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New Ford S-MAX 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180 Titanium review: The sporty MPV gets sleeker looks

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New Ford S-MAX 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180 Titanium

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27 April 2015

New Ford S-MAX 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180 Titanium
The New Ford S-MAX is sportier than its predecessors

New Ford S-MAX 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180 Titanium review

What is it?

THE second-generation version of Ford’s best-selling and first truly sporty, stylish and practical seven-seat MPV, the S-MAX.

The new Ford S-MAX also debuts new technologies, such as Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist and Adaptive LED Headlights.

What’s hot?

  • Some of the angles might be familiar to current S-MAX owners, but be in no doubt the design is all new. Our favourite parts of the new Ford S-MAX styling are the curvy roofline, plus the chunky shoulders that flow into the distinctive front and rear lights.
  • LED headlights were previously the reserve of expensive premium models. Well not anymore, as Ford is offering them on the high-end trims. They are distinctive and work well in practice.
  • New S-MAX is a positive tech fest, as on top of the Dynamic LED headlights, there are 19 other new technologies debuting including an intelligent Speed Limiter, which we’re sure will be of interest to SME company car buyers, as it could stop speeding fines!
  • Interior space has always been an S-MAX selling point and the new big Ford MPV doesn’t disappoint, as interior space is basically the same as the outgoing model. Although despite improved access, the two individual seats on the third row are really only for kids.
  • Initially slow off the mark, this 180PS version of the 2.0-litre TDCi soon gets into its stride, feeling torquey and quick enough to suit the S-Max’s sharp dynamics. Acceleration to 62mph takes 9.7 seconds and the top speed is 129mph.
  • Despite the performance, this S-Max is capable of 56.5mpg on the Combined Cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km.
  • The 129g/km CO2 emissions mean the S-MAX 2.0 Duratorq TDCi Titanium falls into the 23% company car tax band for 2015/16.
  • Our Titanium spec test car was fitted with the optional 19-inch alloys. Big wheels usually result in an unsettled ride, but the S-MAX impressed on the worst test route tarmac, remaining impressively composed and refined, with potholes only becoming noticeable at lower speed around town.
  • As expected, the latest S-MAX, like the last, is an impressively dynamic drive. The steering is well weighted and offers sharp responses. Plus, the handling remains impressively tight in corners – with plenty of grip.
  • Despite this car costing almost £28,500, we thought it was good value as there are few rivals that are capable of matching the S-MAX’s diverse range of talents.

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