Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Ford S-MAX

A starring role in a Ford technical video was the latest assignment for our MPV

Find your Ford S-MAX
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It's amazing how popular you become when you are running an MPV. There’s constant badgering for the keys from colleagues moving house or ferrying families. 

But one request from our head of motoring video Mat Watson was different from the norm. He wanted the S-MAX to star in a video promoting Ford’s in-car tech for our sister website expertreviews.co.uk. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Eyeing a shot at small screen stardom, I immediately agreed – only to be told by shy and retiring Mat that as I had a face for the radio, he’d be doing the shoot. Typical! As you can see, though, our S-MAX made light work of it all, which has been a feature of its tenure with us.

From motorway blasts up to Scotland to cross country sprints and the daily nursery run, the Ford has handled everything with aplomb, fully living up to its billing as a family car that you can have a little fun with.

The 2.0-litre engine provides more than adequate torque for easy overtaking, while the facility to fold flat both rows of seats has been invaluable on the occasions I’ve required the S-MAX’s huge 2,000-litre carrying capacity.

Our Ford comes with plenty of equipment – some of it very clever. But it’s probably the leather seats which have been the biggest boon. As my 18-month-old daughter regularly sits in the back, there’s generally plenty of mess, and they really are extremely easy to wipe down.

As an all-rounder, then, it’s hard to beat. Little wonder Mat wanted it in his video. Few cars are more deserving of a starring role.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,299
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,644 off RRP*Used from £9,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,398 off RRP*Used from £7,195
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £11,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New 2028 Ford Fiesta: all the details on iconic supermini’s sensational comeback
Ford Fiesta render Avarvarii

New 2028 Ford Fiesta: all the details on iconic supermini’s sensational comeback

The new Ford Fiesta would get all-electric power and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
12 Feb 2026
Future of Cupra revealed: Raval hatch, facelifted Born and flagship SUV incoming
Cupra Raval concept

Future of Cupra revealed: Raval hatch, facelifted Born and flagship SUV incoming

We exclusively talk to CEO Markus Haupt about his upcoming electric cars – and the conditions needed to make them sell
News
13 Feb 2026
Cold weather range no problem for Kia’s baby: new EV2 drops less than 25% at -20 degrees
Kia EV2 front angled

Cold weather range no problem for Kia’s baby: new EV2 drops less than 25% at -20 degrees

Kia’s upcoming baby electric car came within 25 per cent of its WLTP range figure in sub-zero tests in Norway
News
13 Feb 2026