Awards

Ford S-MAX

Years built: 2005 to datePrices: £4,500-£32,000Our pick: 2.0 TDCi Zetec

by: Auto Express team

6 Oct 2011

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The older the Ford S-MAX gets, the more attainable it becomes. This is the second year in a row that the blue oval’s people carrier has taken our Best Used MPV title, and lower prices have made it even more

attractive this time around.

It eclipses virtually every other seven-seat MPV from behind the wheel with its nimble handling, but it’s also comfortable. What’s more, it feels like a premium product, there’s plenty of space and the interior is one of the most flexible there is.

As we’ve come to expect from Ford, there are plenty of engines on offer. The smooth, powerful and quiet 2.0, 2.3 and turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engines are typically attractively priced, but expensive to run. Diesels are much more sensible, and you can choose between 1.8, 2.0 and powerful 2.2-litre units.

The 2.0-litre TDCi is the best all-rounder, with a fine blend of economy and performance. If you’re on a budget, then it’s worth checking out the 1.8-litre diesel, which is the cheapest to buy and run, with 45.6mpg and 164g/km.

Entry-level LX or later Edge models are reasonably well equipped, but Zetec versions offer the best mix of kit and value.

The S-MAX finished 18th overall in our Driver Power 2011 survey, which is the highest of any MPV. A raft of revisions last year means nearly-new buyers should also focus on the brilliant Ford.

Driver Power 2011

What you said: “A very practical car with seven seats but handling to match something much smaller like a Focus. Incredibly versatile with plenty of luggage space, great fuel economy and build quality.”

Value choice

SEAT Alhambra

1996-2011

The original Alhambra is a rebadged version of the Volkswagen Sharan, which is great news for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable second-hand MPV on a budget. There’s loads of space inside and the mechanicals are well proven. It has only just been replaced – and after such a long production run, supply is plentiful.