Zetec 1.6 EcoBoost SCTi 160 Start/Stop 5dr MPV

You'll need a big tin to say what this car does

I've reached the age when I do what my wife says, and she chose the S-Max so we can cope with our family and grandchild(ren), throw their stuff in the back and just get going.

I myself am delighted with the S-Max. Though a large car it doesn't look that big, and it's a driver's car yet quiet and comfortable at all speeds. Owing to HJ's warnings about the probability of long term problems and costs with diesels, I bit the bullet and chose the Ecoboost petrol engine; only a 1.6, but it has plenty of poke for safe overtaking on the rare occasions it's possible these days. In general use I tend to accelerate slowly, but once moving I drive reasonably quickly; according to the the car's computer the consumption over the first 5,000 miles of mixed town, country and motorway use has been just over 39mpg, which isn't bad at all. I would hope to get more than 40mpg over the next 5,000.

It really is a do-it-all car. The highly adjustable seating offers a large choice of options from seven seats down to two, and in the latter case two six footers can stretch out in the back and enjoy a comfortable night's sleep.

A new S-Max is due out in 2015. It will be interesting to see what Ford comes up with, as in my view the present one is nigh on perfect.

Report as offensive