Ford S-MAX - Pictures

Lower dashboard is sculpted to improve space. A driver’s knee airbag is standard. The ‘ship’-style handbrake is a clever piece of design. It plunges into the centre console when released

Ford’s uprated TDCi powerplant is smooth and easily the most powerful unit tested here

The Ford offers the most boot space with all seven seats in place. Middle row is roomiest here, thanks to car’s long wheelbase, but a sloping roof means head space is restricted for passengers in rearmost seats

Aggressive details such as the side vents are unusual on an MPV, and help the S-MAX to stand out from the crowd