We’ve concentrated on diesel-engined cars in this year’s Tow Car Awards, and with good reason. The low-down pull of a good diesel is better suited to towing than a rev-hungry petrol engine. So is this petrol-engined S-Max worthy of its place?
Definitely. One of the diesel versions would be cheaper to run, but the 2.5 Titanium makes an able tug. The 236lb ft of torque provides enough low-rev muscle to embarrass many of the diesels on test, and helps the S-Max haul a caravan from 30-60mph in just 10.1 seconds. Poor traction makes for lots of wheelspin though.
The well judged suspension helps make the Ford impressively stable through the lane-change test, and the S-Max is the best MPV to drive solo bar none.
Passengers in the front and middle rows have plenty of room, but the rear seats are best kept for children. With these seats stowed away, we found room for much of, but not all, our holiday luggage. We were also disappointed to find an aerosol rather than a spare wheel, and that the car’s mirrors aren’t well suited to towing mirrors.
