Can a full-size MPV be flexible, frugal and fun at the same time, wonders Al Suttie
1 – The S-max is pitched as the athletic one in Ford’s MPV line-up and it certainly handles well.
2 – Optional 18-inch alloys on our test car add to the sporty looks, though they did make the ride a little firm in town.
3 – With 180hp 2.0-litre diesel, the S-Max is brisk rather than a sprinter. More importantly, it pulls well through the gears.
4 – Let’s drop the sporty pretence, though, this is a seven-seat people carrier and it works brilliantly as a five-seat family wagon.
5 – There’s loads of space up front and for the three middle row seats, which slide fore and aft and have tilting backs.
6 – It’s a little snug in the third row pews, but there’s enough room in there for a couple of kids to confer in comfort.
7 – Still, you can keep a beady eye on back seat passengers with the pop-down passenger compartment mirror. Handy.
8 – Ford has the practical thing sorted with the push-button seat folding set into the left rear of the boot wall.
9 – Tumble away the third row chairs and the S-Max has a humungous boot with a conveniently low loading sill.
10 – Under the protective boot mat
