Ford S-Max

Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Ford S-MAX
Model tested:Ford S-MAX
Price as tested:£22,495
Range price: £17,790 - £23,490
Insurance group as tested: 14
Insurance group range: 10-14
Date tested:February 2008
Road tester:Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 80%

Family MPVs only used to have to tick the box marked practical.

Now the market is so competitive, different vehicles are trying to fill different niches and the Ford S-Max is targeting drivers who like the Ford Galaxy’s practicality but would really like a good-looking car which is fun to drive too.

There is a wide range of performance to satisfy most needs with 1.8- and 2-litre diesel models and 2.3- and 2.5-litre petrol versions. We drove the 220bhp 2.5-litre petrol model – which features the same engine as the hot-hatch Ford Focus ST hot hatch. This can power the car from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 143mph and provides the ultimate S-Max driving experience. At the other end of the range the 125bhp 1.8-litre diesel model covers 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds and has a top speed of 116mph. There is a choice of 5- and 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual gearboxes. Our test model featured a high-quality six speed manual gearbox.