Ford S-MAX review

In order of price and fanciness, the S-Max line-up goes Titanium, ST-Line, Vignale. We reckon mid-range ST-Line is the one to go for – it looks a bit more interesting than either the Titanium or Vignale, and strikes a good balance between standard kit and cost. 

That said Titanium gives you everything you need – all S-Max get dual-zone climate, the full infotainment system, lots of safety and driver assistance systems, a heated front windscreen, cruise control, power-folding mirrors and so-on. So by all means save your money if you’re not convinced by the ST-Line’s sportier looks. We’d leave Vignale – you don’t need to go that far. 

Prices start at £33,335 for the entry-level diesel manual, which you can only get with Titanium trim. ST-Line starts at £38,035 while Vignale costs from £41,185. Unusually the Hybrid isn’t the most expensive version – in ST Line and Vignale spec, the all-wheel drive diesel is pricier. Another reason to go (a bit) electric. 

There are a few options, both standalone and in packs, to choose from. We’d be tempted to add the Driver Assistance Pack for £1,500 (£1,200 on Vignale), which buys you a Sony hi-fi with 12 speakers, adaptive cruise, front and rear parking cameras, blind-spot monitoring and park assist.