The £21,495 TDCi, tested here on optional 18-inch wheels and tyres and non-Sport suspension, is not only likely to be the big seller but should also give the best account of the new car’s talent in depth. If it can prove convincing as an oil-burner – that is, live up to designer Claudio Messale’s claim that “it’s a car you want to have, not need to have” – it’s probably mission accomplished.
From a distance, the S-Max and Galaxy look all but identical – they both use the same new independently sprung chassis. Close up, the differences are easier to spot. The S-Max is lower by 69mm and has a subtly raked roofline, more aggressive-looking front with a slimmer grille, high-intensity circular fog lights and slatted air vents just below the bumper line.
It also has a bigger, trapezoidal lower air intake and – hot design flourish of the moment – front wheelarch vents (regrettably fake). It’s also 52mm shorter than the Galaxy. The upshot is it looks exactly as Ford intended: sporty first, sensible second and, with that shorter rear overhang, impressively unbulky. This links into the thinking that the S-Max will more naturally appeal to buyers moving out of a saloon, estate or hatch, rather than those locked into an MPV mindset.
