Fridae

The SAV (sport activity vehicle) concept car had teased us at various motor shows for years and Ford stunned the motoring world by releasing an actual production model called the S-Max that looked exactly like the beautifully penned SAV concept car by Martin Smith.

The S-Max introduced the world to the new Kinetic Design Language which will dictate how new Fords will look. Angular headlights, twin trapezoidal grilles, and large wheelarches are key features to how the Ford S-Max can be seen as "energy in motion." The design of the S-Max is as sporty as an intended people mover can get without getting too 'P. Diddy.'

Starting the S-Max is a trip in itself! Start the ignition and be teased by the trip computer's graphics. The information is offered in a fun fashion while remaining clear and easy to read. The airplane styled handbrakes is absolutely a delight to use, I feel like a captain in a cockpit when I operate the hand brakes. Generous application of soft touch plastics are abound the dash top. The bright metallic highlights add to the fun experience with the S-Max's interior. The Ford GT is one of my dream cars, however until I managed to earn many, many millions, the Ford S-Max's instruments are probably the closest yet I could get to the Ford GT's iconic dials.

Ford wants the S-Max to be regarded as a 5 + 2 Sports Activity Vehicle. The S-Max is an activity vehicle that has the ability to carry seven on board while its driving manners are closer to a driver's car and not a mini school bus like most MPVs.

Space for the first five passengers is obviously a high priority for the S-Max's designer. There are aircon vents and dedicated paranomic roof for the first and second row. In general, the S-Max still suggests a typical MPV-like driving position from its vast front windscreen and pillar. Life in the last row is less rosy. Bare minimum legroom and less headroom as a result of the sloping rear end. Third row is best kept for punishing your least favourite colleagues during lunch outs.

Boot space is measured at 285 litres with the third row seats up. With the second row of seats folded flat, the S-Max offers 2000 litres of boot space. Shoppers will certainly be pleased with the vast boot space on offer with the S-Max. The Ford Fold Flat System on the S-Max is easy to operate - no gym membership required here. Sadly, the front passenger seat does not fold down; hence the ultimate 2.4 metre package from Ikea may prove a challenge.

The Ford S-Max has earned high praises for its involving drive as it banishes past prejudices that MPVs are clumsy and unresponsive. Sure, MPVs can be an easy way to tell all your friends that you have served your biological purposes and you can be better off dead. The S-Max throws a lifeline for those who need the space but would rather not deal with the usual MPV drawbacks. The S-Max does remind the driver of its size and weight however I am impressed by its ability to negotiate corners. The steering is well weighted and accurate. Ride comfort is excellent considering the handling traits that the S-Max possesses. Ultimately, the S-Max will understeer when you choose to take a turn with too much vengeance. However, as a MPV, the S-Max is easily the best handling seven-seater available.

At 1,658 Kg, the S-Max is no lightweight. Thankfully, performance from the 2.3 litre engine is easy to access to via the excellent 6-speed automatic transmission from Getrag, as the century dash takes only 10.7 seconds. I was surprised by the level of fuel efficiency that the S-Max can achieve given the performance and weight, rated at 9.7 litres per 100 km, it is pretty impressive.

So should you take the trip with Captain Henry with the latest S-Max? So complete as a vehicle, I am challenged to point out the flaws of the S-Max.

	Ford S-Max
Engine	Front, transverse, 16-Valve 4 Cyls in line, 2,261cc
Transmission	6-speed automatic with #8216;Sportsmode’
Max. Power	161bhp@ 6500rpm
Max. Torque	208nm@4000rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	10.7 secs
Top speed	193 km/h
Fuel Economy	9.7 liters/100 km (EEC dual cycle)
CO2 emissions	232 g/km
Dimensions (L x W x H) /Weight	4,786mmX2,154mm X1,658mm / 1,658 kg
Wheelbase	2,850 mm
Suspension (Front)	Independent MacPherson struts with offset coil spring over gas filled damper units and lower L-arms with optimised front rubber bushings and rear hydro-bush mounted on separate reinforced cross-member sub-frame, anti roll bar.
Suspension (Rear)	Fully independent multi-link Control Blade with large dampers and rebound springs. Anti-roll-bar mounted to spring link in double ball-joint.
Price with COE*	S$118,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.