We say Strikes a good balance if you've got the kids, a dog and the inlaws to ferry about but drives extremely well and recent updates take it towards premium territory.Performance All the S-MAX’s engines are strong, with the 220 2.5 turbo petrol delivering torque and good cruising ability. A more recent 2.0-litre petrol EcoBoost engine with six-speed Powershift transmission will find favour with those who enjoy driving. Diesels will be better suited to pulling the S-MAX around though, on the whole, especially if it’s transporting the family and luggage around. Look for any of the excellent TDCi engines, particularly the 2.0 and 2.2 engines.Emissions Avoid the petrols, but consider the 1.6 Ecoboost for good running costs. It offers 40mpg and decent CO2 figures in the S-MAX. Its diesels all the way if running costs are an issue: Ford’s 1.6 TDCi engines can manage up to 54mpg and emit under 140g/km in the S-MAX.Driving The S-MAX belies its size and offers an excellent balance between driving and ride comfort, with limited body roll and good traction around corners complementing a comfortable ride. Passengers will be happy, as will drivers.Feel The S-MAX is insulated well from the road and the elements, and all of the engines are smooth meaning the Ford MPV is an excellent cruiser. Optional adaptive suspension means drivers can choose between suspension set-ups, but the S-MAX doesn’t really benefit from it.Space There’s plenty of space for five in the S-MAX, plus space for two little ones in the very small rear two seats. All five rear seats fold flat to leave a large, practical load bay that can manage an incredible 2,000 litres of load space, but with all the seats up there’s only 285 litres of boot space. There are cubbies and extra storage binnacles all through the very practical interior.Equipment Entry-level trim on the S-MAX includes alloys, fog lights, heated electric door mirrors, air con, electric front windows, remote central locking, and a heated front windscreen. Titanium X models are targeted at downsizers and premium drivers who want luxury with practicality.Price The S-MAX offers decent running costs with most powertrains, but the movement of the S-MAX towards more premium territory means it is not cheap in any of its current guises. £30K for an S-MAX – at the very top of the range in the admittedly luxurious Titianium X trim – is vaguely ridiculous.Quality The S-MAX’s interior trim is excellent following the 2010 refresh and is incredibly practical. Build quality is superb and the Ford engines should be bullet-proof.Safety Front and side airbags at the front with window airbags for the front two rows and a driver's-knee airbag. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard. The Ford S-MAX received a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP safety testing.Pros Good space, excellent balance of handling and comfort, strong engines, top-class interior.Cons Two rear seats are fairly small, expensive at most levels.Alternatives Volkswagen Sharan, Mazda5, Vauxhall Zafira
