FORD

FORD S-MAX VIGNALE ESTATE 2.5 FHEV 190 5dr CVT

Fuel

FuelPetrol/Electric Hybrid

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph9.8s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2147 g/km

Just how far can the appeal of family MPV models be extended up-market? That's the question posed by the car we're looking at here, Ford's improved S-MAX Vignale, which now gets the brand's latest EcoBlue diesel engines. The S-MAX we know about: it's the best handling and arguably most desirable large-ish seven-seat family People Carrier out there. But could it also really appeal at a more exalted price point close to around £42,000 if Ford were to up the spec and include a premium customer service package? It's a big ask

PLUSH AND HUSH

Ford's plush S-MAX Vignale gets the brand's latest EcoBlue diesel technology, which extends the appeal of this uber-luxurious sporting family MPV model. If you'd normally buy an executive saloon or estate but need space for a family, it could be a tempting package. Jonathan Crouch looks at what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

Just how far can the appeal of family MPV models be extended up-market? That's the question posed by the car we're looking at here, Ford's improved S-MAX Vignale, which now gets the brand's latest EcoBlue diesel engines. The S-MAX we know about: it's the best handling and arguably most desirable large-ish seven-seat family People Carrier out there. But could it also really appeal at a more exalted price point close to around £42,000 if Ford were to up the spec and include a premium customer service package? It's a big ask

Background

Large MPVs aren't only bought by families full of sticky-fingered children looking for the least expensive way of getting a super-sized brood from A to B. At the top end, they're also purchased as business conveyances. Or by business people who have more than 2.3 kids and who want in their People Carrier all the niceties they're used to enjoying in their usual executive saloon. And the kind of dealer service they might expect to get from a prestige brand. Ford thinks that there are enough of these sort of people around to justify the inclusion in its S-MAX range of this super-luxurious Vignale model.

Driving Experience

As you'd expect, Ford has chosen the most powerful S-MAX engine for this top Vignale version. That means the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel powerplant in its 190PS form, mated to 8-speed auto transmission. There's a choice or front wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive (I-AWD). This system continually measures how the car's wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds; can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds; and can send 100 per cent of available engine torque to the rear wheels. This car benefits from its refined, smooth-shifting 8-speed auto gearbox which alters its shift pattern to suit your driving style. It also enables the fitment of Adaptive Cruise Control and includes an engine Stop & Go system. On the road, this S-MAX is as good to drive as it in its lesser guises. Ford's clever integral link rear suspension helps enhance the signature car-like, sporty driving dynamics with a configuration that features reduced-weight aluminium components. Additional sound-deadening materials and improved door seals contribute to a very quiet cabin too, creating a level of refinement appropriate to this Vignale model's more exalted price point. If you're graduating into one from a very plush version of the previous generation S-MAX, you'll find that road noise has been reduced by 2.5 decibels in the front and 3 decibels in the rear and Ford claims there's noticeably less wind noise than before.

Design and Build

From the outside, there aren't too many visual cues to distinguish this top Vignale variant from plush 'Titanium' or 'Titanium Sport'-trimmed S-MAX models in the standard range, but if you look closely, a few things will start to stand out. The 18-inch 10x2 spoke alloy wheels with their Premium painted finish for example. The bespoke 'flying V' Vignale front grille is unique too, plus there's 'Dark Chrome' detailing and the door handles have chrome inserts. Inside, Vignale models get leather of course but in this case the hide has been extended to wrap around the instrument panel. The doors get it too - and feature smart 'tuxedo' stitching. New medically-approved AGR-certified 18-way adjustable front seats feature too. Otherwise, the recipe is as it would be in any other second generation S-MAX model. The seats have a 2-3-2 layout, and offer no fewer than 32 seating and load-space combinations, as well as Easy-Fold second and third row seats. The system enables each rear seat to be folded flat from a push-button control panel. The S-MAX now features Easy-Entry second row seats that provide one touch access to third row seating with a new design that tips and slides the seat forward in one action. Storage also includes new covered stowage in the instrument panel top, a media storage area incorporated into the centre stack, and concealed under-floor stowage behind the third row. Out back, there's plenty of room in both second and third seating rows and a luggage capacity that varies between 285 and 2,020-litres, depending on the seat configuration.

Market and Model

Pricing starts at just under £41,000 for a front-driven variant - with around £1,800 more to pay if you want AWD. Either way, you have to have the 2.0 TDCi 190PS engine and an 8-speed auto gearbox. Standard equipment on all S-MAX Vignale variants includes high-grade leather trim, special 18-inch alloy wheels and the brand's latest 'SYNC3' touchcreen infotainment system. Like all S-MAX models, this one can now feature the 'FordPass Connect' media system. In addition to enabling WiFi hotspot capability, this technology allows for a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including a Vehicle Locator; a 'Vehicle Status' feature that checks fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more; and a remote Door Lock/Unlock system. Local Hazard Information functionality - enabled by the FordPass Connect on-board modem - can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.

Cost of Ownership

The diesel engine returns excellent economy. The figures are 47.9 and 134g/km. Or 47.1mpg and 151g/km with AWD. The warranty is a 3 year/60,000 mile deal with Ford Assistance for 1 year, providing roadside assistance in the UK and throughout Europe. In addition, buyers should get healthier residual values that they might expect from a Ford. Low-ish depreciation has long been an S-MAX staple, used buyers recognising its safety, durability and low ongoing running costs.

Summary

The key here lies in perception. Think of this as a Ford S-MAX with all the bells and whistles and you might think that around £42,000 is a lot of money to pay for it, however much equipment and premium service might come included as part of the deal. Ford however, wants you to take a different view. You could easily spend the asking sum being demanded here on a high-spec mid-range four cylinder diesel-powered compact executive estate like a BMW 3 Series Touring or an Audi A4 Avant. An S-MAX Vignale, in contrast, offers you so much more and will suit a growing family so much better. Looked at that way, it's a clever choice. And for the right kind of buyer, it's one we'd be inclined to recommend.

  • Tailgate wash/wipe
  • Tinted glass
  • Automatic wipers with variable sensitivity adjustment
  • Rear privacy glass - dark glass to rear windows
  • Quickclear heated front windscreen
  • Power operated front and rear windows

  • Electric handbrake
  • Red brake calipers
  • Traction control
  • Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Electronic Stability Programme + Emergency Brake Assist
  • Pre collision assist system

  • Floor mats in all three rows

  • Lane keeping aid including driver impairment monitor and active steering with lane departure warning
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Rear view camera
  • Power assisted steering
  • Unique instrument cluster

  • Active Noise Control
  • Power tailgate
  • 'Ford Power' starter button
  • Easy fuel capless refuelling system

  • Rotary gear shift dial
  • Ford SYNC 3 Sony DAB nav with 8" touchscreen, bluetooth, CD, AM/FM, voice control, 2 USB ports, 12 speakers, Apple CarPlay/Android, Ford pass connect

  • Heated door mirror with indicators with puddle lamps
  • Enhance power fold mirrors with memory function and auto dip
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror

  • Leather wrapped instrument panel

  • Steering wheel mounted controls
  • Subwoofer

  • Unique badging
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • Silver roof rails
  • Rear spoiler
  • Body colour door handles
  • Lower front grille with chrome surround
  • Full body coloured trim
  • Unique exterior chrome detailing
  • Black trim to side windows
  • Unique front, rear and side sports bodystyling

  • Fog lights with high gloss bezel and chrome surround
  • LED Adaptive headlights with glare free
  • LED rear lights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Automatic headlights

  • Dual zone electronic automatic temperature control
  • Pollen and odor air filter

  • Overhead console with sunglasses stowage
  • Tonneau cover for luggage compartment
  • 230V power outlet in centre console
  • Front seat back table trays
  • Dark headliner
  • Reach and rake adjustable steering column
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Aluminium sports pedals
  • Illuminated scuff plates
  • Windsor leather upholstery
  • Premium leather trimmed steering wheel

  • Enhanced ambient lighting

  • Winter pack - S-Max

  • MyKey system
  • Drivers knee airbag
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Driver/Front Passenger airbags
  • Front and rear (row 2) curtain airbags
  • Front side airbags
  • Passenger airbag deactivate switch
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats

  • Front and rear head restraints
  • Sports seats
  • ISOFIX attachments for child seats in 2nd row
  • 10 way multi contour perforated front seats with variable heated and cooled, massage function, drivers seat with memory function
  • 3 x 2nd row individual seats wih fold flat, slide and recline
  • 2 x 3rd row individual seats with fold flat

  • Immobiliser
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Keyless entry system
  • Remote control central locking
  • Thatcham alarm

  • 19" 10 spoke polished alloy wheels

  • Tyre inflation kit

  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion

  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 203
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 136
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 148
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 148
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 147
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • CC: 2488
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Gears: 1 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 32.1
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 52.3
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 42.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 43.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 44.1
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 43.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 6.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6.5

  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 24E
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 190
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.5
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Coin Series: N
  • Coin Description: FHEV 190
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 1
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 20.4
  • Engine Power - BHP: 190
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.8
  • Top Speed: 115
  • Engine Power - KW: 140
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 187.4
  • Engine Torque - NM: 200

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

  • Width (including mirrors): 2137
  • Height: 1655
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4796
  • Width: 1916

  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2545
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 598
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 285
  • No. of Seats: 7
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 965
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1947

  • Self levelling suspension: £375
  • Sports suspension: Included

  • Front and rear parking sensors: Included
  • Cruise control with active speed limiter: Included

  • Exclusive paint: £150
  • Additional Exclusive paint: £250
  • Metallic paint: Included
  • Panorama roof with integrated power sunblind: £900

  • Vignale assistance pack - S-Max: £1,000

  • Metallic - Blue panther: £0
  • Metallic - Agate black: £0

  • Additional exclusive paint - Lucid red: £250
  • Exclusive paint - Magnetic: £150

  • Trailer Coupling Pre-equipment Electrical-Kit: £150
  • Detachable trailer coupling includes trailer sway control: £750

  • Windsor Leather - Ebony: £0

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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