Ford S-MAX MPV (2006-2014) - Interior & comfort

The Ford S-MAX carries its sporty image into the cabin, where the raised driving position and user-friendly controls make it easy to feel confident at the wheel of this relatively large car. The S-MAX is decently equipped, too; most buyers should be happy with the cheapest Zetec trim.

Ford S-MAX dashboard

The focus of the S-MAX’s light and airy cabin is its sporty looking dashboard. It’s starting to feel at little dated nowadays, but all the controls are well laid-out and easy to use. There are enough soft-touch plastics to make the areas around you smart and solid, though you’ll find some evidence of cost-saving in more hidden areas. The Ford S-MAX’s front seats aren’t quite as high as in other people carriers, but the driver still gets a commanding view of the road of ahead and lots of adjustment to help find their ideal seating position.

Ford S-MAX equipment

The cheapest trim level, Zetec, comes with everything most family buyers will want: dual-zone climate control, electric windows all round, front and rear parking sensors and Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice control.

For around £1,750 more, Titanium adds larger alloys, a DAB digital radio, automatic headlights and wipers and cruise control, while Titanium X Sport adds on more than £3,500 worth of features, including bigger alloys and sports suspension. Bear in mind that the firm ride from that wheel and suspension setup might not suit young passengers in the back, but you can shell out another £1,750 for the very effective adaptive dampers to counter this. Titanium X Sport also includes a panoramic roof and leather seats.

Ford S-MAX options

Sat nav is available on all specifications for £1,400, and you can upgrade to a Sony stereo for around £300, depending on your car’s trim level. Frequent motorway users should consider the adaptive cruise control for £800.

For a car that’s ideal for younger families, it’s a shame that a rear observation mirror comes only with the £700 panoramic roof and that you have to pay around £250 for your dealer to fit a switch to deactivate the front passenger airbag (a legal requirement if you’re putting a rear-facing baby seat here).