S-Max vs. Mondeo Estate?
Discussion
I'm a long-term estate car driver as I'm an en enthusiastic driver who likes a car to handle like a car, not a van, and I make frequent use of the luggage space.
Modern estates, however, have become more 'sleek' with low, curving rear roof lines.
I'm looking to replace my Mk3 Mondeo estate and the obvious choice is a used MkIV Mondeo, but there is also the S-Max with a higher roof-line (presumably higher centre-of-mass)
How does the real-world handling compare between the two cars?
Modern estates, however, have become more 'sleek' with low, curving rear roof lines.
I'm looking to replace my Mk3 Mondeo estate and the obvious choice is a used MkIV Mondeo, but there is also the S-Max with a higher roof-line (presumably higher centre-of-mass)
How does the real-world handling compare between the two cars?
MC Bodge said:
I'm a long-term estate car driver as I'm an en enthusiastic driver who likes a car to handle like a car, not a van, and I make frequent use of the luggage space.
Modern estates, however, have become more 'sleek' with low, curving rear roof lines.
I'm looking to replace my Mk3 Mondeo estate and the obvious choice is a used MkIV Mondeo, but there is also the S-Max with a higher roof-line (presumably higher centre-of-mass)
How does the real-world handling compare between the two cars?
Not driven either but have a Galaxy which is the same platform and for what it is, its a great handler, the Mondeo and S-Max must be similar but better, I have a Saab on sports springs and dampers and that corners faster but just because it is low and realtively stiff, with the Galaxy you can feel that thought it wont corner as fast its just better designed and executed, dont think you can go wrong with either.Modern estates, however, have become more 'sleek' with low, curving rear roof lines.
I'm looking to replace my Mk3 Mondeo estate and the obvious choice is a used MkIV Mondeo, but there is also the S-Max with a higher roof-line (presumably higher centre-of-mass)
How does the real-world handling compare between the two cars?
J4CKO said:
Not driven either but have a Galaxy which is the same platform and for what it is, its a great handler, the Mondeo and S-Max must be similar but better, I have a Saab on sports springs and dampers and that corners faster but just because it is low and realtively stiff, with the Galaxy you can feel that thought it wont corner as fast its just better designed and executed, dont think you can go wrong with either.
I'm not looking for hard 'sports suspension' as for real roads I'd prefer a compliant ride albeit without excessive roll (which is what I like about the Mk3 Mondeo)My mates wife has an S-Max and he nicks it from time to time. He raves about it and he is a driver/PH... Another guy at work has the Galaxy (diesel) and reckons its not that good MPG wise (heavy - but his is quite old). The S-Max on the other hand does not seem miles off the Mondeo...
-P
-P
OP: Get yourself over to www.smaxownersclub.com/forum for more info on the S-Max
I drive a 5 seater 2.5T and my wife has a 7 seater 2.0TDCi - surprisingly good cars.
I drive a 5 seater 2.5T and my wife has a 7 seater 2.0TDCi - surprisingly good cars.
Codswallop said:
The new Mondeo estate has 5 litres less loadspace than the old one with the seats up (ie. no real difference), but more space with the seats down, so if your current car has enough space, no reason to sacrifice having a car instead of a mummy wagon.
The luggage volume is adequate, but I'd prefer a slightly taller rear aperture (as my Mk1 Focus Estate had. The Mk2 is lower and too small for my needs)I'm certainly not of the 'I must have an mpv because I've got a family' view -The ubiquitous Zafira is my idea of the motoring doldrums.
My priorities are adequate storage space and good 'MC Bodge-world handling' -a combination of smooth motorways, slip roads, B-roads, A-roads, rough surfaces, tackling nadgery, undulating lanes with enthusiasm, bumps, speed humps and jumping hump-backed bridges
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 6th September 14:22
I've owned a few estates - never had an MPV because the space seems less 'practical' (shorter and higher) and I don't really want to drive a mini-van.
Thing is tho - I love how the SMAX looks and I find myself drawn it's more practical seating (as I get older and folding myself into cars gets less and less easy!!) After a back injury last year, a car which is easier to access would be lovely - in fact
The downside of estates is always that they're noisier tho - I assume this will apply to MPVs too??
Thing is tho - I love how the SMAX looks and I find myself drawn it's more practical seating (as I get older and folding myself into cars gets less and less easy!!) After a back injury last year, a car which is easier to access would be lovely - in fact
The downside of estates is always that they're noisier tho - I assume this will apply to MPVs too??
Try as I might, and I was a reluctant purchaser under orders from SWMBO, I can't really fault our S-Max. The drive is very car like (it won consistent praise for this on release) and the fold flat flexible seating is hugely convenient for 7-up family trips and load lugging alike.
Ours is the older engine range (2.0tdci) but averages over 40mpg in predominantly town driving with the odd A road trip. Have had it over 50mpg on a long trip. In my eyes that's very good indeed for what it is.
Don't dismiss them is my advice. It's vastly superior to the Zafira brigade in my opinion.
Ours is the older engine range (2.0tdci) but averages over 40mpg in predominantly town driving with the odd A road trip. Have had it over 50mpg on a long trip. In my eyes that's very good indeed for what it is.
Don't dismiss them is my advice. It's vastly superior to the Zafira brigade in my opinion.
5potTurbo said:
OP: Get yourself over to www.smaxownersclub.com/forum for more info on the S-Max
I drive a 5 seater 2.5T and my wife has a 7 seater 2.0TDCi - surprisingly good cars.
I find it 'cute' how you have his and hers, yet you have the far superior model whilst she has to make do with what you give her! I drive a 5 seater 2.5T and my wife has a 7 seater 2.0TDCi - surprisingly good cars.
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