Ford S-Max Wins 2007 European Car of the Year

The ballots are in and the winner has been chosen for this years European Car of the Year. It was a one of the closest races in recent years to the title, but the international jury, which consists of 58 members from 22 countries, found the 2007 Ford S-Max minivan to be their top pick.

Out of all of the vehicles running for the title of European Car of the Year, the S-Max was a dark horse. While minivans are popular in North America, this segment has been steadily declining over the past few years, with sales being eaten by sport utility vehicles. Furthermore, the majority of the field is comprised of subcompact and compact vehicles, the most popular category of cars in Europe. What makes the S-Max even more unique is that its been designed as a drivers minivan with sporty-tuned suspension, a low center of gravity and performance-oriented drivetrains including a 220-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It was this unusual characteristic, in combination with high levels of practicality, top-notch safety and excellent build quality that helped it to secure top spot.

Second place went to the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, GM of Europes popular subcompact car, which lost to the S-Max by just three points. Vastly improved over the previous generation, the Corsa was expected to win the award. Third place went to French automaker Citroen, thanks to their C4 Picasso mini-minivan.

This years race shows how level the playing field has become; normally there are seven vehicles that make the final cut, but this year there were eight, the eighth entering due to a tie. Positions four through seven went to the Skoda Roomster, Honda Civic, Peugeot 207, and Volvos C30 hatchback. The grid was rounded out by the Fiat Grande Punto, which, although last, was awarded 138 points, a sum higher than usual for a final place finisher.

Ray Hutton, the president of the European Car of the Year jury said: "This was a very close contest with all eight of the finalists deserving a place on the shortlist. It is clear from the voting that the Jury is impressed by the concept of the Ford S-MAX: a spacious and versatile car that drives like a sports saloon. Its victory is well-deserved."

The S-Max marks Fords fifth victory at the European Car of the Year ceremony. The Ford Focus, which won the award back in 1999, was Fords last victory. While the S-Max marks the smallest margin yet, the Focus still holds the title of victory by the largest margin: 172 points. Ford also won with the Mondeo (Contour) in 1993, the Scorpio full-size sedan in 1985, and the Escort in 1981.

Why does this matter to us? Well, Ford has just announced it will be sharing more of its European models, such as the S-Max with its North American division, while the Corsas larger sibling, the Astra, is expected to become the Saturn ION replacement.