Ford S-MaxApril 2006

Think of the S-Max as being the Ford Galaxy's younger, sportier sister. Both are seven-seat MPVs, but while the Galaxy is charged with maximising space and practicality, the lower and sleeker-looking S-Max is meant to appeal to those who are seeking to combine family motoring with a more dynamic driving experience.

Not that the designers have been able to completely distinguish the S-Max from the Galaxy. The two cars share several panels, including the bonnet and the bottoms of the doors and although the S-Max's lower roofline gives it a slightly more dynamic appearance, it's still definitely an MPV.

It's when you get into the well-finished cabin that the S-Max really starts to impress. Not only do front and mid-row occupants enjoy an abundance of space, but the well-designed dashboard also has a real quality feel to it - marred only by a couple of areas of cheap plastics and a very flimsy-feeling under-dash storage tray.

The driving position is comfortable and refinement is very impressive, the S-Max cruising very quietly at rapid motorway velocities. It tackles twisty roads amazingly well for something so sensible, too - the chassis responding keenly to steering inputs and resisting body roll under hard cornering.

The S-Max is being pitched as a "five plus two" rather than a full seven seater, and the third row seats are only really suited for small occupants and short journeys. They collapse into the boot floor when not in use to maximise luggage space - and it's possible to specify the car as a five-seater.

The engines range was overhauled in mid-2010 and has three versions of the 2.0 TDCI, ranging from 115 bhp to 163 bhp. However, the real surprise is the 2.0 Ecoboost petrol. It has 203 bhp, similar torque (pulling power) to the diesel and manages 35 mpg. For the first time ever, a petrol engine actually makes sense in a large MPV.