The S-MAX gained a top five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, which puts it up with the best cars in the class. Standard equipment includes seven airbags (although the rear row occupants are not protected by the side window airbags as they are in the Galaxy), plus the pedals and steering wheel are designed to cause as little damage to the driver as possible in an accident.

A passenger airbag deactivation switch (for use when carrying a child seat) is optional as are Isofix anchors for child seats – two features usually offered as standard by other car makers. In 2010 Ford added curtain airbags to protect the rear-most passengers, three Isofix points for the middle row of seats and an optional Blind Spot Indicator to alert the driver to passing cars not visible in the door mirrors.

Opt for the S-MAX over the Galaxy and you will lose out a little in practicality as it doesn’t have as much room and there are fewer storage areas. It still has 26 cubbies dotted around however, so you’ll never be short of places to store odds and ends – the under seat draws and floor compartments are particularly useful. The seats are clever too – they fold flat onto the floor giving you a huge load area and it’s a simple and straightforward process.

An optional load carrying system can be specified to help secure up to four bikes while extras such as coolboxes are also available.