Ford S Max 2.0(A) EcoBoost Review
Smax that

Story and Photos by Joe Yeo
22 May 2011

The dynamic Ford S-Max gets a refresh and a more tax friendly engine.

Introduction, styling

Among America's big three car makers - Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, it is the Blue Oval that has bounced back the quickest after the economic crisis and the US government's bailout of the domestic car industry a couple of years back. Ford's recovery is especially impressive thanks to its impressive product line-up in the US as well as very strong earnings from its European division.

With impressive products like the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, Kuga, S-Max and so on, it's no wonder that Ford of Europe has been instrumental in helping the brand to bounce back to profitability in such a short span of time. While the Fiesta supermini has been one of Europe's best selling cars in the past couple of years, the S-Max has been hugely popular for MPV buyers across the Continent thanks to its sleek looks and saloon like driving experience.

Over here, the S-Max's popularity has been somewhat hampered by factors like its tax-unfriendly 2.3-litre engine. With the S-Max's recent facelift though, Ford hopes to improve its MPV's chances against the likes of the Honda Odyssey in the MPV sector by introducing a new variant with a new 2-litre turbocharged engine and double clutch gearbox drivetrain combination to supplement the 2.3 model.

Outwardly, the S-Max is yet another Blue Oval that embodies Ford's current styling language that is also featured on the Galaxy. Mondeo, Fiesta and the upcoming new generation Focus. Dubbed ‘Kinetic' design, the look has the right mix of aggression, dynamism and elegance.

At 4772mm long, the S-Max is more compact than the 4820mm Galaxy. The former, at 1620mm in height is also significantly lower than the Galaxy's 1736mm. The S-Max's more compact exterior dimensions give it a more dynamic and purposeful stance than the slightly cumbersome looking Galaxy.

The updated model features a redesigned frontal section with a new, more sculpted bonnet, a bolder trapezoidal grille and LED daytime running lights on the new front bumper and a new radiator grille. From the sides, the new model is distinguished by a new chrome strip that surrounds the whole glass area and new 17-inch alloy wheels while the rear has been redesigned with features like a reprofiled tailgate with LED tail lights and a new chrome strip embossed with the S-Max logo that runs between the lights as well as a slightly different rear bumper. The changes on the new S-Max are immediately recognizable when compared to the outgoing car and they certainly give the Ford MPV an even more contemporary and modern feel and look than previously.

Next Page - Performance, ride and handling

Sell Fast With Ease - SwiftQuote

With SwiftQuote, you get:
Best value for your car A peace of mind when selling Fast sale from start to end

HIGHEST PRICE FOR YOUR CAR

Best offer with no obligations.
Start Now!

Vehicle Number*

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal data by Carousell and/or such other third party (as may be necessary) and to be contacted (via email, phone call and/or text message) for any purposes in connection with the application of and transaction of the vehicle, in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and Carousell's Privacy Policy.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Renai from SwiftQuote to make the transaction a smooth and pleasant experience. I would highly recommend the team from SwiftQuote!!
Mhd Hkl - 1 day ago

Very fast respond and friendly. Got a good quote for my car as well.
NG Peng Yam - 2 days ago

Fast and efficient. Good and reasonable quotation.
Ong Wei Chuan - 3 days ago

Prompt action, good service and keep it up. Will back again in future. Thumb up for Angie Ng
Wong Kim Hua - 1 week ago

Sold my car through SwiftQuote within a day after with reason price. highly recommended
Lee Chia Zheng - 1 week ago

Good recommendation!
Wong Kelvin - 1 week ago

Selling was a breeze. I did not expect it to be that fast. I will definitely recommend to others. Keep up the good job guys.

Md Faizal - 1 week ago

Good, Faster and Reliable service. Highly recommended
Sam Chusu - 2 weeks ago

Thanks for your quick response in getting me a buyer really impressive , I am thankful . Please keep up the good work . Cheers
Joseph Tay - 2 weeks ago

I like the service provided. It's a one stop service center. Received follow up after receiving the highest quote. No unneccessary haggling from professional dealers.

Stanley Huang - 2 weeks ago