Am I the only one, who doesn't have kids, but absolutely loves big cars?. Just so much space, comfort and practicality.

We had two of these in 2.0 TDCi manual form as Motability cars. Fantastically versatile, capable and underrated vehicles.

SMax that I had was a beauty and is still going strong with the guy I sold it to .

I sat in the back of a Zafira from West Lothian to Alton Towers. That was exciting. At least I could reach the beer

Had this engine in my wife's Kuga. Fabulous car...!!!

A Northern Irish Ford, not long after the Betty videos, you're turning into a Ford fan boy Ian! :D

Remember this. I think the S Max is very cool and underrated

I had a Volvo S60 T5 with a 2.3litre version of that engine. It's an unrivalled masterpiece of reliability, effortlessness, speed and acceleration, and even economy. I could do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds but drive softly and I got about 38mpg. It was nigh-on perfect

Well the Zafira did really set the roads alight 😁😁😁🔥🔥🔥

You need Griff Rhys Jones to demonstrate all the different seat combinations

Brilliant video Ian 👍

My brother has one (2L 4cyl.), I also drove a few long distances with that S-Max, a lovely car.

A good point about the pull out load cover not having storage. We had the same problem with our Zafira,however we then got a Zafira tourer and that is a much better thought out car and the load cover has it’s own storage compartment. Nobody ever wants cars like these however once you’ve had one it’s hard to find the practicality they provide from anything else.

A Ford with a five pot Volvo engine, that's better than the other way around. I have a Volvo with a Ford engine...

Great to see this review especially now we have Betty to compare it to. Ford really went on a winning run after the introduction of the Focus in 1998. The ride and handling became class leading but I've never sat in a Ford and felt that it's interior was made out of the best materials or oozed luxury and class. Great review as always, Hubnut doing what he does best.

I know a guy who ownes one of these, he loves it.

So much better than the SUV's nowadays with their tiny boots, a proper family car hey Mr HubNut.

The camera lady is very skilled, very steady smooth panning and obviously has an eye for framing a shot. All this professionalism makes viewing your videos very enjoyable. ....She warrants a pay rise!

Nice to see another Northern Irish reg on Hubnut - Co Antrim this time!

When we hit rock bottom, there is only one way to go. UP!!! Wishing you all the best Ian.

Same engine and M66 gearbox as my old V50 T5. Always liked the S-Max - definitely one of the most enjoyable family MPVs. Driven a few and they are really nice to drive. Great review Ian

Just look at how accessible that engine is! Must be a joy to work on!

Seems like ideal Hubnut family transport and the dashboard binnacle and dials looked really cool.

I’ve owned my ‘06 2.5t smax for 6 yrs now.. love it!! even when it’s broken!!👍

Tich! I used to dog-sit for a friend's 'broken haired' Jack Russell - Peanut, lovely little fella and the fastest thing on four legs I've ever personally been acquainted with.

"dribble wipe". I've done it a million times but didn't know there was a word for that.

These were actually pretty cool cars. Unfortunately all of the people carriers were replaced by hideous SUV's

Thanks Mr. H,never knew these had the 5 pot. Could be a good stable mate to my '97 T5 Wagon. Start the search...

Very useful review and yet another Blue Oval what has become of you? I've been considering one of these for a while and I cant have diesel so thisll be the one for me.

I hired one of these on a family holiday in France. I’d regularly driven my father in law’s Vauxhall Zafira, & I’d hired various Voyagers, badged variously as Plymouth’s & Chrysler’s in Florida. I can safely say the S Max was the most pleasant to spend time in. Those parking sensors were excellent in the really tight caravan park we stayed in. The beeps came from the speakers in the direction of the obstacle, and helped avoid a few bumps! One of Ford’s best family movers…

Great video

Oooh, a county Antrim reg didn't expect to see an NI car on your channel

These were a really nice design, and have stood the test of time. The c- max name was pretty cool too. As a five seater that's one really practical mode of transport.

Hi another good review and road test

An interesting review. I’ve always found Fords very easy to drive with good gear changes. They don’t have the character of some makes but they are reliable in my experience.

We've had a Galaxy for the last six years three kids and my old parents fit perfectly in it, the best car I've ever had, 170hp 2.2 diesel, the PSA engine. I don't get on with my local Ford dealer so I've been looking for a replacement vehicle from something that wasn't a blue oval, tried plenty of models and we've ultimately unanimously decided on an S-Max. These are Fords designed by the best Swedish engineers of their day, unlike the lesser C-Max, Torneo stuff.

My dad rented one of these a couple of years ago to go to Exeter and it was absolutely lovely spacious as hell could probably sleep quite well in it😂

With the sun in front I could hardly see much but still love your videos

Had a 2.0 TDCI Titanium, covered over 100k in my ownership and I loved it. It did absolutely everything brilliantly. If I was careful it would just manage 60mpg. Imagine how cool they will look in a few years time. Could be a good option for a family man like you, Ian.

Hi I had a focus c max good cars I use to enjoy driving from London to Wales the best drive anyway great video keep up with the good work

I'll probably never need a 7 seater, but I love the idea of one of these

Thankyou for tell me all about the car I have just accidentally purchased, I did not realise it was a 5 cylinder engine. I have to say my example is rather loud, so after hearing your report I shall have to check if I have some sort of an after market exhaust fitted to mine. It is quite 'boomy' and after a 10 hour drive in it I must admit to not liking it that much, although it did drive very well however I only got low 30s on fuel consumption. Thanks for the excellent timely video.

Engine makes sense in a car that big. People carriers have a purpose, unlike SUVs 🙃

Back on to autotrader again. Even the slight 5 cyl warble makes everything better. If I ever own a fawd it's going to be getting that badge, cracked me up 🤣

Thanks for pointing out the left handed biased wipers. I’m currently on my 4th S-Max and have driven approx 80,000 mile in and never noticed. Now I am irritated by this! Seriously though, i am enjoying the content having recently subscribed. Thank you

I like the S Max, an ex work colleague had one that he loved.

Very similar interior to my MK4 Mondeo. Would be interested to know your thoughts on one of those if you ever get your hands on one to test

I have a MK4 Mondeo TitaniumX with the same engine and love it, despite not seeing 30mpg on the computer. Mr Hubnut, you're welcome for a drive if you want

The handbrake reminded me a lot of the Alfa 75's handbrake only that the Alfas was placed vertically instead of horizontally as in the Ford

I've got a 56 2.0tdci I love it handles quite well for a big car aswell good fun as dad mobile

The 90s Toyota Previa(Tarago here in Australia)was the last word in MPVs. I got mine to over an indicated 100 mph. And was still going strong at over 400000 km. The back row of seats were completely comfortable for adults and there was still masses of space for luggage.

Essex police used these (in 2.5 turbo mode) as traffic cars and dog vans. Great load carriers and superb handling for such a large car good for nearly 140mph . EU08VGC was the one i drove.

I know they are everywhere and very common, but I would love to see you test a 107/C1/Aygo, with the loud and fun 3cylinder Daihatsu engine and one front wiper! That Boeing 747 handbrake is so cool!

I've got its bigger brother a 2.8 V6 Galaxy. I love it

Is the Vantablack interior standard or an optional extra?

Much as i like my Fords I always thought the front end of these was too much like a giant mk1 Ka..great vid.."come on the Fords"..Best wishes

sounds like the perfect van for me

I bet Miss Hubnut likes this car!

I had the 2L tdci Galaxy version. I liked it at first, great family wagon, towed a caravan, loved the folding seats - you got a small van when they're all down! But I found it a bit harsh and uncomfortable, and the air con never worked properly. Then the dual-mass flywheel disintegrated and that's when I got rid.

Cool its done Le Mons. What time did it do the 24hrs in????

Nice motor, not seen many with the 2.5T engine most are 2.0 diesel. 😯🤔

Like the styling, one of the most handsome MPV, even though I used to own a Scenic which I really liked. The neighbour had two in a run as a company car (TDi) so he must have been satisfied. Now his kids are bigger and he drives a Volvo XC60 hybrid.

that third row is quite well integrated

Glad to see you finally driving an smax. The wipers are on the wrong way round the big one should be on driver side I have a 2010 2.0l tdci you should have a go in it

I had an Escort Mark 5. I found it a good car. And I liked the way you could tilt the angle of the driver seat. I have never found this function in any other car since then.

Great Content and what a Proper Dark Horse Car 👍

Yeah and the 2.0 diesel from 2014 does a real 50+ mpg on holiday runs. Looks great in that red too.

I think ‘Titch’ 🐶 appreciated the air-con more than anything else. 😁

I used to have a Fiat Stilo Abarth with the 2.4L 5 cylinder 170HP engine. On the rare occassions it actually worked, it had all the smoothness of a 4 Cylinder, and the fuel economy of a 6!

Yes, the 2.5T is a great engine, albeit slightly thirsty. My dad has an old XC70 and it just goes in every gear, as you said.

Ian, I think you're recalling the 2.3 liter 20 valve Volvo Turbo engine from the 850 series. At low revs when punched into kickdown before the turbo has spooled sufficiently it was quite chortley. They have a bit of a V8 snarl to them as they climb the revs but it's different sound. I was always surprized how neck snappingly zingy the 240 hp 850 engine was, even when fed through the automatic transmission.

It's the same issue with the Peugeot 308 clap hand wipers, the passenger side blade was bigger than the drivers side, I fitted both sides with the same size as the passenger side and that worked OK

Assuming that's the original plate then that car started out local to me in Co. Antrim.

Did they sell the Honda Odessey RB3/4 in uk? It’s a great car, not fast but a fantastic family car. Sporty looking,good driving, great rear seats and spec.

I had a 1.8 TDCi, the seat belt buckles in the back rattled like castanets over bumps if you didn't tuck them in between the seat cushions. Decent steer and very practical but cost me too much money in repairs in the end.

This car is to new don't get me good video and i love fords . I love seeing the old bangers on the channel especially the Rovers and old vauxhalls reminds me off my my childhood. I been watching a lot of your videos lately kind want a old Rover now lol.

My cousin had one but when he changed jobs and was doing more miles brought the diesel both were great cars and is diesel one was no slouch either but 20mpg better on fuel but loved the smoothness of his 5 pot

I tend to look at anything post- about 2000 as too modern to really be interesting, but these reviews of cars in that sort of grey area between now-historic and "modern" reminds one that there are some more modern things that can be interesting.

We have a 2014 S-max 2.0 td Zetec manual which we have had from nearly new which we are thinking about replacing. Teenagers have fledged. But we love the versatility of this car and the space. Total reliability in our ownership. Now at 90k miles. We just went to Norfolk in it and on the way back talked about buying a new or as new as possible S-max. Never tried the 2.5 5 petrol of the older model but these are really well made. I whole heartedly recommend them. Yes wipers are left hand drive but no problem. Excellent and versatile car. Handles ok too. Bit heavy on front tyres, expect 12-15,000 miles. Less probs on the 2.5 petrol.

Well done Ian another excellent review I borrowed a top of the range s max titanium x which was the dealer principals car at Bristol street redditch when my focus was in for an extended period due to a clutch issue I agree with you was a lovely spacious cruiser and the engine was outstanding mine had leather and all the toys and I enjoyed driving it not the easiest to park in shopping malls or supermarkets but on a run it was great I would happily recommend one to anyone. The handbrake was a great piece of design I agree with you it was a great era for Ford and some great cars the mk7 fiesta the focus and a massive move away from as you say the mk4 escort I was not a fan either though the mk3 fiesta was a great car

I had an S-Max for nearly 7 years 130k on clock when I sold it, absolute brilliant car, I personally think the best MPV. Although mine was the 1.8 diesel version I fitted a tuning box on it to give it more power.

Gotta love a 5 pot Fawd

I would love to see the pop bang brigade put an anti-lag map and straight through exhaust on one of these. Might scare a few ppl on the school run 😂

I drive smax myself ..bloody great ol machine ..

S-Max doing what an XC90 does!

Smax! The three middle row seats each slide back & forward independently, so you can get 'sufficient' room in the back row... Still a tight squeeze but our kids loved it back there. Also, all the seats fold flat so it turns into a five door van - mine swallowed sofas, cookers, cupboards, anything I could throw at it and even as a lowly diesel drove far better than it had any right to. A magnificent family motor.

How would a Zafira GSi or VXR compare to this?

my mother used to have a 2007 Ford Cmax nice car.

You are correct about 2.0 diesel. It is a PSA design and is a good and reliable engine (The same can not be said about the 1.8)

Interesting, I've never seen one before. The handbrake looks like its out of an HGV. Didnt the Galaxy have those type of wipers which left an awful unwiped area on the driver's side if I remember correctly.

And they also put that 5-pot Volvo turbo engine in the Mondeo too, which are very popular with police forces as covert surveillance vehicles... There was a more sporty version of the S-Max 2.5T, which Fifth Gear tested and proved that you can get 7 people in it, drive it at 100mph on a race track, Rockingham if I remember right, and make your passengers thoroughly sick. The second row of seats can be slid and locked further forward to give the third row passengers a decent amount of leg room. This version, however, is the Titanium, which was the top of the range for the turbo petrol unlike the rest of the range where there was a Titanium X, so it is a bit more toned down to focus on the comfort side a bit more. The heated and cooled half leather and alcantara seats, which were standard in the Titanium X, were available on the turbo Titanium as an option, as were the sporty 18 inch wheels which do rather reduce the ride comfort, as memory serves standard fit was either 17, or maybe 16 inch with taller tyre side walls that did make the vehicle ride a lot more quietly and smoothly. The 18s were standard fit on the more sporty version, the Zetec if I remember correctly, which tends to be the most common version of these around now as they were popular with a number of police authorities as traffic vehicles and also with a number of ambulance services as rapid response paramedic vehicles. One of these S-Maxes used to be one of the starring cars in one of the fly-on-the-wall traffic police series until eventually getting written off in a pursuit when far beyond the age that most traffic vehicles get retired. These really didn't sell very well to the general public as they were rather expensive to buy new and, being from the emissions tax era, they are expensive to tax. This car probably started off life as a demonstrator for Hendy Ford, as I remember them having a Colorado Red S-Max Titanium 2.5T when I was doing a bit of helping out for them during operational changes, a vehicle which I drove a fair few times as it was being used by one of the management accountants, and it was a lot of fun to drive for such a big vehicle, though it really did seem to shrink around you when you drove it so it never felt like it was a great big boat of a vehicle, which was a huge change from most 7-seater full size MPVs, and, as you said, despite the power it was very far from having dipsomania in normal use...

Titch's tail - wiper-action, no 'triangle-of-doom'.

The S-Max. The Galaxy for the 30something with young kids

A great car the S-Max. So much better than any SUV out there. The Dad had a 07 Zetec one in Dark blue with the 1.8 diesel engine. He should really have went for the 2.0litre diesel but otherwise it was a great car and could easily carry 7 people as it did many times.

The brackets on front headrests are for clip in DVD players

I had the 2004 grand scenic and that had exactly the same boot cover problem plus you couldn't really put child seats in them either. I had the 1.6 engine which suffered severely with the Vvt braking down so the worst start up rattle you ever heard

I had a 20ltr diesel turbo smax .it was the dogs bollox and the proper show off handbrake ha . It was great.

I had the 2.0 148 diesel not a bad car. Nice to see a Northern ireland car on the Channel

Lovely car the S-Max. The newer ones have Dual Clutch box and that's amazing. But I heard they're plagued with reliability issues with the gear box, electrical and parts are quite expensive. The reasons I haven't got my hands on one even though i absolutely like driving it.

I was dreading this test since my daily is a dirty diesel one of these.... My parcel shelf permanently lives at home, with the factory tinted windows you don't need it really but yes, stupid design indeed! They also have a fun thing called an apple catcher that is essentially a spring loaded bar that goes from one side of the boot to the other because of a poor boot design where when you open the boot lid everything ends up on the road. You are also spot on about the wipers, as standard the longer blade is on the passenger side. It has to be this way also because they need to clear the auto wipers sensor behind the rear view mirror but you can change them to put a long blade on both sides. And with the engines, mine is the 2.0 TDCI, it is indeed a Peugeot as used in taxis, Volvos, Peugeots, Citroens and pretty much everything else haha, it gets it round well enough but sporty at 140BHP it is not. Nice review sir.