Overview

The Ford S-Max might be getting on years, but thanks to the rapidly-diminishing number of number of seven-seat MPVs, it’s still one of your best options to buy if you’re after a large family car. Unlike many rival SUVs, it’s enormous inside, and as such is an extremely rational choice – even if Ford won’t be replacing it when it goes off sale in 2023.

It stands out from the rest of the MPV crowd in the way it drives. It feels much like a regular, if somewhat large, hatchback. Sharp steering and taut body control, mixed with a supple ride comfort, means this seven-seater Ford is as much fun for the driver as it is comfortable for passengers. Just like the old-school Ford it’s based on – the discontinued Mondeo.

Competition comes in the form of traditional MPV rivals like the Volkswagen Touran and Volkswagen Multivan, but also seven-seat SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are likely to be on (and nearer the top of) the same shopping list. If you need a bit more space, Ford will also sell you the larger Galaxy, with a roomier third row of seats – but, again, only until 2023.

These days, there are only three trim options: Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale. Even the lowest-prices cars have an 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice control and Bluetooth connectivity, keyless start, front and rear parking sensors and DAB radio. Over and above these Zetec models are the Titanium models, which add niceties such as cruise control, keyless entry and sat-nav. Adaptive cruise control is also available giving the car a degree of autonomy in motorway driving.

As for engines, you’re limited to the single 2.5-litre full hybrid option called the Duratec FHEV with 190hp and automatic transmission. This power unit has a lot to live up to, replacing Ford’s excellent diesel range. But a combination of decent acceleration, potential economy and hybrid smoothness in town make up for the old diesel’s terrific long-range cruising ability.

Over the next few pages we’ll be scoring the S-Max in 10 key areas to give it a score out of five. They’ll take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you.