Test Drive – Ford S-Max

[Review]

Now this is the second Ford vehicle that I’m testing (the first being the Ford Fiesta – click here to read about it) and this time it’s the S-Max 7-seater MPV. Finally after days and days of rain the sun came out and so I managed to shoot the vehicle.

403700_364623870233635_118721654823859_1295845_2010452159_n — My family has quite an affinity to Ford having owned several in the past and one currently

409471_364623970233625_118721654823859_1295847_287123981_n — The S-Max is a 7-seater MPV which is versatile enough to be configured according to your needs

404497_364624416900247_118721654823859_1295852_132188338_n — The Bi-Xenon Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights offer increased visibility to other road users particularly in poor weather while the new LED daytime running lights look cool while alerting other drivers to your presence

423164_364622960233726_118721654823859_1295836_674658478_n — Keyless Entry – Start the car without ever holding the key. Simply keep the key in your pocket or bag.

422194_364623236900365_118721654823859_1295839_1948995862_n — The S-Max is distinctly sporty in design and dynamic in styling and is precision-sculpted to embody Ford’s Kinetic Design philosophy for the perfection of energy in motion. It may be an MPV but she certainly doesn’t really look like one while she handles like a large sedan!

430368_364623763566979_118721654823859_1295844_32009639_n — The S-Max comes with 225/50 R17 wheels and a capless refuelling system with Ford Easy-Fuel means you do not having to touch dirty fuel caps anymore, while the unique Ford Easy-Fuel safeguard ensures that you don’t accidentally fill up with the wrong fuel.

407092_364623546900334_118721654823859_1295843_2142925053_n — The LED rear lights employs the latest in lighting technology with bright and eye catching LED rear lights improving visibility during reverse maneuvers at night.

Powerplant & Transmission

This S-Max is powered by a 2.0 litre EcoBoost™ engine with Turbocharger, offering 203 PS at 6,000 rpm and 300 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm. The EcoBoost engine, has twin independent variable camshaft timing, and is mated to a Ford PowerShift® transmission, featuring a new state-of-the-art 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. It selects the next appropriate gear at exactly the right moment, delivering lighting-fast gear changes with no disruption to the flow of power. Ford PowerShift® truly delivers improved fuel economy compared to a conventional automatic and has a manual mode that allows you to overide and switch gears when you want to.

How does the above benefit the average consumer?

More power, more torque, reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by 20%.

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Suspension & Handling

Front – MacPherson Strut

Rear – Independent Control Blade Multilink

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS)

What this results is an MPV that drives like a large sedan! In fact sometimes I forgot I was driving an MPV. (tomcat does not condone driving the S-Max as one would drive a sedan. Remember the vehicles limitations and keep to it!)

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Safety

The S-Max has a 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating and features an advanced Intelligent Protection System (IPS) which employs a range of sophisticated technologies and nine (9) yes NINE airbags to keep you and your passengers protected. These safety features earned the S-Max a 5-star Euro NCAP Adult Occupant Rating – the highest ever rating for a car in this class.

The S-Max IPS includes:

1. Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags

2. Driver’s and front passenger’s side impact airbags

3. Side curtain airbags for first- and second-row seats

4. Driver’s knee bolster airbag

5. Collapsible steering column and pedals for optimized protection of driver’s legs and feet

6. Robust computer-optimized body structure with ultra-rigid safety cell and crumple zones

7. Pre-tensioners, load-limiting retractors and height-adjustable mounts on front seat belts

8. Anti-submarining seat bases

9. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) (included with ESP)

10. Emergency Brake Warning

Peace of mind when driving is important!

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Now to the interior.

409374_364624053566950_118721654823859_1295848_1927047821_n — Grey coloured seats that matches the interior. The front is very roomy eve for a tall person like myself and the driver and passenger have 8-way Adjustable Power Seats. I found my ideal seating position quite effortlessly.

430481_364624116900277_118721654823859_1295849_1386705355_n — The second row seats can slide forward and back to optimize leg room and tilt for improved comfort for passengers

429630_364624223566933_118721654823859_1295850_1049956668_n — The innovative Ford Fold Flat System (FFS) that allows the versatility of various passenger and load-carrying options. The S-Max carries up to 7 persons.

398506_364624283566927_118721654823859_1295851_605949738_n — The second and third row rear seat folds flat individually

429327_364624480233574_118721654823859_1295853_970558334_n — I love the dash and the colour instrument cluster display! The S-Max comes with Bluetooth® with Voice Command that allowed me to change tracks, radio stations, make calls on my smartphone and adjust the climate control with a command of your voice. It was a bit tricky at first but speak clearly and the car usually understand what you’re trying to say. I felt like Micharl Knight in Knight Rider!

419893_364624546900234_118721654823859_1295854_273358855_n — No need to install an after-market audio system as the S-Max comes with a Sony audio system featuring Programme Type (PTY) and Digital Sound Processing, the Sony CD stereo radio/CD/MP3 player has 40 programmable stations, USB/MP3/iPod® connectivity port, and 9 premium speakers!

421195_364624616900227_118721654823859_1295855_1434559428_n — Your hands will not need to leave the wheel. Control the radio, cruise control and the multi function display all from the wheel! The meter dispoay looks cool too!

409478_364624693566886_118721654823859_1295856_1514978990_n — You can set the multi function display to show you a whole bunch of useful info.

Other Notable Features

Fixed Panaromic Sunroof – The one-piece panorama roof has smooth-gliding power-operated sunblinds when you want some shade. There is also a child observation mirror to keep an eye on the kids.

B-Pillar Aircon Vents – for the comfort of your passengers!

Automatic Wiper System with Rain Sensor – The intelligent Wiper System automatically turns on when rain is detected to give you maximum visibility in rainy conditions.

Follow Me Home Lights – A unique feature where the headlights stay on a little longer to illuminate the way to your front door.

Puddle Lights – An intelligent and functional design, the puddle light on the side mirrors illuminate the sides of your car to prevent you or your passengers from stepping on unseen hazards as you step out of the car.

This premium MPV is certainly loaded for bear can be yours for RM185,888.00 (OTR) with insurance.

More info on Ford at http://www.ford.net.my

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