Motoring
First Drive: Ford S-Max What is it? It’s no understatement to say that the MPV market in the UK has been truly decimated in the past decade or so, as buyers simply don’t want these models and instead flock to SUVs. Even Renault, which more or less invented the segment, no longer sells any people carriers on these shores. But one exception to this rule is Ford, which is continuing to plough funds into the development of its MPVs, with its S-Max and Galaxy seven-seaters both benefitting from a new hybrid powertrain that aims to keep these models going a little longer. Here we’re trying the S-Max to see if that’s the case. What’s new? Ford is investing in electrification in a big way, and this latest S-Max Hybrid comes from part of €42m (£36.07m) of investment into the brand’s Barcelona plant, with this powertrain also appearing in the new Kuga and Galaxy. We’ll explore more about it shortly, but it’s an allnew setup for Ford and is currently the only hybrid MPV of its kind, though given the S-Max’s few rivals these days, it’s perhaps not all that surprising. What’s under the bonnet? For the S-Max Hybrid, Ford combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a 1.1kWh battery and electric motor, with power being delivered to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission. In total, it kicks out 187bhp, which is on par with the most powerful diesel version, and allows for a 0-60mph time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. But most will choose the Hybrid for the efficiency benefits, with its 147g/km CO2 emissions being 10 per cent lower than the diesel’s. Though Ford claims a fuel economy figure of 44.1mpg, we reckon this is a rare case of an understatement, as we averaged 50mpg quite
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comfortably during testing. With a 600-plus mile range, the S-Max Hybrid is certainly a good companion on those longer trips. What’s it like to drive? Ford has always excelled at making somewhat mundane cars rather good to drive, and the S-Max is no exception. It certainly feels far more like a hatchback than a big seven-seater through the corners, yet at the same time is a comfortable cruiser with a compliant ride, even in the ST-Line trim level that gets a sportier suspension setup. The hybrid system is also one of the best ‘selfcharging’ setups around, as it’s largely smooth, and is quite intelligent in its ability to switch between electricity and petrol – it’ll even run as an EV for short bursts, which really helps on the efficiency side of things. The CVT gearbox – like most of this type – does somewhat sap performance when you put your foot down, but is largely quite a good fit for a car like this. How does it look? Though MPVs might have a reputation for being styled in a similar fashion to white goods, we’d argue the S-Max isn’t bad-looking at all. In our test car’s ST-Line trim (the sportiest-looking model of the range), it gets large two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit that wouldn’t have looked too out of place in the Max Power era of cars, and a range of gloss black touches. Though looks are always subjective, we reckon a seven-seat people carrier has never looked so good. What’s it like inside? While the S-Max’s exterior might be looking as stylish as ever, the same can’t be said about this MPV’s interior. The layout is very much ‘old Ford’,
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