Ford S-MAX

Is it a chopped Galaxy or a swollen Mondeo? We’re not sure, but we do know we like the Ford S-Max. It’s sharp looking, sharp handling and utterly practical. The idea that you can actually desire a seven-seat MPV is still waking us up in a cold sweat.

• Comfort

  There's been no significant compromise in ride quality in order to make the S-Max more lively to drive, and it still feels remarkably comfortable and refined, even in the back, even while the driver's caning it.

  

• Performance

  The S-Max comes with a large choice of engines and there's not a bad apple among them. There are two 2.0-litre petrols with either 143bhp or a turbocharged 200bhp, three 2.0-litre diesels (113, 138 or 160bhp) and a 2.2-litre TDCi with 173bhp. The entry-level petrol is adequate, but it's no match for the EcoBoost SCTI version which is smooth and incredibly strong. Most S-Maxs will be specified with one of the TDCi diesels and all are flexible, although the 113bhp version does require more work with seven onboard. The 138bhp TDCi isn't quite as refined as you might think. It's never intrusive, but there's a bit more rattle here than in the smaller engine. Still, we'd sacrifice that for the extra pace - its 0-62mph time is two seconds quicker than the 113bhp version - but it's more than that. You never strain for more power and it copes fine with a serious amount of luggage and people.

  

• Cool

  Is there a bit too much denial in the S-Max to make it cool? Perhaps you'd be better off accepting your fate and plumping for the larger and less disingenuous Galaxy.

  

• Quality

  Based heavily on the Galaxy's interior, the cabin is solidly built using lots of quality soft-touch materials on the top of the dash and doors. However, just with the Galaxy, the further back you get the worse the materials become.

  

• Handling

  Ford says the S-Max is an MPV for those that enjoy driving. The steering gives lots of feedback, there's plenty of grip and a lack of bodyroll all make it surprisingly sharp on twisty roads. However, when the mother-in-law is in the rear, the suspension is supple enough to provide good comfort, easily soaking up road imperfections.

  

• Practicality

  As a cut down Galaxy, space for the first five passengers is plentiful. There's lots of head and leg room meaning five people can sit in comfort. However, since it's 50mm shorter than the Galaxy and its low-slung seating position means it's kids only in the third row. The S-Max utilises Ford's FoldFlatSystem so the five rear seats fold flat rather than needing to be lifted out, leaving a large, practical loadbay for luggage.

  

• Running costs

  A bargain compared to things like the Renault Grand Scenic and Volkswagen Touran, and likely to hold its value quite well because it's more desirable and still a bit of a curio.