S-MAX is the people carrier with a sporty edge. It's designed to stand out from the crowd with sharp styling, tight handling and powerful engines. It shares many new conveniences, dynamic and safety features with its sister car, the new Ford Galaxy. However, its seven seating, distinctive styling, and the availability of the 220PS Duratec 5-cylinder turbo engine from the Focus ST, signals its sporty character. It also indicates the potential for even more diversity in the heart of the Ford family car range, taking Ford into a new segment of the market.Claudio Messale, Chief Designer for both the new S-MAX and Galaxy explained: “The new S-MAX and Galaxy are the first Ford production models to feature elements of or new ‘kinetic design’ form language. ‘Kinetic design’ expresses energy in motion, and was explored back in 2005. With S-MAX, Messale and his team wanted to design a distinctly different vehicle - one that was more of a crossover, combining elements of sports car and multi-activity vehicle, and using 'kinetic design' cues to stress its sporty personality. The athletic side profile of the new Ford S-MAX makes this easy to see. The fast roof line arching into the bonnet, the pronounced wheel arches with trailing-edge vents and the distinctive kick-up to the rear of the window glass area all help to indicate that this is a dynamic vehicle.
Step inside and you instantly get that feel-good factor about the cabin that's attractive and user friendly. In S-MAX, the driver enjoys a 'cockpit' driving position rather than the higher "command bridge" feel of the new Galaxy. It offers good feedback from the precise steering and gives good grip during cornering. With only one or two passengers on-board, or all the family and luggage the suspension performs very well, not too hard, not too soft. The S-Max is an MPV for people who enjoy driving. The front seats are immensely comfortable, and built for long distances; and all the control surfaces, steering wheel, pedals, gear lever – are evenly weighted. The seats in the middle row are similarly comfortable, and roomy, too, and even the rear-most seats are fine for short journeys, although clearly designed more for kids than grown-ups. An optional Panorama Roof gives all occupants a view to the sky, and allows additional daylight into the vehicle interior.
The full S-MAX engine line-up starts with a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 145bhp this is followed by 1.8 and 2.0-litre diesel engine with 125 and 140bhp respectively. The ultimate S-MAX gets a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which is also used in the Focus ST hot hatch with a six-speed manual gearbox. With 220bhp, it is a strong performer getting to 60mph in less than eight seconds. The petrol engine has a five-speed gearbox, the 2.0-litre diesel a six-speed gearbox and the 1.8 diesel is offered with either a five or a six-speed gearbox.
The all important load space ranges from 285-litres with three rows of seats in place, 854- litres of space with the rear seats folded and five seats still useable, up to 2,000-litres with the second and third rows folded down. Just as important is the fact that the load length with just the front two seats being used is two metres, long enough to sleep in if you so wish. In addition to the Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS), several tie-down points are located across the floor and up the sides of the vehicle, helping secure items placed in the rear compartment. Michael Eisler, Manager Ford Customer Service Division said “Our intention with this new vehicle was to raise the industry bar for vehicle flexibility, as well as looking at the configuration flexibility and the load carrying capacity we believe that we have achieved that goal.”
The all important load space ranges from 285-litres with three rows of seats in place, 854- litres of space with the rear seats folded and five seats still useable, up to 2,000-litres with the second and third rows folded down. Just as important is the fact that the load length with just the front two seats being used is two metres, long enough to sleep in if you so wish. In addition to the Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS), several tie-down points are located across the floor and up the sides of the vehicle, helping secure items placed in the rear compartment. Michael Eisler, Manager Ford Customer Service Division said “Our intention with this new vehicle was to raise the industry bar for vehicle flexibility, as well as looking at the configuration flexibility and the load carrying capacity we believe that we have achieved that goal.”
