Ford S-Max review

To most people, the S-Max is an MPV they can’t tell apart from a Galaxy. But to Ford, it’s a Sports Activity Vehicle.

Don’t sneer. They’ve got a point. The S-Max’s dynamics are on a whole different level to its rivals’, making it by far the most entertaining people carrier to drive.

Its body control is excellent and its steering feels alive. There’s even a version (the Titanium Sport) with enhanced suspension, and models are available with four-wheel drive.

Ride quality does suffer a little as a result of all the fun you can have. But it stops well short of being harsh, and noise levels in the cabin are pretty muted.

In fact, the 2.0-litre diesel engine in most UK examples is particularly refined. You do have to rev it in entry-level form, but the mid-range 148bhp version should keep you happy if you want a turn of speed to go with the S-Max’s handling.

You won’t get the world’s best running costs, however, though they’re by no means bad – and Ford dealers should give you decent discounts if you shop around. The S-Max holds its value quite well, too, so whole-life costs ought to be modest.

Reliability isn’t a given, however, judging by the results of customer satisfaction research by What Car? magazine. All the same, the cabin does have a robust feel to it – though there’s too much in the way of hard, scratchy plastics and not enough in the way of design flair.

It does at least have a good seating position with an excellent view of the world around you. And even though it’s a Sports Activity Vehicle (remember?), in terms of practicality it’s remarkably like an MPV – with seven seats and, depending on how you have them configured, an epic cargo bay in the back.

The standard window airbags don’t extend to the third row of seats, however. Which you might consider to be a poor show if you ever intend to actually use them.

Other equipment is much better. Every model gets alloys, all-round park assist, two-zone climate and a touch-interface, and further luxuries join the party as you move on up.

If only the cabin in which all this is housed had a classier feel to it, what an MPV this would be. As it is, it feels a bit el cheapo in places when you consider the list price.

But there’s no denying the space and practicality you get from the S-Max. Its interior holds it back – but if you want this much room without losing the driving thrills of a smaller car, it’s absolutely the one for you.