S Max - petrol or diesel

[grahamm]

Hello

I am considering buying an S Max. The sensible choice would appear to be diesel, but there are 2.5 turbo petrol models available on Ford Direct for less. How bad is the fuel consumption? Is the petrol a much better drive than the diesel? The specification certainly suggests the 2.5 turbo would be a lot of fun

[Jon GT2]

The petrol one uses a version of the Focus ST engine,it is nice too drive fuel economy of 25-35mpg seems about standard.The 2.0 TDCI is worth a look,its quite nippy and fairly economical 35-45mpg.

Edited by Jon GT2 on Monday 26th November 13:23

[dannysport]

have a drive of both cars see what you think
me I like the Smax 2.5t
you can get them upto 300bhp with a few bits they drive like a Fat ST2

[plfrench]

Simple answer is that it depends what you want from the car I'd have said... If it's meant to be a sensible family car, then the Diesel has to be the choice, as in the real world you'll get twice the economy from it, and it'll be a very relaxing car to pootle about in.

However if you're not too fussed about being sensible, and want it to put a bit of a smile on your face and make the most of the good handling of the S-Max, then it has to be the 2.5 petrol. It'll sound better, the larger rev range will be more useful when you're in the mood for a good thrash, and it is usefully quicker too when you're going for it.

[grahamm]

Thanks for your help.

I think I will go for the 2.5 petrol because it will be able to be sensible when required but still give the driving pleasure I would like. 25 mpg plus is acceptable as I only do 12,000 miles per year and I expect it would do better on long motorway journeys cruising at 85mph, which is a significant proportion of my mileage and the time I would appreciate a reasonable range.

Anything else I should know?

[Jon GT2]

Avoid the electric hand brake if possible but other than that they have been very reliable.

[Lensey]

Jon GT2 said:

Avoid the electric hand brake if possible but other than that they have been very reliable.

Have there been many problems with these? I quite fancy having this instead of the big lever?

[DennisTheMenace]

Typical teething problems im guessing , happens with any car , i had a renault scenic and it never gave any problems with the EPB cant see the ford would be any worse .

Infact the 1st use by ford of EPB was the galaxy/s-max so they would have sorted it by now.

[Jon GT2]

I have seen a few problems recently but its more reliable than when it first came out,i do see around 300-400 Fords a week through my workshop so as a percentage it isnt that high,if you fancy that system try it first as it doesnt suit everyone.

First use was the C-Max.

Edited by Jon GT2 on Monday 3rd December 11:56

[NDT]

grahamm said:

Thanks for your help.

I think I will go for the 2.5 petrol because it will be able to be sensible when required but still give the driving pleasure I would like. 25 mpg plus is acceptable as I only do 12,000 miles per year and I expect it would do better on long motorway journeys cruising at 85mph, which is a significant proportion of my mileage and the time I would appreciate a reasonable range.

Anything else I should know?

Good choice.
Ours is great.
Properly quick and not too bad on fuel - 26mpg average (including lots of short trips) and over 30mpg on long journeys.