Blog Auto Review

With the second-generation Galaxy and Ford S-Max is started, which is the 5-seater and sportier version of the Galaxy. Visually, it differs mainly in the rear area of the Galaxy, but also the round fog lamps in the front end are a design feature of the S-Max.


Even more sporty he is tested by us 2.0 liter EcoBoost version and Titanium S-Type. Ford Individual body styling package, a center console "Piano Finish", a leather / Alcantara upholstery, 18 "alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, tinted windows from the B column, cruise control, heated front seats , a 2-zone climate control and much more on board.

Our test vehicle drenched in addition, with the driver package PLUS, the business package medium, the travel package, the seat package, scuff plates front with S-MAX logo and painted in candy red, which is the sporting Van particularly well.

Although the S-Max has been on the market for several years, he has still rough around the edges and seems to be the elixir of eternal youth to have to get on the road. Even newer representative of its class can compete neither with the sporty appearance even when space is limited.


The interior offers plenty of room, but it is designed so that you also might think that with a sedan on the road. Front of the driver is a very tidy dashboard, which is home to the modern speedometer with large display for navigation, radio stations and more.

Due to the large center console with cup holders and a comfortable armrest, he is very similar to the Mondeo. The grip leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching and the sports seats with perfect support convey a bit of a sports car feeling. The passengers in the second row in the travel business class on long-haul flights, at least as far as the leg-and headroom.

No wish unfulfilled and the trunk volume. With more than 700 kilos of payload and 854 liter capacity of the S-Max is clearly identified as Van. Who can do without the second row gets even up to 2,100 liters of cargo space provided, so the S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost is an ideal quick loadmaster.


And "fast" can be understood in the literal sense of the word. The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is a real goodie and gives the Van sporty acceleration data. The power of the turbocharged engine is 240 hp (176 kW) and maximum torque of 340 Nm the engine delivers 1900 to 3500 rev / min. He has been out of the rev range a very responsive power delivery, the word "turbo lag" is for the new Ford turbo engine is a foreign word.

The force is so immediately made ​​available, that one must above all be very careful when parking maneuver. The S-Max bites at every little touch on the accelerator immediately enormous.

Very good for the characteristics of the car fits the Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. The 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox impresses with fast switching operations, which are also designed to be very soft. Thus, the power flow is continuously present, and one to sprint in just 7.9 seconds from a standing start to 100 km / h The top speed is 235 km / h.


Yet despite its sporty engine performs its work even at full acceleration or at highway speeds very smoothly and quietly. The S-Max is recommended also as an ideal touring sedan with a perfect sound insulation offers great comfort.

Even the sports suspension provides enough comfort and filters bumps off perfectly. Ford has also found the S-Max is a very good match between sportiness and driving comfort. Nevertheless, the large van is like a board on the street, and you can measure exactly around tight curves without causing a capsizing feeling.

It is in such moments is easy to forget that you are actually traveling with a family van and no sports car. The very direct steering is also very pleasant, because it requires but rather higher steering forces, leading to the vote but it fits well.


With a length of 477 cm, the Ford S-Max move also quite handy and also loses its terror in the city. The large windows give a perfect view and provide good visibility. With the parking aid can also be estimated very accurately all the corners and perfectly maneuver in tight spaces. Nevertheless, the practical Ford feels more on the highway or freeway probably where he makes with his performance and good vote for a lot of driving pleasure.

Weighing in at just under 1.7 tonnes and the Van typical high build because you have to, especially in the city to expect an increased consumption, which can quickly crack the 10-liter mark. In mixed driving the S-Max has consumed during our tests around 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is indeed the work of the promised 8.3 liters, but for a car of this performance and class size is just under.

Who wants it more economical, can still pick up the diesel. The Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost is especially for those the ideal choice, although they want a sporty car, but need plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The S-Max combines perfectly the versatility that a Van offers, with the driving performance of a sports coupe and can also convince with comfort, a perfect finish and a good equipment.

For the 2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 optically and technically revised and made even more upscale.

Land Rover Freelander 2 has been refined for the new model year in detail and positioned more towards premium. Recognize is the new Freelander vintage mainly due to the new front and rear light design with LED light units.


But even small changes to the front and rear bumper allow the Freelander 2 now look even more high-quality and dynamic. Inside, at first glance, the new center console design that catches your eye, which now seems more elegant. Also the more premium quality fabrics and materials to prove the interior. Of the center console, which now up to 7 "color display houses, Land Rover has also refreshed the display of the speedometer, and a 5" display between the dials are key vehicle information display.

For extra comfort, the profit promise keyless start system of Freelanders and the 7-day timer for the heater. First Land Rover Freelander also offers a rearview camera and the "Say What You See" to voice control that can be used to the navigation, control radio, telephone and air conditioning.


And in another first in the Freelander, there are new premium audio systems from Meridian, whose power between 380 and 825 watts, and the Freelander so shall transform into a concert hall. Already comes as standard with the Freelander with a 80-watt audio system with 8 speakers and a 5 "color display.

When driving you can still choose between the 150 hp (110 kW) and 190 hp (140 kW) diesel engine, which is combined depending on the version with a manual or automatic 6-speed gearbox. What is new is the 2.0-liter petrol engine GTDi Si3.


The 4-cylinder direct injection petrol engine with an output of 240 hp (177 kW) replaced the previous Si6-six engine. While maintaining engine performance was the torque of the new turbo-charged petrol engine compared to the previous 6-cylinder increased by seven percent to 340 Nm, the consumption can be reduced but at the same time.

As standard, the petrol engine already has the 6-speed automatic, the CO2 emissions are at 225g/km. Remained the same, of course, the excellent off-road ability of the Freelander 2, which features the new model year on the patented Terrain Response control of all vehicle systems.

The new Freelander vintage will still be available in 2012, exact pricing and release dates are not yet fixed but.