Powerful, silent and done as it should – AlVolante

Change, but not in the character

It’s all new, but to see it you would not think. The second generation of the MPV Ford S-Max is built on the same platform of the new Mondeo and, therefore, has little in common with the old model; However, the sleek and sporty look remained visible. However obvious stylistic elements newer house: the front with large hexagonal chrome grille, headlights long and thin, the curved line of the roof (although, now, slightly lower), sculpted wheel arches and the base of the windows that ramped back toward the tail. With only 3 cm in length more (for a total of 4809, the dimensions are almost identical to those of the model that is sent into retirement. The lights in horizontal, angular and not very developed in height, and the massive bumper combine to give the car a certain aggressiveness even in the rear view.

Endowment luxury

Even within the Ford S-Max is all new: now sports greater elegance and finishes more carefully. The dashboard and center console are better filleted and all materials of good quality; the big screen of 10 “in the dashboard (digital and color, reproduces speedometer and tachometer with a graphic with a pleasant tone sports) and 8 “multimedia system Sync 2 give the interior an imprint technology. The main controls, all gathered in the central zone, are less distracting (but those of the” climate “are still a bit ‘too low). The desire to a quantum leap is found as well in the fitting, primarily aimed at making life more comfortable on board: the seats, for example, are covered in leather and with visible stitching, heated, and cooled with massage function (Multi armchairs -Contour, optional) through special pneumatic cushions. The front headrests can be adjusted in four directions, while the position of the chair can be adjusted electrically driving with memory. Also the steering wheel, now heated, can be electrically adjusted, both in extension both in height. As for flexibility, one of the most important features in any MPV, the new S-Max puts on the plate its seven seats, with 32 possible configurations, and the last two rows of seats fold into the trunk by simply pressing a button on the left wall of the trunk (Easy-Fold), to create a flat load floor and very large (up to 2200 liters). In addition, those in the second and third rows are slightly raised, while the slim shape of the seats provides more legroom; among the options there is also the panoramic roof. To make it even better livable places behind, in the central tunnel is the “climate” with specific commands, and many are also the vents: there are even two in the ceiling, for the second row of seats, and a , center, for the two places down. Large and well done the trunk when the cabin is in the five-seat configuration. Only the last row of seats (with low seat, back stiff and upright and very little space for the feet and legs) is most suited to two children and adults.

An injection technology

Another step up from the older generation of Ford S-Max has been made in the technical equipment: with the new steering adaptive to variable ratio (the steering ratio changes depending on driving conditions), which will come as an option at the end of the year; with the adoption, for the first time in this model, the intelligent all-wheel drive; and with the introduction of more efficient engines. Among the security systems and driver assistance, we find the system of automatic braking assistance with pre-collision (Pre-Collision Assist, active from 8 km / h), which warns the driver and brakes automatically, even at highway speeds if it detects an approaching dangerous vehicle ahead; parking system (also perpendicular) attended; to alert when reversing; the lane assistant and automatic braking up to 180 km / h. Innovative speed limiter that recognizes traffic signs and automatically adjusts the speed. Finally, passive safety is ensured by a frame structure of 3% stiffer than the previous generation (thanks to new high-strength steels) and new side airbags for the second row of seats.

drive like a sedan

What’s under the hood, the 1.5 and the 2.0 Ecoboost petrol, respectively, 160 and 240 hp, the 2.0 turbo diesel in three power ratings (120, 150 and 180 horsepower, with two more powerful variants Matching also integral traction AWD) and 2.0 biturbodiesel by 210. The transmission, six-speed transmission is manual or dual-clutch automatic. We tried the Ford S-Max with the 2.0 TDCi 180 hp: sweet, but strong (strong of its 400 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm), the four-cylinder engine has 13 hp more than the previous 2 liter diesel, with respect to which proves to be more gradual and silent. With this engine, smooth and shiny, the car you drive smoothly and getaways, on winding roads, even allows you to play, thanks to the limited body roll and sincere response to commands: while not showing sveltissima in fast changes of trajectory, offers a high road holding sway and a very low, especially with electronic suspension (optional) set on profile sports that makes the car more rigid, but not uncomfortable. There seemed little practice, however, the mode of selection of the hardness of the suspension, which forces you to “tweak” in the menu of the on-board computer, threatening to take your eyes off the road: simple keys in the tunnel would have made it easier and safer . In the city the car does not shine for handling, however, the light steering and good handling of the gear lever does not make it too tiring. Comfortable on the highway, the S-Max is appreciated for the effective soundproofing of the passenger (130 km / h the engine, in sixth, working less than 2100 rpm). Consuming it seemed in the media: without paying much attention to saving (and with the big wheels of 19 “, optional), we covered about 11.4 km / l (read into the on-board computer). The navigation system did not however convinced: on occasion proved inaccurate.

We’ll see in September

In the dealerships after the summer, the Ford S-Max will be available in three trim levels (Plus, Titanium and Titanium Business): with prices starting at € 29,500, with the 1.5 EcoBoost engine with 160 hp.

According to us

MERITS

& gt; Line . To be a car from family, devoted to large loads, has a nice sporty look, which underlines the dynamic character.

& gt; Motor . A powerful turbodiesel, ready and not too loud.

& gt; Steering . Fairly light at low speeds, it becomes inaccurate in speed.

DEFECTS

& gt; Agility . Given the nature of this almost sporty MPV, we would have expected more handling: instead, the sudden changes of trajectory feels the weight of the car (after all, the car is 480 cm long).

& gt; Set behind . The two folding seats are suitable for a maximum of two children: adults need to be cowering.

& gt; Rear visibility . As in the old model, in view of the maneuver is not free.