THE CAR IN FACTS

Let’s be honest, a people carrier is not the sort of car anyone dreams of owning. But since the Renault Espace burst onto the scene way back in 1984 these big practical machines have been a god-send for larger families (and mini-cabbers).

While all subtly different, from those early Espaces to cars like the current Ford Galaxy they’ve all followed the same basic formula of bland, boxy exterior and cavernous, comfortable interior.

Ford’s S-max has always been the “cooler” little brother to the solidly utilitarian Galaxy and has always traded on being almost as spacious but that bit sleeker and better to drive. Which is how we’ve ended up with a 4.8-metrelong people carrier dressed

● Ford S-max St-line

● Price: £37,510 (£39,760 as tested)

● Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, diesel

● Power: 187bhp

● Torque: 295lb ft

● Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

● Top speed: 128nph

● 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds

● Economy: 36.7-47.9mpg

● CO2 emissions: 151g/km

up in sporty St-line trim, like an overweight sibling that’s nicked the Fiesta’s tracksuit.

Most of the St-line gubbins – a roof spoiler, deeper sills, big alloys and red painted brake calipers – sits easily enough with the S-max’s styling but the black grille makes it look like some sort of gawping fish viewed head-on.

Moreproblematic,though,is the St-line’s standard sports suspension. It and the relatively low profile tyres make for an unsettled and often downright uncomfortable ride. The poorly maintained roads near me revealed a level of harshness that would be acceptable in a Fiesta but is unwelcome in a large family car. I’d quite happily sacrifice the St-line’s bodykit and painted brake calipers in favour of the Titanium’s softer ride, and save a few quid into the bargain.

The harsh ride is the biggest disappointment in what is otherwise a decent driving experience. The S-max is hardly a sports car but, like so many other Fords, it feels more agile and responsive than you’d expect. Such matters are hardly going to be at the top of most MPV buyers’ list of requirements but it does mean the S-max feels reassuringly planted on the road.

Our test car came with a 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel. A less powerful (148bhp) version is also available but the torquerich punchiness of the more powerful unit means it will cope even with the car fully loaded. The 187bhp tune also comes with an eightspeed automatic gearbox as standard.

Traditional MPVS like the S-max have clearly fallen out of favour in recent years. They’ve been replaced in the public consciousness by seven-seat SUVS like the Skoda Kodaiq, Nissan X-trail and Kia Sorento. But as good as those cars are, none can match the S-max for pure practicality. Its more van-like arrangement means there’s more space for passengers and luggage and more flexibility in how you use that space.

The S-max has three fullsize seats in the middle row, each of which slides, reclines and folds independently of its neighbours. Those seats and the two in the very rear can be folded flat at the touch of a button in the boot, leaving you with between 285 and 2020 litres of space, depending on the configuration. On top of that, there are storage areas everywhere, plus charging points and even a full 240V socket in the rear.

Our test car also brought part-leather sports seats – heated in the front – as well as a heated steering wheel, a eightinch Sync3 touchscreen and a “dark themed interior” as part of the St-line trim. That’s on top of the cruise control, keyless entry/start, lane keep assist and more that comes as standard on lower-spec cars.

While MPVS, even “sporty” looking ones like this, are falling out of fashion, there’s still a good argument for cars like the S-max. Seven-seat SUVS are fine for occasionally carrying a full complement of passengers but if you regularly need more than five seats, the S-max is a more practical, more userfriendly choice for similar money.