There was an all-new Ford S-MAX in 2015, but it didn’t look much different from its predecessor. Perhaps that’s no surprise, because when this sporty MPV arrived in 2006 it cut a dash like no other car in its class.
Seen as the world’s first seven-seater sports car, at least in terms of handling prowess, the S-MAX was capable enough to secure the 2007 European Car of the Year award.
It was one of the most deserving winners of recent years and ten years after its introduction, the big Ford still makes a huge amount of sense.
Models covered
Introduced in 2006, the Mk1 Ford S-MAX was on sale for nine years until being replaced by the current model in 2015. However, it’s the first generation S-MAX that we’re focusing on here.
- Ford S-MAX Mk1 (2006-2015) - You get a lot of car for your cash with stylish seven-seater
Ford S-MAX Mk1
Prices from £4,000
History
The S-MAX reached UK showrooms in June 2006 in 2.0 and 2.5T petrol forms, alongside 1.8 and 2.0 diesels.
ESP became standard from May 2007, then three months later a 2.3-litre petrol engine joined the range. A 175bhp 2.2 TDCi (in high-spec Titanium form only) debuted in March 2008, alongside a 1.8-litre flex-fuel Econetic version that could run on E85 petrol; it was badged FFV (FlexiFuel Vehicle).
Two years later, a facelifted S-MAX arrived, with new safety technologies, an upgraded interior and new 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, along with a new dual-clutch transmission badged PowerShift.
Ford S-MAX reviews
Ford S-MAX in-depth review
Ford S-MAX 2.0 TDCi review
Ford S-MAX 2.0 SCTi Titanium X review
Ford S-MAX 2.0 EcoBoost review
Ford S-MAX 2.5 review
Ford S-MAX long-term test review
Which one should I buy?
Many early cars suffer from temperamental electrics and electronics, so buy the newest car you can afford. None of the petrol engines feels that perky, aside from the thirsty 2.5T; of the diesels, the 2.0 and 2.2-litre TDCi units are the ones to go for.
All S-MAX models are well equipped, with a heated windscreen, air-con, powered front windows and heated, electrically adjustable mirrors standard across the range.
Zetec versions also feature alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, powered rear windows and sports front seats, while the Titanium adds automatic lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control and parking sensors.
Alternatives the Ford S-MAX Mk1
The Toyota Verso is reliable and practical, with fold-flat seats for a vast load bay, but it’s not as good to drive and tends to cost more used.
Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso is also a decent people mover that’s got an excellent interior and is good value for money. But while it’s comfortable, it’s not so great to drive. The same goes for the Renault Grand Scenic, which is stylish and has some superb diesel engines.
The Vauxhall Zafira is plentiful and terrific value, decent to drive and has a great interior that’s very versatile.
What to look for:
Tyres
The S-MAX is a heavy car, with all of its power going through the front wheels. As a result, the front tyres tend not to last long, so make sure the rubber hasn’t completely worn out.
Economy
If ECU software hasn’t been updated since the car left the factory, the 1.8 and 2.2-litre turbodiesels can suffer poor economy. This job should have been done by now.
Electrics
make sure everything is working properly, as the electrics can play up. Focus on climate control, rear window demisters, active lighting systems and stereos.
Drains
Blocked ventilation drains can lead to the interior being flooded, and the wiring loom can be damaged in the process. Fixing this properly is then extremely expensive.
Interior
Inside, the S-MAX is stylishly designed and generally well laid out, with 26 cubbyholes and loads of space for five people, too. That third row of seats is only for kids, but the layout is versatile, and with the rear seats folded, you get a vast 2,000-litre boot capacity.
Running costs
All versions need a service every 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes sooner. Costs depend on mileage, but expect to pay £189-£259 for petrol cars and £199-£309 for diesels. Autos need a gearbox oil change every third check, pushing the price up to £563, but cars over four years old are eligible for discounted servicing, meaning a minor check-up is £125 and a major one £195.
Most diesels have a cambelt, which should be replaced every 125,000 miles or 10 years, for around £1,000. Air-con should be recharged every three years (£80) and brake fluid replaced every two years (£50).
Recalls
The S-MAX has been recalled seven times. Cars built up to June 2006 could suffer from fuel leaks and engine cut-outs, and also as their heated windscreen could short.
Then, models made up to December 2006 were called back over braking issues; this was the cause of another recall later in the car’s life. There were two separate recalls over a risk of the glass roof panel detaching as well.
Ford issued its most recent recall on the S-MAX in September 2013 because of potential fuel leaks.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
Considering the S-MAX’s age, it perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise that the car failed to make our top 150 in the 2016 Driver Power satisfaction survey. However, it scored poorly for reliability, build quality and running costs in previous years.
from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2ar0OI7
Comments
Post a Comment