Personally, I wouldnt be put off buying a car that's due for replacement in at least 2 years time.

The S-Max is a fine car, but like other fine Fords, is let down by indifferent after sales service and one of the most limited warranties in the industry.

Alternatives,

Toyota Verso. It's bland, but it's very hard to fault too. Save money over the diesels and try the excellent 1.8 V-Matic petrol with the CVT box, which does an easy 38-40mpg, and is as smooth as an auto Merc. 5 yr warranty too. (We nearly bought one of these)

Used Honda FR-V 2.2 i-CTDI. Not a looker, but strong diesel engine and arguably far more versatile an MPV (3x3 seating arrangement) than some 7 seaters. (We own a 1.8 iVTEC petrol auto). Used values are quite high, as they're discontinued and more people want them now than when they were on sale!

New Mercedes B-Class. It's the newest desgin out there, so wont look dated. The Merc diesels would be predictably strong.

New Prius +. MPV Prius with 7 seats, lots of toys, and proved hybrid drive-train

Or wait for the new Ford B-Max? (assuming that can take three child seats across the middle)

I havent mentioned the VW Touran, as that's a box on wheels and it doesn sound like you'd want that.

Ah, I assumed you mean the 5008? Nicely finished interior. We sat in one, but didnt bother driving it, as it actually isnt that spacious as an MPV car. Three seats across the middle row might well be a struggle, especially when trying to squeeze your hand down between the seats to clip the belts in.

Forgive me, it sounds like you have the same quandry that many new fathers have. Begrudgingly having to buy an MPV but unable to give up some sense of driving enjoyment. For which the S-Max does fit that bill, admittedly. However, I will see your S-Max, and raise the following....

If diesel is a must, and good running costs, I would strongly suggest you get behind the wheel of a Renault Grand Scenic with the new Nissan-Renault 128bhp 1.6dci engine. This new engine is getting rave reviews everywhere. It has a very impressive 320nm torque measurement, emits less than 120g/km CO2 - VED £30, and claims 60+mpg combined. It's chain-cam, so no belts to worry about, and the DPF is the latest oxidisiation design, which should last the life of the car.Nissan-Renault claim the engine has passed tests for a 20yr/186000 typical lifespan. The engine has 18 patents on it. Mercedes has just leased it from Nissan-Renault for the next A-Class.

And to show I put my money where my mouth is, I bought a new Nissan Qashqai with this engine last Saturday! It revs like a petrol upto 5000rpm and is very refined. On the move there's just a distant whirr, and that's it. No clatter or rumble.

Compared to the belt-cam VAG 1.6TDIs I've driven in various guises, the new Nissan-Renault engine is a generation ahead. I've previously owned a BMW 120d, and feel this engine matches it for flexibility, beats it for refinement, but loses on outright performance, although the BMW is a bigger displacement of course.

Was persuaded to test drive the 3008 peugeot hybrid as didn't fancy the 5008...more fun to drive than the s-max and 2 car seats and a booster fitted across the back seat. It's an automatic of course (though you have the paddles), but like the option sport mode and the economy. Price is another matter, but there is room for the kids and it's tempting!

Fair point, but the Peugeot looks a better all rounder. Anyone got one?