Ford S-Max (2006-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The S-MAX is around 50mm shorter overall than the Galaxy, at 4,768mm, and 69mm shorter at 1,607mm, but width is the same - and both cars are still substantially larger and roomier than the outgoing first-generation Galaxy.

Despite the rear headroom not being particularly generous in the rearmost row of seats in the S-MAX, the legroom's not too bad for those right at the back; adults won't want to spend more than a short journey there, but smaller children should be fine. The optional full-length fixed glass roof helps to keep it feeling airy in there and guards against claustrophobia.

There's not much luggage space behind the rearmost seats, however (just 285 litres), and neither set of rear seats folds completely flat right down into the floor (they fold onto themselves, creating a slightly raised area). The seats do not tumble forwards or slide on their base, either, but there's certainly a large enough load bay area created for most people and a number of different combinations of seat/loadspace configurations to accommodate most needs and circumstances.

Beware of getting too carried away on the MPV-as-sports-car theme, too, and going for the larger alloy wheels: the ride is firm enough as it is, and with the optional 18 alloys, even tighter sports suspension and low-profile tyres, it's somewhat unforgiving on rougher roads. The driver may be having fun up front, but his passengers may not be quite so happy.

Otherwise, the S-MAX is pretty comfortable: the seats aren't as armchair-like as those in, for example, the Espace or C8, but they are well-shaped and supportive up front and in the rear. Body roll, pitch and wallow are also very well contained. Noise levels are low, and the S-MAX is a refined long-distance, high-speed cruiser.

Equipment levels are reasonable, but, as with most competitively priced Fords, some desirable items are on the options list rather than standard-fit in all models.

Basic LX-spec models are better-equipped than LX Galaxies, with air conditioning, a CD player, heated windscreen and washers, electric tailgate release, front fog lights, electric front windows and a trip computer, plus plenty of storage and stowage boxes.

Other versions are labelled Zetec and Titanium. Zetec models add five-spoke 16 alloy wheels, a load area cover (surely a necessary item), automatic temperature control, rear electric windows, power-adjustment and lumbar support for the driver's seat, sports-shaped front seats, seat-back fold-down trays, a leather steering wheel and gear knob and reading and vanity lights. Titanium versions add a six-CD autochanger, 17 alloys, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, under-seat storage, front and rear carpet mats, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and tinted glass.

Further options include tinted glass, metallic paint, DVD player, self-levelling suspension, adaptive cruise control, the active suspension system, leather upholstery, heated seats, the fixed glass roof panel, Bluetooth phone kit and satellite navigation.