2015 Ford S-Max 2.0L TDCI 6AT FWD (180 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Ford used its experience in building minivans gained in the U.S. To create one of the best European MPVs, trying to convince customers that these kinds of vehicles were not dull.

When Renault introduced the Espace on the market in the early ’80s, customers loved it. The rest of the European brands were caught off-guard and reacted slow and late. Ford had the knowledge of how to do a proper minivan but delayed the launch of such a model since it wasn’t very significant for the European branch of the blue-oval brand. As a result, it introduced the Galaxy MPV, developed together with Volkswagen in 1995, and after its separation from the German brand, it made the S-Max, which it launched in 2006. The car sold well, and in 2015, Ford brought the second generation of this nameplate and built it on top of the Ford Mondeo/Lincoln MKZ platform.

With a minivan-specific shape, the new version featured a front fascia that resembled its European cousin, the Mondeo. It sported a hexagonal-shaped grille adorned with horizontal slats flanked by swept-back headlights fitted with LED daytime running lights. Still, that cooling area was not large enough, so the automaker added a second one on the lower side of the bumper. The short hood was followed by the panoramic windshield. From its profile, the S-Max revealed a tall greenhouse with generous glass areas that started in front of the front doors and ended behind the rear ones. At the back, the tailgate was slightly tilted forward and incorporated part of the new LED taillights.

Inside, Ford showed its capabilities in terms of minivans by installing seven seats in a 2-3-2 layout. Moreover, besides the front high-mounted seats, the automaker offered the vehicle with individual seats for the rest of the occupants. Since the car targeted large families, it also offered enough amenities and cup holders on board to keep everyone happy. The driver fronted a generous 10-inch digital instrument cluster that showed a large speedometer and tachometer. Users could also personalize the graphic display. In addition, the automaker installed an 8″ touchscreen on the center stack that ran with Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment system with voice commands. Depending on the trim level and options, customers could get a panoramic glass roof, which amplified the spaciousness of the cabin.

Under the skin, Ford used a well-developed platform with independent suspension in all corners that improved comfort for all passengers. Moreover, for specific engine versions, it even offered the car with an all-wheel-drive system. Like most European cars from that era, the engine range was dominated by turbodiesel units ranging between 148 HP (150 PS) and 207 HP (210 PS). Those who asked for a gasoline powerplant could get either a 158 HP (160 PS) or a 237 HP (240 PS) unit.