Ford S-MAX (06 on) - Review Review by David Ross on 19 June 2006 Last Updated: 29 July 2010 The Ford S-MAX is a people carrier with a sporty edge. It's designed to stand out from the crowd with sharp styling, tight handling and powerful engines. It certainly doesn't feel like an MPV from behind the wheel with agile handling and accurate steering. There's more to the S-MAX than just looks though - it's also very practical thanks to seven seats and a fold-flat load area. However, if you're not taken by the sports-inspired styling and need more interior space there are more conventional people carriers including Ford's own Galaxy. Both cars were designed together and share the majority of components. The S-MAX had a modest makeover in 2010 with a redesigned grille, LED rear lights, a restyled tailgate and some new engines. 4 out of 5 Other Ford reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 5 out of 5 Safety The S-MAX gained a top five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, which puts it up with the best cars in the class. Standard equipment includes seven airbags (although the rear row occupants are not protected by the side window airbags as they are in the Galaxy), plus the pedals and steering wheel are designed to cause as little damage to the driver as possible in an accident. A passenger airbag deactivation switch (for use when carrying a child seat) is optional as are Isofix anchors for child seats - two features usually offered as standard by other car makers. In 2010 Ford added curtain airbags to protect the rear-most passengers, three Isofix points for the middle row of seats and an optional Blind Spot Indicator to alert the driver to passing cars not visible in the door mirrors. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info Adult Occupant Rating 5 out of 5 Child Protection Rating 4 out of 5 Pedestrian Test Rating 2 out of 5 3.5 out of 5 Reliability Modern Fords undergo some of the most stringent quality control tests of any cars on sale so you can expect the S-MAX to be well built and reliable. Like the Focus there can be the odd niggling fault but these are very few and far between. Car check problem points Body No problems reported. Engine/Gearbox No problems reported. Other No problems reported. Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Ford S-MAX cars for sale We have 407 models like this for sale. Find Ford S-MAX cars for sale Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling