Ford’s 138bhp 2.0-litre Duratorq common-rail turbodiesel engine is a textbook performer: strong, refined and decently endowed with overtaking pace, with a torque curve peaking at 236lb ft, aided by six snappy, well-spaced gear ratios.
The gearshift has a quick, positive action, while the driveline resists shunt when you’re on and off the throttle in traffic. With a 0-60mph time of 10.1sec, 0-100mph in 33.4sec and a top speed of 119mph, it doesn’t give much away to its petrol-engined rivals. Also, the top-gear 50-70mph time of 10.7sec is proof that the fine turbodiesel flexibility is sustained to motorway speeds, where progress is particularly hushed.
With a combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8mpg and a generous 70-litre tank, pulling over to fill up shouldn’t be a frequent requirement, either.
Although there’s a little more wind noise that in some saloon rivals, road and suspension noise are extremely well suppressed. It’s all rather more effortless than truly sporty, but then straight-line ability is only part of the S-Max equation. The real revelation is how well it handles and rides.
All right, it’s no hot hatch, but for a tall, heavy one-box vehicle it does a remarkable job. The diesel is the only S-Max with all-electric steering, and around town it can be over-light and a little short on feel. On the open road, though, it’s direct, responsive, well weighted and accurate.
Even better is the body control. Yes, there’s some lean when you take a corner quickly, but front-end grip is tenacious and the damping beautifully judged, to the extent that you’re seldom aware of any pitch or wallow. As cornering forces build, the steering weights up gradually and the car’s attitude can be trimmed with the throttle.
However, Ford’s engineers have left enough compliance in the chassis for it to handle bumps with great suppleness and composure. Fun? Absolutely. And the brakes – arguably a little over-servoed – won’t mind if you indulge.