Ford S-Max (CD340). 2006–14 (prod. n/a). 5-door MPV. F/F, 1560, 1753, 1997, 2179 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 1596, 1999 cm³ petrol (I4 DOHC), 2261, 2521 cm³ (I5 DOHC). Not really a new niche—Dodge and Seat have been doing sporting variants of minivans for years—but Ford decided to go for a lower body than the traditional Galaxy when creating the S-Max. If there is such a thing as a minivan coupé, this is probably it—but unlike the defunct Renault Avantime, S-Max proved to be more practical (five doors, individually moveable centre seats) and an inspired drive (CD345 platform shared with the Ford Mondeo Mk IV, and excellent grip for a minivan). Turbo 2·5 develops 220 PS. Shown at Beijing 2006, with local manufacture by Chang’an. European Car of the Year for 2006–7. Flexfuel model 2008.

Manufacturing locations: Genk, Belgium; Chongqing, China

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford S-Max | Successor: Ford S-Max Mk II

q.v. Ford Galaxy Mk III