Another thank you to our short-term car hire and leasing partners Enterprise (Leigh nr Manchester) for allowing us to demo yet another car … the Ford S-MAX DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDCi 210 Titanium Sport 5dr Powershift (auto) (check deals.)
This is very much a luxury family car leasing option, as this 7-seat offers both space and a plethora of good options/specification. Like many manufacturers however, Ford must feel the pressure from the growth and desirability of the crossover and SUV options which are now the mainstay for many families. The issue is that many MPV options, like the one shown, cannot match the aesthetic features and design of the SUV.
Added to that, is a growing desire for vehicle with a higher driving position, which many drivers now do want to experience.
However, one thing to note within all of this is the suitability of the vehicle you are taking. Many of the SUV’s and MPV’s are diesel vehicles and with the growing political pressure to move away from this fuel type, drivers do need to consider whether this is suitable for their needs. One of the issues that has arisen is that many low-mileage drivers are purchasing or leasing diesel vehicles and then are subsequently struggling with the DPF.
For a DPF to operate properly, this must get hot enough to remove the harmful products which a diesel engine generates i.e. by covering longer distances. Many shorter start/stop journeys are simply inappropriate for the diesel engine as the DPF will not become hot enough.
For low-mileage lease drivers, do consider petrol alternatives as they could offer similar combined MPG figures plus the engine will be appropriate for the driving style. Even the SUV/Crossover options do offer petrol engines which we can discuss with you.
· Special solid – Frozen white
· Axis cloth – Ebony
· 18″ 5×2 spoke alloy wheels
The Ford S-Max is one of the more popular 7-seat/family leasing deal options.
In terms of specification you have a choice between the:
· Zetec – the base model comes with 8” touchscreen, air conditioning, Quickclear windscreen, keyfree system, 17” alloys, front/rear parking sensors, fog lights and folding/heated door mirrors;
· Titanium – the middle model adds navigation, 10.1” screen, ambient lighting, lane keeping system cruise control, LED lights, privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers;
· Titanium Sport – see below ; and
· Vignale – the elite and luxury MPV offers premium leather, heated front seats, Sony premium navigation and sound, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, automatic lights, vignale paint, 19 alloys, adaptive lighting, powered tailgate and a rear view camera!
The Titanium Sport is a mixture of luxury and sport with some great features including cruise control, 8 speaker system, 18” alloy wheels, front/rear park assist, navigation, sport suspension, heated front seats, privacy glass, Bluetooth, lane keep assist, body coloured features, dual chrome exhaust, high beam assist, LED lights, air conditioning, Thatcham 1 alarm, sports seats, intelligent protection system and manual adjustable seats with lumbar support. For the complete car, add the “X pack” for Salemo perforated leather.
On the technical-side, the company car driver can note the £34,710.00 P11d and CO2 of 144 g/km. The 1997CC engine delivers 210ps, which offers 0-62 mph times of circa 8.8 seconds and 51.4 combined MPG. Service-intervals are long-life, which are set at every 24 months or 18,00 miles whichever lands sooner.
So is the Ford S-Max the best family car leasing offer? Or would you consider the alternatives with the Seat Alhambra, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso or VW Sharan?
Click Here for the best car leasing deals on the Ford S-Max people mover available now at CarLease UK
