Ford will launch an updated version of the S-Max MPV (or SAV - Sports Activity Vehicle as Ford prefers to call it) in May in Ireland, and it’ll come with hybrid power. Indeed, Ford says that it’s the only seven-seater to offer hybrid technology (not sure how the Toyota Prius+ - which, yes, is still on sale - feels about that but OK…).
2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
The updated S-Max gets the same engine and electric combo as the recently-launched Ford Kuga Hybrid. So, there’s a 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson combustion cycle (good for economy, not so good for power) backed up by a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, an electric motor, and what Ford calls a ‘split-power’ automatic gearbox (which is basically like a CVT).
According to the claims, the S-Max Hybrid has emissions around ten per cent lower than those of an equivalent diesel model - specifically 147-148g/km on the WLTP cycle. Official fuel economy stands at 6.4 litres per 100km - again, on a par with the diesel S-Max. In total, the powertrain develops 190hp, and the S-Max hybrid can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
Ford claims that the S-Max’s regenerative braking tech can recapture up to 90 per cent of the energy normally lost during braking to help charge the battery. That battery, which has 60 lithium-ion cells, is located in a crash absorbent, waterproof structure beneath the floor of the rear luggage space.
Thanks to being water-cooled, that battery can be snugly tucked in between the rear wheels, so the S-Max keeps its full seven-seat layout, and even with all seven seats occupied, there’s a 285-litre luggage space left. Fold all the back seats flat, and you’ll find 2,020 litres of space to play with, and Ford says that the S-Max can swallow loads up to almost one-metre tall and more than one-metre wide between the rear wheel houses. Oh, and it can tow up to 1,560kg of trailer weight.
Braking coach
Inside, you’ll find a rotary gear shifter and the familiar Ford ten-inch digital instrument display. That display now includes two new systems to support the driver: a ‘Brake Coach’ which encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery, and an ‘EV Coach’ which helps drivers understand when they are using electric or hybrid power.
There’s also the Ford SYNC3 infotainment screen, which incorporates a wealth tech features including a Ford Pass Connect system which allows you to connect as many as ten WiFi devices while on the move. The Connect system also allows you to control some aspects of the car from your smartphone, such as planning a route from home and sending it directly to the sat-nav. The S-Max also gets Ford’s new Local Hazard Information which takes info from other cars in the area, and roadside systems, to warn of any danger up ahead, long before it’s in sight.
A hybrid Galaxy, too
In terms of comfort (and we here at CompleteCar ALWAYS think in terms of comfort) the S-Max gets four-way adjustable seats for Titanium variants which have the seal of approval from the leading spinal health organisation Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (the German Campaign for Healthier Backs). The specced-up S‑Max Vignale Hybrid features heated and cooled, ten-way-adjustable, driver and front passenger seats with massage function. All three second-row seats feature Isofix points for securely fitting child safety seats, and Easy Fold Seats for the second and third rows make it simple to maximise load space by individually folding them flat using a push-button control panel in the boot space.
Oh, and the Ford Galaxy is also getting the same hybrid setup, with CO2 emissions starting from 148g/km and with 0-100km/h acceleration of 10.0 seconds. The Galaxy is a little bigger inside than the S-Max with one-metre of headroom for first-and second-row passengers, 2,339 litres of cargo volume behind the first row of seats and 300 litres cargo volume with all seven seats in place.
“S-Max is the original sports activity vehicle, and now the S-Max Hybrid is the first and only vehicle in its class to offer pure-electric driving capability,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “From a sporty, car-like driving experience to seats that fold flat at the push of a button, innovations that fit perfectly into family life have always been a big part of the S-Max appeal. That makes the efficient and refined new hybrid powertrain a natural addition to the line-up. Our new S-Max Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid are just two of 17 electrified vehicles Ford is introducing for customers in Europe by the end of this year. We’re offering a range of electrified powertrains from mild hybrid to all-electric, meaning every customer can find the right model to suit their lifestyle.”