S-Max factor more than cosmetic

Feb 8 2010 Chris Russon

THE max factor which helped Ford to a Car of the Year title is about to clock up another milestone.

A new S-Max sports MPV goes on sale in April fitted with Ford's first ultra-efficient EcoBoost engine.

The two-litre turbocharged petrol engine marks the beginning of a new family of powerplants which Ford plans to use across the glove to replace gas guzzling V8s and V6s.

Developing 200bhp the EcoBoost replaces the larger petrol engines used in the original S-Max range - including the 2.5-litre high performance twin turbo which developed 217bhp.

Although smaller in capacity the new engine generates similar performance of 0 to 60mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 137mph but the real benefit comes with fuel economy of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 189g/km.

The previous 2.5-litre S-Max averaged a claimed 30mpg and its CO2 rating of 224g/km put it into a significantly higher tax bracket.

In the new S-Max the EcoBoost engine is mated to a six speed Powershift dual clutch auto box and is not available as a conventional manual.

The results are astounding. It is potent, torquey and in more ways than one drives like a diesel engine with plenty of power at low revs.

The gearbox is slick and rapid although under kickdown there's a slight hesitation.

The EcoBoost system is making its debut in the revised S-Max and a new version of the Galaxy MPV which will be on sale at the same time.

Both models have been reworked inside and out making the S-Max sportier and the Galaxy more refined.

The S-Max was voted Car of the Year at its launch in 2007 and has since carved out a new niche for Ford.

It blends sports coupe looks and performance with MPV practicality and none of that appeal has been lost in the makeover.

With two foldaway seats in the rear - really for youngsters only - the S-Max remains very user friendly and an ideal family car.

The entry level Edge trim is being dropped and the new range will have a three-model line up comprising Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X Sport.

In addition to the EcoBoost engine, a non-turbo two-litre petrol developing 145bhp will be available as will three two-litre diesels with power outputs of 115, 140 and 163bhp plus a potent 175bhp 2.2-litre diesel.

The most economical is the six-speed manual 2.0TDCI engine which can average almost 50mpg with a CO2 figure of 152g/km.

Body lines on the new model have been sharpened and now feature a sculpted bonnet, larger front grille and chrome surrounds around the windows.

Higher specification models have two banks of LED running lights at the front as well as LED rear lamp clusters.

A redesigned tailgate incorporates a small spoiler below the rear window, a new-style S-Max badge and a satin finish strip running between the light clusters.

If the original S-Max cut a dash with its sleek looks then the new one is even more stylish.

Electronic stability controls are standard across the range while the new S-Max will also be available with a blind spot warning system - the first time such technology has been used by Ford.

A variable speed limiter has been developed as part of the cruise control system while a speaker for an upgraded power system is now fitted into the top of the dash replacing a storage box.

The interior makeover includes LED courtesy lamps, the option of a panoramic sun roof or roof-mounted storage bins as well as redesigned seats which are more supportive.

Trim throughout the car is of much higher quality while noise inside the cabin has been considerably reduced. Ford has even devised a furry coating under the rear wheel arches to combat spray and hiss in rainy conditions.

Keyless entry coupled to push button starting and a full colour reversing camera display are other features Ford is introducing on the S-Max as well as a system to prevent miss-fuelling.

Prices have still to be announced but expect a slight increase over the current range which runs from £20,940 to £26,406.