Ford S-Max - anyone got one? What do you think?

[zeebee]

Had a look at one of these at the weekend and was deeply impressed. We can't get 3 car seats across the back of our car so sadly need to change it.

The S-Max seemed to answer a lot of our needs - 3 proper seats, plenty of boot space, lots of leg room in all rows and good pop up seats (with some boot space)so we can transport DDs friends or seat grandparents when on days out. It also feels like a car.

Just wondering if anyone has one of these already and what they think of it. The only drawback we can see is that we'd probably have to buy new rather than an ex demo or used.

You would have to buy new as it was only launched in july..That said with the new reg out in sept you may get a good deal from a dealer who will update for a "56" plate.

We have the toyota verso which is very very similar to the smax. The only difference being is that the s max has lots more "storage extras" like storage under the foot mats and in the boot etc.

I think I have heard of a mner who has bought one and is quite pleased. DH & I wanted to get one at launch but didn't feel the need as it's so similar to ours.

Check out the verso as you will get good exdemo deals and 2nd hand deals.

i want to change my car (have a Zafira at the mo) and have looked at the S- max as well.

i am quite impressed with it and although it seems more like a car than an MPV it has so much more space with all 7 seats up than the Zafira.
I haven't decided as yet but it is definatly on my shortlist

Thanks guys, hopefully will hear from the person who has actually got one!

Shhhh, had a quick look at the Verso and though it is nice I could see too many drawbacks and compromises with 3 kids, largely lack of space once all seats up, wouldn't be able to get a buggy let alone day packs etc in the boot space I thought. Was great in terms of safety features too though - something the Previa seems to be lacking.

FM - also liked the 'carness' of the s-max and the amount of space.

Dh is a ford mechanic and came home from the pre release course raving about them now I want one and if we could afford it he would buy me one as he was sooo impressed.

Ohh we are going to test drive one in the next few days. have got the brochures & they are highly rated in Which magazine. we are also looking at the new Galaxy..have you seen that ?

I didn't really like the s max, thought it was to big, we have just purchased a Honda FRV which has 2 rows of three and a good size boot.

micromum - 6 seats won't work for us otherwise would jump at a honda. Drive a long estate just now so size doesn't put me off

mummyhill - dh's company has done some work on the engine and says it is a really good one

mojomummy - do let me know how you get on with the test drive, we can't test for a couple of weeks. Galaxy looked good too (especially the disappearing rear seats)tho for every day use we probably don't need 7 big seats. Salesman was very complimentary about it too. WOuld love to hear your views having driven both.

We test drove the s max last weekend, and were very impressed with it. THe main 5 seats are extremely comfortable, the "plus 2" seats less so but still bearable. We are looking around at MPVs since we have two littlies (well one and one on the way) and two teenagers - one of whom is growing at an alarming rate.. We have concluded that, although the car was fantastic, it is not the one for us for the following reasons:

1. we use isofix seats (and in fact have the only rear-facing toddler seat on the market), and given where these would have to be placed (isofix on the outer seats only) it makes entrance to the rearmost seats impossible without removing one of them all the time as there is no easy entry from the boot as there is on the galaxy (if you want to use both rear seats - if only using one then not so much of a problem)
2. the rearmost seats, whilst amongst the best we've come across for "plus 2" seats are still a compromise, and with my step son at 5' 8" already and growing fast then he won't fit there for much longer...
3. the main reason I wanted an s max over a galaxy (other than price!) was that it feels and looks more like a car (I currently have an Audi A2...) but on closer inspection of the technical data, the s max is only 5 cm shorter overall than the galaxy, and is the same width.

So the styling on the s max is great and fools you into thinking its so much smaller and a much cleverer use of space, but if we could afford it we'd be going for the galaxy - less space and entry issues for us, and full adult seats for all passengers with much less compromise on the part of the teenagers. As it is, we're booked for a test drive this weekend in the Honda FR-V so would love to hear more about that!

Hi, will update you then - should be the next few days, or the weekend.

Having said that Dh was last night murming about keeping his BMW 3 series tourer (touring ?). We went away last week & with clever packing we managed to pack everything AND get my mum in the back (along with 3 yr old & baby). The downside is it's very thirsty.

tbh I didn't think there was much in it room wise between the s max and the verso...Both seemed similar.

If you need 3 car seats then you won't need the back ones unless you have friends with etc.
TBH we just use the 2 back seats as emergency seats if we need to take friends home etc.

But sure with all 7 seats up we can fit basics for a day out and a lightweight buggy in BUT then thats all we needed..!!

Good luck in your search.