The Ford S-Max has won the Car of the Year 2007 award with a margin of only two points from the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. The winner received points from 57 of the 58 Jury members. The nomination of eight finalists in the first vote, instead of the usual seven, emphasizes the closeness of the fight for the title.

The prize is awarded by a panel of 58 motoring journalists from 22 European countries. It recognises the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the previous 12 months.

The other eight models on the short list for the award also included the Citroen C4 Picasso, Fiat Grande Punto, Honda Civic, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, Skoda Roomster and Volvo C30. Those finalists were then very thoroughly examined, tested and assessed by a panel of 58 top motoring writers from 22 European countries. The contest was close-fought, but the S-MAX emerged the winner.

President of the Car of the Year jury, Ray Hutton, commented on the result: "It is clear from the voting that the Jury was 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."

So proof, if it was needed that the S-MAX is, indeed, different. It 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 customers really want to own.

The S-MAX is the first Ford production model to feature elements of 'kinetic design' and a range of new driver-focused technologies, and since its launch earlier this year it has received a huge reaction from the opinion-forming media and customers.

This latest accolade for Ford comes in addition to the New Transit being voted International Van of the Year 2007.

Ford now has Europe's top-rated new car AND new van.