SMAX FOR PARENTS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 75

Like its predecessor, Ford's second generation S-MAX remained a large 7-seater MPV for people who, well, don't like MPVs. Ford called this a 'Sports Activity Vehicle' - a People Carrier certainly, but one that's more involving to drive and nicer to look at. This sharper-looking MK2 model re-interpreted this apparently contradictory concept with greater efficiency and technology, remaining a breath of fresh air in what can otherwise be a pretty dull sector of the market.

Modelsword count: 14

5dr MPV (Petrol - 1.5 EcoBoost / 2.5 FHEV Hybrid / 2.0 TDCi diesel)

Historyword count: 528

Owning an MPV, particularly a large one, isn't supposed to be one of life's memorable experiences. A People Carrier is normally a grudge purchase, a vehicle you need rather than one you might want. Or at least it usually is. Ford thinks differently. That's why in 2006 they brought us the S-MAX, then nine years later rejuvenated it in this second generation guise. By 2015, most brands weren't even bothering to offer one large MPV People Carrying model, so it was unusual of Ford to still want to bring us two. The company's Galaxy seven-seat MPV (by now also redesigned) did after all, share showroom space with this S-MAX. Ford though, saw the pair as appealing to very different kinds of family buyers and slotted the two models into two slightly different MPV market segments. The more practical Galaxy targeted traditional large People Carriers like Volkswagen's Sharan and SEAT's Alhambra. This more dynamic S-MAX model in contrast, was described by the brand's marketeers as a 'Sports Activity Vehicle' and its slightly lower price and slightly smaller interior positioned it closer to seven-seater MPVs derived from more compact designs, cars like Renault's Grand Scenic, Citroen's Grand C4 Picasso and Vauxhall's Zafira Tourer. You could argue with some justification, as Ford did, that none of the cars we've just mentioned are really quite the same as this one - and it's likely that many of the 400,000 families who bought the original first generation version of this model would agree with you. Right from its initial launch back in 2006, the S-MAX has, after all, always set out to offer something different, more interesting, more involving and more stylish than conventional MPVs of whatever size. Here was a car you could genuinely look forward to driving, a car as happy on the return from the school run as it was fully laden with seven passengers on the way there. You got the best of both worlds then, in a Ford that was nicely built and slick to look at. In short, there wasn't much wrong with it. Well all right, there were a few things - and nearly all of them resided under the bonnet. By the end of the CD340 MK1 model's production run, other rivals had powered ahead in terms of efficiency, while also offering smarter cabins and extra technology. Worse still for Ford, by now plush People Carriers weren't alone in targeting potential S-MAX customers: affordable seven-seat SUVs like Kia's Sorento, Hyundai's Santa Fe and Land Rover's Discovery Sport were by now also offered tempting alternatives for lifestyle-orientated buyers. It all hastened the need for this smarter, more frugal, higher quality second generation CD539 S-MAX model, launched here in the Summer of 2015. It was stuffed with segment-leading technology and also included an AWD option to keep those SUVs in their place. Plus it claimed to be just as stylish and rewarding as its revolutionary predecessor. In 2016, a top 'Vignale' trim level was introduced.2021, the 1.5 EcoBoost petrol and diesel models were discontinued and a 2.5-litre FHEV Hybrid model was introduced. The S-MAX was sold until early 2024, when it left the range and wasn't replaced.

What You Getword count: 660

Photos of this MK2 CD539-generation S-MAX suggest styling only lightly evolved from that of the MK1 model but in the metal, that lower roofline, the slimline lights and the muscular rear haunches ensure that this improved design appears sharper and more distinctive than before. Helping in this is the way that the front A-pillars have been moved further back to create a longer, more sculpted bonnet that flows into the raised, chromed trapezoidal Ford front grille that by 2015 had become familiar from other cars in the company's range. Behind the wheel, as before the vast glass area and the slim windscreen pillars mean that all-round visibility is excellent, plus it's easy to find the ideal driving position thanks to the considerable amount of seat and wheel adjustment provided and the way the headrests go forward and back as well as up and down. Ahead of you through the leather-trimmed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, there's a clear, classy instrument cluster that in mid and upper-range models gives you a sophisticated 10.2-inch TFT set-up made up of various inset multi-function displays. The two outer ones are framed by conventional speedometer and rev counter gauges, with trip computer information on the left and safety functionality depicted on the right. In the middle, you get entertainment, navigation and phone options. Anything this set-up can't tell you will probably be covered by the feature that on all models dominates the centre of the dash, the 8-inch SYNC2 colour touchscreen, there to play its part in reducing button clutter and giving the cabin a cleaner, smarter feel. Time to start thinking about the 32 different seating and loadspace combinations this car can offer. Let's start by considering the middle row. Here, you'll find that the three individual seats provided do most of what MPV buyers would expect them to do, sliding back and forth and reclining for greater comfort on longer journeys. We like Ford's preference for 'stadium-style' seat positioning that enables you to better see forward through into the front, though this approach could compromise ultimate headroom a little for really tall people, especially in a car fitted with the huge optional glass Panorama roof. The pay-off though, is the commanding, airy feel that this model provides, with everyday practicality that'll be aided if you get yourself a car whose original owner fitted the extra-cost 'Family Pack'. This includes side window blinds, seatback tables and a 230V power outlet. Time to consider the third row, in this MK2 model a little more easily accessible thanks to the 'Easy-Entry' one-touch mechanism that flings the seat forward, up and out of your way. Whereas in a rival Renault Grand Scenic or Citroen Grand C4 Picasso from this period, the third row chairs are really only for children, in an S-MAX, you can use them for adults too - provided the journey isn't going to be excessively long. To be specific, you get 70mm more headroom back here than you would do in a Grand C4 Picasso: there's the difference - summed up in one stat. On to boot space, which, if you get a car whose original owner paid the extra, can be accessed by one of those powered rear tailgates you can activate by waving your foot beneath the bumper, should you find yourself approaching the car laden down with shopping. In an S-MAX, the extra rearmost seats fold neatly into the floor and can do so with electrical assistance if you've avoided entry-level trim and opted for a car with the extra-cost 'Family Pack' mentioned earlier. Once the two chairs are retracted, a 965-litre space is freed up and can be covered by a useful reversible/foldable loading mat which comes included in that optional 'Family Pack'. For ultimate carriage capacity, you can of course fold the individual middle row chairs. Again, they push down flat into the floor, either manually or in this case electrically if you've got that 'Power Easy Entry' option fitted.

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