth pointing out that the full hybrid electric is capable of diesel-like economy in the real world if the trip computer’s to be believed. Mid-40s mpg is easily achievable, with nearer 50 possible if you’re being careful.
Safety and security
Front seat occupants of the Ford S-Max are protected by front and side airbags, and the driver also has a knee airbag. Window airbags cover the first two rows only, disappointingly not stretching to the third.
The S-Max includes lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking as standard, and as part of an assistance package all versions come with optional blind spot monitoring.
When it comes to security equipment, the S-Max is catered for comprehensively. Every version comes with deadlocks, remote central locking, an alarm and an immobiliser.
Reliability
Like all Fords, the S-Max comes with a three-year 60,000-mile warranty and one year’s breakdown cover. This compares favourably with the cover provided by most car companies, but falls short of the excellent five-year 100,000-mile warranty offered by Citroën.
The Car Planet verdict
The Ford S-Max might not make for the most fashionable choice, but it’s still a fine family car, handling far better than you might expect, and boasting great comfort and decent fuel economy. That being said, the interior quality isn’t amazing, and the third row of seats is cramped for everyone except children.
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