Ford S-Max. And even a whole day is not enough...

This minivan can hardly be called ordinary. Against the backdrop of gray and identical classmates, it stands out both in appearance and character. I'll tell you how a day with the diesel Ford S-Max went.

"Son, how do you manage with such a coffin on wheels?" — asked an elderly woman whom the S-Max caught off guard. Two thoughts flashed through my mind: the first — that the grandmother had no place on the roadway, and the second — that the car isn't really that huge. But I didn't have time to answer. Seeing my confidence behind the wheel, the grandmother retreated. "She's wrong about that," noted a friend sitting next to me. "This is the best European car of 2007 and the pride of Euro NCAP."

2006 Ford S-Max
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Meanwhile, I kept actively turning the light steering wheel with electric power assist, trying to turn around in a cramped courtyard among parked cars. Moving backward was risky — the dimensions were felt vaguely, and a dead end awaited ahead. After several maneuvers, I managed to get out, although I noted that the turning circle was a bit large — a Mazda5 would have handled it more easily. Ahead was a long road to the airport: I needed to take friends on vacation, and city traffic jams and heat didn't add optimism.

2006 Ford S-Max
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Friends were already waiting for us at the entrance. "Diesel is the thing!" — my buddy blurted out right away, hearing the characteristic engine sound. "Probably doesn't go, but doesn't eat either?" — he teased. There was no time to explain. We threw suitcases into the spacious trunk, seated a sleeping child, and set off.

"Everything is so neat here!" — admired my friend's wife, touching the soft plastic with metal imitation and leather upholstery, while asking to change the climate control settings or turn the music down. But all these compliments to the interior and spaciousness were interrupted by the awakened child, who got shaken up on our roads. The kid quickly came to his senses and, saying "Now we'll fly," reached for the handbrake lever resembling an airplane element. It was fine.

2006 Ford S-Max
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

"Looks like we're stuck," said the head of the family, looking at the long queue before the highway exit. Everyone's mood dropped. "Well, at least tell us something about the car," asked my friend, already mentally basking in the southern sun. Okay, listen.

Under the hood is a two-liter turbodiesel with 140 horsepower. With a six-speed manual, acceleration to a hundred takes just over ten seconds. By feel, it seems about right. The minivan accelerates briskly, as if it weighs not 1800 kg, but half as much. True, there's a slight dip from a standstill. But after 2000 rpm, the engine comes alive — that's where all 340 Nm of torque is available. And then, all the way to the red zone (which starts around 4200 rpm), the pull is smooth and confident. And the S-Max handles just great! It follows the steering wheel precisely, instantly reacting to the driver's actions. Even sharp lane changes don't cause unpleasant rolls.

"Looks like the traffic jam has cleared," said the passenger, noticing the road was free. Time was running out, and we took off, making up for lost time. And then the words were confirmed by deeds. The car showed everything it's capable of: brisk acceleration, precise shifts, quick reactions to the steering wheel. Even the rather stiff suspension got praise — no rocking during maneuvers.

2006 Ford S-Max
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

We made it. Saying goodbye, the adults asked about fuel consumption. The computer showed 12 liters per hundred — not bad for such a car. While unloading the trunk, my buddy asked if there was a full-size spare under the floor. "Go, or you'll miss your flight." Better he doesn't know that the S-Max doesn't even have a space-saver spare... Let's not spoil the impression.

Driving
Responsiveness to the steering wheel, power reserve, and dynamics are top-notch.

Interior
Quality of finishing, seat comfort, and spaciousness are beyond all praise.

Comfort
Before buying, it's worth warning the family: the suspension is a bit stiff, especially in the back row.

Safety
In the base version — 9 airbags and ABS, ESP is an option.

Price
You can't call it cheap, but the impressive characteristics push the price question to the background.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Memorable appearance, excellent dynamics and handling, comfortable interior, enviable fuel consumption.
- Slight hesitation during acceleration, high price.

Our opinion

Minivans have long ceased to be just "suitcases" with a spacious interior and trunk. Today, they increasingly get dynamic design and powerful engines. And the Ford S-Max is perhaps the best confirmation of that.

2006 Ford S-Max
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Star safety

In last year's Euro NCAP crash test, the Ford S-Max received five stars for passenger protection, becoming the first MPV with such a rating. In a frontal impact, side collision, and pole impact, the risk of serious injury for occupants is minimal. Child safety is also up to par — a solid "four." But pedestrian protection fell short: the bumper impact on legs was deemed acceptable, but the front edge of the hood can cause serious injuries. Hence only two stars.

September 25, 2007
Author: Dmitry Tytyuchenko
© 5 Koleso