Ford S-Max Review (2006 to date)

Quick Summary

The S-MAX is one of those rare cars that leaped straight out of the gate to become a sector leader. It's as smart a buy on the used market as it is from new and as long as you think diesel, there's very little cause for complaint.

Overall:

Models Covered: five-door MPV - 2006 to date (2.0, 2.5 petrol, 1.8, 2.0 diesel [LX, Zetec, Titanium] )

MAX FACTOR

* IntroductionIt seems that there are some smart guys in the Ford product planning department. They tapped into the fact that there is a whole swathe of thirtysomething parents who don't actually want to look as if they've totally given up to the call of pipe and slippers. Just because you need a vehicle big enough to haul the family and its paraphernalia around doesn't necessarily mean you need something totally boring. The S-MAX is a people carrier with a welcome bit of attitude and one that's surprisingly good to drive. It's been a huge hit and used examples are now starting to appear in meaningful numbers.
Used Ford S-Max for sale

History of the S-Max

In developing the S-MAX and MK3 Galaxy twins, Ford decided that it needed a greater element of control over the build of its large MPVs than it enjoyed with the previous generation Galaxy. This was built alongside Volkswagen and SEAT products in the Autoeuropa factory in Palmela, Portugal and the mix of Volkswagen and Ford parts was never a happy one, the old Galaxy being plagued by reliability issues that gradually got ironed out as it was developed. With the S-MAX, Ford took control, moving production to the Genk plant in Belgium.An instant success, the S-MAX narrowly pipped the Opel Corsa and Citroën C4 Picasso to the 2007 European Car of the Year title. It arrived in UK dealers in summer 2006 and registered some serious success. In May 2007, Ford added the 130bhp TDCi 2.0-litre diesel engine to Durashift automatic models in the S-MAX line up. ESP stability control was also fitted across the range, the Titanium model received an improved driver control system and there was also an optional Sport pack for Zetec and Titanium models. In mid-2008, flexifuel and 2.2-litre TDCi models were added to the range along with equipment upgrades.
Used Ford S-Max for sale

Ford S-Max Road Test

We're unapologetically going to concentrate on the diesel engines here, as they make up the vast majority of all S-MAX sales. There are two S-MAX diesel engines on offer. The first is a 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi unit and you'd be excused for imagining that 1.8-litres just isn't enough to shift a vehicle of not inconsequential bulk. Excused but wrong. The 125bhp engine may not sound a whole lot to get excited about but it also features a healthy 320Nm of torque under normal driving conditions and as much as 340Nm under what Ford dubs 'transient overboost.' This means that when the car's electronics detect that you've really given the throttle pedal a proper prodding (such as when overtaking), it'll change the engine mapping to allow a little extra torque temporarily. This means that you'll have less downchanging through the manual gearbox to undertake, but keen drivers may want to throw in a downshift anyway to show off their throttle-blipping dexterity. The S-MAX is one of the few MPVs that positively encourages these sort of antics.Also available is a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi powerplant that headlines with 140bhp but, curiously, exactly the same torque figures as the smaller capacity unit. The similar torque response from both engines means that there's not actually a whole lot in it when it comes to their comparative performance figures, the 1.8-litre unit making 60mph in 11.1s whereas the 2.0-litre shaves this time down to 9.9s. The 2.0-litre's extra power can really be felt at the upper end of the rev range. Where the 1.8 gets a little breathy, the 2.0-litre is still generating some meaningful pull. Fuel economy of both powerplants is excellent given the size of vehicle they're tasked with punting up the road. Ford quotes a combined figure of 45.8mpg for the 1.8-litre model and 44.4 for the 2.0-litre. The only slight Achilles heel of these engines is refinement. While they could never be accused of being raucous, it's unlikely you'll forget which pump you need to be using when the time comes to refill.If you are a real lead foot, the 2.5-litre turbo model is huge fun to punt. It's a vehicle that's defined by that magnificent, if rather old school five-cylinder Volvo-sourced engine. Strong in low down torque but with a real swipe of top end power, it will accelerate the S-MAX to 60mph in just 7.6 seconds and won't let up until aerodynamics intervene at 142mph. You'll need to be extremely saintly to match Ford's quoted combined fuel economy figure of 28mpg, while the 224g/km of CO2 isn't going to have Al Gore dusting down his soap box.
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Buying a Ford S-Max

The S-MAX has a clean record so far as serious problems are concerned so you can buy with relative confidence. Although S-MAX interiors are well constructed, check for the usual damage wrought by children and negotiate hard. The silver-coated plastics can scratch easily and the 18-inch alloy wheels of the Sport pack are very prone to kerbing damage. Mechanically, the S-MAX is tough but clutches can take a beating in lower-powered versions, especially if you can spot evidence of a tow bar being fitted. Front tyre wear is also an issue with the diesel engines and the weighty 2.5-litre petrol unit.
Used Ford S-Max for sale

Ford S-Max Typical Pricing

Prices start from around £14,500 for an entry-level S-MAX 2.0 LX but to be honest, this is the one engine in the range we'd avoid. The diesels are a better bet and even the base 1.8-litre TDCi 125 does a good job of hauling the S-MAX around and these can be had from £15,000. Worth saving a little longer for in other words. The 2.0-litre diesels really are the plum pick though and these can be found from £15,300 for a Zetec on a 56 plate. The 2.5-litre petrol models are rather more specialist, being ferociously quick and seriously thirsty. Expect to pay from £17,500 for a low mileage 56 plater in Titanium trim. Insurance ranges from Group 11 for the 2.0-litre petrol to a modest Group 14 for the 2.5-litrre petrol cars. Not bad when you consider that a Focus with this engine finds itself in Group 17.
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Ford S-Max Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 2.0LX (inc VAT) A clutch assembly is around £130, an exhaust system around £800 (incl. catalytic converter) and an exchange alternator around £320. Front brake pads are around £50, front shock absorbers are about £45 and rears just under £35.
Used Ford S-Max for sale