THE Ford S-MAX has been awarded the prestigious title of Car of the Year 2007.

The Car of the Year is an international award, judged by a panel of 58 top motoring journalists from 22 European countries.

Its objective is to acclaim the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the 12 months preceding the date of the title.

The Ford S-MAX was declared the winner following a closely-fought competition in which 41 contenders for the award were reduced to a shortlist of just eight - the Citron C4 Picasso, Fiat Grande Punto, Ford S-MAX, Honda Civic, Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, Skoda Roomster and Volvo C30.

Roelant de Waard, chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain, said: "We are absolutely delighted that this all-new model in the Ford range has secured the ultimate accolade of Car of the Year, especially against such worthy competitors and in a year that has seen a record number of eligible contenders.

"Since we launched S-MAX earlier this year, we have been amazed at the reaction to the car, both from the opinion-forming media as well as our customers.

"This award confirms what we dared to believe - that Ford S-MAX is different, and creates a new vehicle segment in which elements of a sports car and a multi-activity vehicle combine together to deliver a dynamic and stylish family vehicle that you really want to own."

The Car of the Year award is organised by a group of seven leading European publications - Auto (Italy), Autocar (Great Britain), Autopista (Spain), Auto Visie (Holland), L'Automobile Magazine (France), Stern (Germany) and Vi Bilagare (Sweden).

Ray Hutton, the president of the 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."

With UK sales of more than 4,000 since its launch in June, and with the order bank still growing, the S-MAX is proving a huge hit with UK customers.

Available in LX, Zetec and Titanium variants, the S-MAX shares the latest technology with the all-new Ford Galaxy, including new safety systems with optional Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) and an optional active suspension system.

  • For more information, contact Gowrings Ford of Basingstoke on 0845 338 5963.