Ford’s first generation S-MAX demonstrated that larger MPVs don’t have to be boring. The latest model reinforces that point.

People-carrying MPVs do tend towards being a bit boring. They’re ostensibly big boxes on wheels and notions of style or handling dynamics don’t tend to come very far up the priority list for their manufacturers. Unless that manufacturer is Ford and that vehicle is an S-MAX. Ford’s latest seven-seater offers better handling, greater efficiency and some amazingly clever safety features. It doesn’t look like being deposed from its position as our favourite anytime soon.

On the road, this car is as good to drive as ever. The range hinges around a family of 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines, offered in 120PS, 150PS and 180PS guises. There’s the option of intelligent all-wheel drive (I-AWD).

And two good petrol units - Ford’s fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost with manual transmission and the 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost with 6-speed automatic transmission.

On to styling, though we don’t think this MK2 model is quite as purposeful looking as its predecessor from the outside, there are no complaints about the cabin, Ford having done a great job of bringing a more upmarket feel to the fascia, with better materials used throughout and a cleaner centre stack. The steering wheel’s a bit busy as a result but you’ll get the hang of it. The seats retain the same 2-3-2 layout, this time with no fewer than 32 seating and load-space combinations, as well as Easy-Fold second and third row seats. The system enables each rear seat to be folded flat from a push-button control panel. The S-MAX now also features Easy-Entry second row seats that provide one touch access to third row seating with a new design that tips and slides the seat forward in one action.

You’ll have to make your own mind up on the aesthetics, but in every other regard, the latest S-MAX is a big step forward compared to its predecessor. The ethos remains the same, but the execution is a whole lot slicker.

In summary, the S-MAX deserves the big billing. It’s done the hard yards already and for families there really isn’t a lot better.

  • CAR: Ford S-MAX range
  • PRICES: £24,795-£33,345 - on the road
  • INSURANCE GROUPS: 17-27
  • CO2 EMISSIONS: 129-180g/km
  • PERFORMANCE: [240PS petrol] Max Speed 140mph / 0-60mph 8.4s
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0TDCi 180] (combined) 52.3mpg
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, stability control
  • WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4796/1916/1655