Ford S-Max opinions / experiences?

Windle · 16 Jul 2012 at 04:24

I really really dislike the centre dash console in the S-max, the screen is too high and recessed way back but that's just personal preference.

carlosvr6 · 17 Jul 2012 at 00:05

Not sure how reliable the owners reviews are on Parkers but they dont seem to be very good for the S-Max and Galaxy the last time i checked.

Mr^B · 17 Jul 2012 at 06:14

Do not get an SMAX or any other 7 seater and expect it to go/drive anywhere as well as your 3 series, if the 320 left you wanting more, the SMax will leave you wanting the 320.

I'd only ever get a 7 seater if I regularly (ie. every day) needed to carry more than 5 people (which I do).

My Grand Scenic is an awesome car for ferrying people and stuff around, but it's not a driver's car. In no way, shape or form. And given the choice I wouldn't have it. But I have 4 kids, so I have no option.

When we had just the 3 kids I was still using the RS 250 for everything, including holidays.

mark66 · 17 Jul 2012 at 08:35

All the reviews I have watched single out the SMax for not handling like all other MPV's and that it drives remarkably well? Obviously I am not expecting it to be on par with our BMW and its stiff M-Sport suspension. I really need to get a test drive in one!

What is an RS250? Only think I know of is an Aprilla!

mark66 · 21 Jul 2012 at 12:47

Ivyforce said:
..We got the titanium, 2 litre,(163hp and a tad over 300lb torque)
I like it to be honest, its not a hatchback or anything like my RS, but it is practical and takes everything we throw at it so far. It was my first diesel but so far is fine

Your bluetooth/parking is standard, the sat nav is optional but I choose not to get it as we didnt like the look of it in the car, (Tom tom fine) and folding mirrors we got as drivers pack, Heated seats are

Holiday recently was 4 suitcases, 2 buggies, stairgates and all the other stuff that babies/toddlers bring. No roof-box was needed.

The two seats at the back will fit 2 kids easy, to be honest they fit average size adults in as well although not for long journeys granted.

We get about 500miles a tank, but that is mainly local driving, about 570 on the motorway which is ok I feel..

mark66 said:
Great, thanks for that. Do you find that you use seats 6 & 7 much or are they nearly always put down? I haven't seen them folded down so can't quite picture how the arrangement would work in day to day usage.

If you had the 3rd child would you plan to have them sat together on the middle bench? I really don't like the idea of one of them sat at the very back and think this row would only ever be used if we had a sixth person in the car.

500 miles to a tank sounds very good for local driving. What size is the tank / cost to fill? We are seeing about 26.5mpg in the BMW, so 330 miles to a £75 tank on local runs.

Hi IvyForce, any thoughts on the above?

Cheers

ahenners · 21 Jul 2012 at 21:14

mark66 said:
All the reviews I have watched single out the SMax for not handling like all other MPV's and that it drives remarkably well? Obviously I am not expecting it to be on par with our BMW and its stiff M-Sport suspension. I really need to get a test drive in one!

What is an RS250? Only think I know of is an Aprilla!

Renault Sport Megane 250 - no prizes for guessing what the 250 refers to

pratchetb · 19 Aug 2012 at 14:36

Changing from the BMW to any kind of MPV is going to be a bit of a change. I had a Golf GTi before we had kids so I know what it's like going from a car that can move to a 7 seater bus! We went for an S-MAX and of all the seven seaters we test drove it was the best. It handles so well on twisty roads and when the kids aren't with me I can put my foot down and for such a large car it has amazing grip. On the other hand it's very comfortable for cruising on the motorway and I average 52mpg which again is outstanding for a car of this size. We've got the 1.8 6 speed diesel which I don't think they make anymore but I hear some very good things about the current 2 litre model. It has so much space in the boot and the fact that it has three independent seats would make it perfect for you.