Ford S-MAX Estate 2006 - Present

Ford’s S-MAX is a people carrier that offers room to transport a decent number of people and still enjoy the drive.  The engine options are impressive, as it’s the handing, but it’s the versatility of the S-MAX which really seals the deal. 

Looking something like an overweight Focus the S-MAX is a well proportioned car.  Inside it there are seven seats, although as with many of the big MPVs the rear two are not suitable for adults.  The middle row of seats are a completely different affair they’re roomy and versatile, able to both slide and recline.  The driver gets an eight-way, electrically-adjustable seat, which is optional for the passenger, which sounds better than it is.  The controls taking a little while to get used to. 

Under the bonnet one of the driving forces behind getting an S-MAX, the engine options are reasonably few and simple to choose between.  Those honest enough to admit what they want to get an S-MAX will go for the 2.5 Turbocharged powerhouse that is also found it the Focus ST.  Progress with the top S-Max is impressive, with a top end of 143 mph and 0 – 60 time of 7.4 seconds, you’ll be first to the school gate every day.  The other engine options are all competent with the 2.2 TDCI model offering the best mix of power and economy, returning 42 mpg, while powering the S-MAX to 132 mph and getting to 60 mph in 9 seconds.  The engine options run from 2.0, 2.3 and 2.5 petrol and 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 diesels, with two 2.0L bi-fuel options.  There are no lame ducks in the collection but if you’re looking for pace and power you need one of the bigger units.  The oil burners offer the best economy.

The boot space isn’t as good as some of the S-MAX’s rivals, but this is more than made up with the fold flat seats which quickly fold flat to the floor and give the cabin oodles of storage room.  There are loads of storage boxes dotted around the cabin too so you’ll never be short of somewhere to keep your sunglasses.

Fast, sporty cars are often seen as the signs of a midlife crisis for middle aged men.  The Ford S-Max is the motor designed for the man who’s comfortable in their skin and happy to enjoy their driving.

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