• Dashboard shared with larger Ford Galaxy and Ford Edge
• Also shares parts with the Ford Mondeo
• All easy to use and easy to get comfy in

How is the quality and layout?

It’s surprising just how car-like the Ford S-Max’s driving position is, with the seat set lower than in other MPVs and the pedals stretched out in front of you. Daydream for a second and you’ll swear you’re in a low-slung hatchback not a seven-seater people carrier.

In general the quality of the materials is good, with robust switchgear, hard-wearing fabrics and a soft-touch plastic for the main dash, but some of the trim finishing isn’t as precise and sharply detailed as in rivals from Volkswagen, Peugeot and Skoda.

There is a lot of the old Ford Mondeo to be seen here, with similar dashboard architecture and identical instruments. That’s not a bad thing, as it’s certainly clean and uncluttered, but those hoping for a less conventional and more future-staring cabin befitting of this MPV may find themselves rather disappointed.

Infotainment and tech

Ford’s Sync3 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system is easy enough to use with fast responses to inputs from the driver. Those with chunky thumbs might find the voice activation easier than the smaller screen icons, though.

And there’s no denying that if you tested out the Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008 beforehand, the Ford’s system would feel decidedly out of date. There’s nothing wrong with the way it works, but it just looks and feels older than its rivals.

Comfort

• Comfort is an S-Max strong point
• Seats offer great amount of support
• Car-like driving position

With plenty of adjustment in the wheel and seat, it’s easy to find a suitable driving position for most sizes – though some may find the centre console a little on the high side. It’s refreshing that you feel like you’re sitting in the S-Max, though, rather than on it.

The seats themselves offer plenty of support, and prove perfectly comfortable – regardless of whether you’re sitting up-front or right at the very back – and the S-Max offers an optional heated steering wheel and seats, perfect for winter mornings.

Those in the rear have the opportunity to select their own temperature too, with rear air-conditioning controls available. The rearmost pair of seats are better than you’ll find in the Peugeot 5008 or Skoda Kodiaq, but they’re best suited children and pre-teens.