By Ian Strachan.
Ford has brought electric power to its popular family sports activity vehicle – the refined S-Max. And taking a step into motoring of the future has added extra appeal to an already ultra-practical seven-seat MPV package.
The S-Max FHEV’s emissions are significantly reduced – at 148 g/km – thanks to the S-Max’s battery power, which assist the 2.5 petrol engine and gives it exclusively electric power at start-up and very low speeds. It also helps with fuel consumption which is around 43.5 mpg in mixed driving. Respectable for a big car.
Ford’s S-Max has a pleasing design, with lots of curves despite its practicality and size, a strong front end with a distinctive Ford deep grille and large sloping headlights.
I test drove the S-Max FHEV in top-of-the-range ST Line spec, with a smooth CVT automatic gearbox. You get 190 ps which drives you from 0-60 mph in just over nine seconds with a top speed of 115 mph.
The S-Max has a quality feel to it inside and out. It feels substantial, both to sit in and to drive. The interior has a modern feel to it with lots of technology to make driving easier and safer. It has a lot of class about it. My test vehicle had part-leather red-trimmed upholstery of a very high quality on its heated sports seats. The dash is simple and attractive, with sensibly placed, easily accessible controls.
Interior space is very good, and can be further improved with the folding split rear seats controlled at the push of button with Ford’s Easy Fold system. The third row of seats fold completely flat.
Specification includes all-round parking sensors, satellite navigation via an eight-inch colour touchscreen, automatic climate control and a good DAB radio with MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth.
You also get 18-inch alloys, a full ST-Line body styling kit, rear spoiler, heated steering wheel, powered driver’s seat with memory, automatic headlights, cruise control, lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition and heated front screen.
The 2.5 petrol engine is quiet and refined. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size, and handling is confident.
The Ford S-Max ST-Line 2.5 FHEV automatic comes at £38,640 on the road. My test vehicle came with a Lucid Red paint finish (£850) a comprehensive driver assistance pack which includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear cameras, an uprated Sony 12-speaker audio system park assist and blind spot monitor (£1500), and a Lux pack includive adaptive LED healdamps, full leather upholstery and a powered tailgate, also at £1500.
It’s difficult to fault this uber-practical offering from Ford. It’s a good way to dip your toe into the waters of electric vehicles without sacrificing performance or specification.
