I KNOW it's become a hackneyed phrase, but Ford's S-MAX is a genuine car for all reasons.

It's a large tenpenny sized MPV with seven seats - even if the rear two are only big enough for kids.

The turbo petrol engine at the top of the range is the same as the one in the Focus ST, with plenty of grunt to make it a real driver's car.

But, like the rest of the range, it also has outstanding handling which wouldn't disgrace a sporting saloon.

Other petrols are 1.6 turbo, 2.0 and 2.3-litres and diesels are 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2-litres.  

There's masses of grip which makes cornering a joy, but comfort isn't neglected either - whether you're travelling in the front or the rear.

Ford's power steering is excellent, precise and informative and safety is also top notch, with umpteen airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and stability control.

It's refined and quiet, with very little wind or road noise, and loads of seat and column adjustment to make an excellent car-like driving position.

The seats move in a bewildering variety of combinations to cater for every eventuality and the rear five fold flat very easily to make a vast load floor.