… Ford S-Max Vignale …
The Ford S-Max could be regarded as a bit of a ‘sleeper’ car, in more ways than one! It’s a sleeker, sportier version of the Ford Galaxy seven seater people carrier, but the S-Max also comes with seven seats although Ford itself calls it a 5+2. In other words the rearmost two seats are best suited to smaller children.
The seats also fold flat almost turning it into an estate car and therefore makes an ideal service/management rally support vehicle apart from one thing – this is the top of the range Vignale version and perhaps not ideal for chucking wheels and trolley jacks in the back.
However, with its blacked out windows it could sneakily provide such a service should such an emergency arise!
The other thing is, it’s a Ford, so handling and driving pleasure are catered for, and powered by a 187 bhp, four cylinder petrol power plant it has the heft to do the job quickly and comfortably.
It also has four wheel drive capability when things get sticky. The ‘intelligent’ AWD system can determine how much grip, cornering balance and responsiveness is required in wet, dry or icy conditions and on varying surfaces. The technology will send drive to the front or rear axle depending on requirements, so even if the forest roads and car parks are muddy, the S-Max should get you there, provided you don’t need the ground clearance of a tractor.
The only downside is the CVT transmission. Of course it works as it should, but I’m no fan of such things and would prefer six on a stick. The reason for such a transmission is that this is also a mild petrol hybrid which recharges itself under braking so it does have some ‘green’ credentials.
As for the term ‘sleeper’ it also has room for a double air mattress for two six footers when the rear seats are folded flat which makes it ideal for rally spectators. Those hardy souls who seek out their favoured spot the night before a rally and kip up in the country ready for the action.
Way back when Britain’s counter in the World Rally Championship was a multi-day UK-wide rambling affair such vehicles plus many more unsuitable types, would be pressed into such service with little gas stoves and frying pans serving up bacon sannies in the cold light of a new day. Back in the day those who later walked into the tests passing the rows of parked cars would be greeted by the warm and welcoming smells of such breakfast feasts being served up and scoffed in the great outdoors. Aye, them were’t days.
With that in mind, all that’s needed is a roof rack and box and/or a bike rack on the tow ball and others could enjoy such weekend adventures without the expense of a camper van. On the other hand, the S-Max has a towing capacity of up to 1750 kg which would be ideal for light trailers or a small caravan.
The price for the Vignale edition starts from £41,790 although the press appraisal vehicle had a few extras which boosted the price and these included the rich ‘Magnetic’ body colour and the Assistance Pack with Park and Parking Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front view Camera and BLIS which covers blind spots.
It’s a lot of money, but it’s a lot of car, and I really like it although I’d prefer a manual rather than the CVT auto!
Ford S-Max Vignale 2.5 Duratec FHEV CVT
Review Date: 18 Jan 2022
Price: £42,940.00 (as tested)
Engine: 2261cc, 4 cylinder petrol electric, 187 bhp
Performance: 0-62 mph in 9.9 secs, flat out at 115 mph
Economy: 43.5 mpg
Emissions: 148 g/km
