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When the Ford S-MAX arrived in 2006 it cut a dash like no other car in its segment. Seen by some as the world’s first seven-seater sportscar, thanks to its handling prowess, the S-MAX was capable enough to secure the 2007 European Car of the Year award. For many, having a family means an end to enjoying driving, but thanks to Ford, you don’t have to make such compromises. The S-MAX also makes a brilliant tow car when fitted with one of the larger engines; even when you’re not towing, some of the smaller units can feel a bit weedy. As an all-round family car however, the S-MAX is up there with the best of them, proving that the best things don’t always come in small packages.
Key dates
6/06: The S-MAX reaches UK showrooms in 2.0 and 2.5T petrol forms, alongside 1.8 and 2.0 diesels.
5/07: ESP becomes standard range-wide
8/07: A 2.3-litre petrol engine joins the range.
3/08: A 175bhp 2.2 TDCi (in high-spec Titanium form only) debuts, alongside a 1.8-litre flex-fuel Econetic version that can run on E85 petrol; it’s badged FFV (FlexiFuel Vehicle).
3/10: A facelifted S-MAX arrives, with a redesigned nose, new safety technologies, an upgraded interior plus new 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, along with a new dual-clutch transmission badged Powershift.
Checklist
- There’s no spare wheel and no provision for one; instead you have to use a tyre sealant.
- If the car has front parking sensors, make sure they work; they sometimes don’t.
- Some versions have hydraulic power steering, some electric. Both systems can be unreliable.
- The S-MAX is a heavy front-wheel drive car. As a result, the front tyres tend to wear quickly.
- The 1.8 and 2.2 diesel engines can be hesitant and suffer from poor economy if the ECU software hasn’t been updated since it left the factory.
- Electrics and electronics can play up, so make sure everything works. Focus on the climate control, rear window demisters, active lighting systems and stereos.
- Blocked ventilation drains can lead to the interior flooding, potentially the wiring loom. Fixing this properly is then very costly.
We like
- Value
- Choice
- Dynamics
- Practicality
- Smart design
- Spacious cabin
We don’t like
- Unreliable early cars
- Small boot seven-up