Ford S-MAX MPV (2006-2014) - MPG, running costs & CO2
The Ford S-MAX offers fairly good fuel economy for its class and the smooth automatic gearbox doesn’t reduce it by much
Fuel economy for any of the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines is reasonable, at 53mpg, though the Ford S-MAX lags behind rivals such as the Peugeot 5008 or Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, with its impressive 74mpg diesel engine. Resale values aren’t particularly strong for the S-MAX, so make up for this with a good discount when you buy new, especially as dealers clear the way for the all-new S-MAX, which arrives in 2015.
Ford S-MAX MPG & CO2
Our pick of the engine range, the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, can return 53.3mpg, and its CO2 emissions of 139g/km put annual road tax at £130. Interestingly, the 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel is no less efficient. Its extra punch will appeal to frequent motorway users or those who often carry seven people and their luggage, but it’s only available in Titanium trim at a considerably higher cost.
The 2.2-litre diesel can manage only 42.8mpg, while the 1.6-litre diesel is slow and only marginally more economical than the 2.0-litre engines; it puts out more CO2, too. Diesel buyers who do most of their driving round town will need give the car a regular long-distance to avoid problems developing with the car’s exhaust filter.
The S-MAX’s petrol engines may be hi-tech, but they still fall behind the diesels for running costs. They are, however, much cleaner in an urban environment, although all S-MAX models conform to Euro V emissions standards. Automatic transmission only slightly reduces the economy of most S-MAX engines.
Used values aren’t particularly strong for any S-MAX, though the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel model should claw back 45% of its purchase price after three years or 36,000 miles of ownership, while diesels will be easier to sell on than the petrols.
Ford S-MAX insurance
As with its rivals, most of the S-MAX’s models sit between insurance groups 16 and 20, with the fastest engines in groups 26 and 27.
Ford S-MAX warranty
The Ford S-MAX comes with a warranty that covers the car for three years or 60,000 miles – whichever comes first.
Ford S-MAX servicing
Service intervals are fixed at 12,500 miles or one year, and Ford offers fixed-price services for £125 or £195, depending on the service type. It also offers a fairly economical pre-paid servicing plan.
