Ford S max 240 Ownership Review
Almost 1 month have past since the S-max came into our family. Reluctantly I have bought the MPV due to my growing family but despite that a sedan/hatch is the preferred choice in my list the S-max have kinda grown on me. After driving it more and more I’m started to accustomed to it lazy and comfortable but capable handling of the car. In most of the times, the S-max is quite serene despite its firm suspension and there is once incident whereby I was fetching my friends’ kid quoting me why does the meter on the left is not moving. In actual he is refering to the Rev Meter and that quite sums up the overall day to day event with the S-max. Its max torque arrives early and almost 99% of the time, you will be only reving it to less than 3k. The car’s 6 speed usually changes at 2k rpm – so this have quite an impact on fuel consumption as well. Its sound proofing is quite good hence despite it’s lazy kinda interpretation you get from the car due to low rev gear changes and quiet environment, a glance at the Speedometer will tell you this car is no slouch at acceleration. A full tank is typically RM110 ( 57liters), this car have a 70 liter tank – you can probably go around 560km before stop. This translate to about (RM0.19 / km) – not exactly fuel saving but please do bear in mind – this car is 1.6 ton with 240 horses on tap. Typically this equates to my old Peugeot 308 turbo type of comsumption and I believe other similar MPV may barely touch this figure – say an Estima 2.4 or 3.5V6. Overall I’m satisfied with the fuel consumption.
Being always critisising people for getting an MPV .. I kinda being converted into 1 especially on long journeys and partly is due to the capable S-Max. The height of this car is not exactly as high as some others (MPV), you can call it mid height but yet provide sufficient field of vision when required to – especially during traffic jams and so forth (it can be less taxing then a lower height car) giving you advantage of telling the traffic ahead. The suspension of this car is highly capable as it is comfortable along the highways and you can definitely sprint up even on curvy roads – despite it’s lumbering figure you can surprise quite a few motorist with its spritely acceleration and ability to tackle bends for an MPV – and most of the times, all the rear passengers are fast asleep (all my kids).
How does it handles, actually this is not the right question as for a people carrier – under normal conditions and this car would handle without any glitch however if you ever decide to go ballistic and drive it like a madman - you can actually do and be surprise by it. This car is quite capable at it’s own right and when you are driving alone you might be forgiven to drive a little fast for an MPV as it actually does feel composed (does not feel like an MPV at all) and although there is some body roll it is not that much that it robs the confidence. Traction is well although running on 17” Goodyear Excellence – despite driving fast at times, it does not feel fast … well not sure if this is good or bad but of course why not if it is still fun doing so??
To finish things off, why you decide to get this car? .. Well this will be the question everybody ask you if you get one – typically why not get Estima? Why ford, it is not worth this money! Well first off, all this depends on your priority. This is a new car, you get 3 yrs maintenance free, 5 years warranty. This car is equipped with 240 hp engine plus twinclutch. Although not as frisky as the VW unit, the gearbox is seamless and smooth – at the current pricepoint – there is little to match in the MPV list. Love it or hate it, the interior cabin is good enough with some premium feel to it. Sure enough the badge is enough to put most people off … as the first thing they think is Toyota, next is why not top up a bit and get a Mercedes or BMW? True enough, you only get C segment sedan. Estima is a full fledge 7 seater right … well the thought of recond unit turns me off. Is it as exciting to drive? I’m not sure – I have not driven the estima but from Toyota’s track record I don’t think so.
So if you value the driving experience but same time need a peoples carrier .. then probably S-max is the answer to your prayers.
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| Keyless Entry .. just press the START button |
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| 17" for the S-MAX - nice design but a pain to clean in between the spokes |
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| The bold face - either u like it or you hate it .. have the fords genetic or so called "Kinetic" desing |
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| Rear bum with its distinctive LED lights |
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| 240 ponies Ecoboost ... |
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| Puddle light signal light |
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| Some thing Ford forgot to put in brochure - Automatic headlights |
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| Ford Convers - intergrated into the Speedometer |
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| A lot of brushed aluminiums in the cockpit |
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| The automatic release fuel cap may take some practise ... |
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| LED all round |
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| No spare tyres, you have to do with the electrical pump and tyre repair. |
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| The interior at night |
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the whole purpose of MPV - for the Families ... look who is so excited!!
For this case, when they are not around and you are driving alone .. you still can have some fun!! |
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