Verdict
The Ford S-MAX CD539E asks RM28,109 more, but brings a broader 1,916 mm body, 345 Nm from 2,300 rpm and a claimed 7.9 L/100 km consumption figure against 8.1 L/100 km. It is also the better-equipped family MPV, with steering correction, auto high beam, a reverse camera and far more elaborate front seats. The Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) remains close on core practicality: both have seven seats, a 285-litre boot and a 70-litre tank, while its 8.2-second sprint is marginally quicker.
Pick the Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) if you want the lower-cost seven-seater with 240 hp, a panoramic roof and nine airbags.
Pick the Ford S-MAX CD539E if you want stronger low-rpm torque, slightly lower claimed fuel use and substantially richer driver-assistance and comfort equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) RM193,619; Ford S-MAX CD539E RM221,728.
- Torque: Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) 340 Nm at 4,500 rpm; Ford S-MAX CD539E 345 Nm at 2,300 rpm.
- 0-100 km/h: Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) 8.2 seconds; Ford S-MAX CD539E 8.4 seconds.
- Rated economy: Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) 8.1 L/100 km; Ford S-MAX CD539E 7.9 L/100 km.
- Airbags: Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) nine; Ford S-MAX CD539E seven.
- Width: Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) 1,884 mm; Ford S-MAX CD539E 1,916 mm.
Mk1 (CD340)
- RM28,109 cheaper to buy.
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time and higher 235 km/h top speed.
- Nine airbags and a panoramic roof.
- Uses 0.2 L/100 km more fuel on the rated cycle.
- Lacks steering correction, auto high beam and a reverse camera.
- Driver's seat lacks the CD539E's memory, heating, ventilation and massage functions.
CD539E
- 345 Nm arrives at 2,300 rpm.
- Steering correction, all-seat belt reminders and auto high beam.
- Memory, heated, ventilated and massage-equipped driver’s seat.
- Costs RM28,109 more.
- Slower 0-100 km/h time and lower 224 km/h top speed.
- Has seven airbags to the Mk1’s nine and no panoramic roof.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM193,619✓ | RM221,728 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 240 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 237 hp at 5,300 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 345 Nm at 2,300 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 9.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | PowerShift | Selectshift |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Ford/GM |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.2 seconds✓ | 8.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 8.1 L/100 km | 7.9 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 224 km/h |
| Co2 | —✓ | 180 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,801 mm | 4,796 mm |
| Width | 1,884 mm | 1,916 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,849 mm |
| Weight | 1,676 kg | 1,748 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 285 litres | 285 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R17 | 235/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R17 | 235/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Primacy 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Belgium (CBU) | Spain (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electro-hydraulic power steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 9 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Full-length Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on three middle row passenger seats | Available On Three Middle Row Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive Bi-Xenon Projectors | Adaptive LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-Way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat | Power Adjustable Seats with Memory for Driver, Heated, Ventilated, with Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | Second row 40:20:40 Split Folding, Third Row 50:50 | 40:20:40 Split-Folding and Sliding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-Folding Last Row, Electric Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Middle Row, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | Sony Radio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth and 9 Speakers | 8" Ford SYNC 2 with 9-speaker Sony Premium Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | 100,000 km | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty Extended | 2 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km free service | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
Mk1 (CD340) vs CD539E FAQ
Is the Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) or Ford S-MAX CD539E better?
The Ford S-MAX CD539E is better equipped and has stronger torque lower in the rev range, plus a slightly better rated economy figure. Choose the Mk1 if its lower price, nine airbags, panoramic roof and marginally quicker acceleration matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Ford S-MAX Mk1 (CD340) costs RM193,619 and the Ford S-MAX CD539E costs RM221,728, a difference of RM28,109.
Which S-MAX is more practical for seven passengers?
They are closely matched for basic family carrying: both are seven-seat MPVs with a 285-litre boot, 70-litre fuel tank and 2,850 mm or 2,849 mm wheelbase. The CD539E adds sliding and electric-folding rear-seat functions.
