IT seemed everyone was at it back in the mid 2000s. Take an ordinary five-seater estate car, SUV or MPV, stick in a couple of additional seats and, hey presto, you're left with a seven seater.

But it didn't have to be like that. Just take Ford's S-MAX offering, a sporty machine that was just right for the larger family.

Back in 2007, the Blue Oval marque made a big issue of the fact that the S-MAX was an MPV for the serious driver, and they certainly weren't kidding on that point.

Ford's engineers did a superb job on getting the chassis and suspension mix spot on for such a big bruiser, thus giving the big people carrier masses of grip coupled with tight body control, which showed through even on the most demanding of roads.

Unusually in a people carrier, the S-MAX offered a driving position more suited to that of a saloon car and this gave the driver added confidence to push it along on twisty back roads.

Behind the wheel, the steering wheel and seats came with oodles of adjustment, while the instruments were logically positioned directly ahead of the driver and not, like in some MPVs, in the centre of the dash.

With masses of glass on board, all round visibility proved exceptional, although the thick front pillars did create a bit of a blind spot.

The interior space of the S-MAX proved pretty awesome to say the least, and it could swallow up five adults in the first two rows of seats with ease, offering more than enough head, shoulder and legroom all round for even larger-than-average occupants.

However, the rear seats are set pretty low to the floor and therefore are more suitable for children, but it is possible for adults to get comfortable should the planned journey be not too long.

As a five-seater with the rear seats folded flat the S-MAX has a walloping big boot, but even with all seven seats in place, there's still enough room to hold two or three kit bags in the boot.

No fewer than 14 models made up the S-MAX range, five petrol variants and nine diesels, in the choice of three specifications, LX, Zetec and Titanium trim.

For those looking for nothing too fancy, the entry-level diesel LX 1.8-litre TDCI proved to be a cracking buy.

Decently kitted out all round, the LX came with electric front windows, power steering, central locking, electric mirrors, front and side airbags, alarm,CD sound system and electronic stability programme and anti-lock brakes among its list of goodies.

Pumping out a healthy 123bhp, top speed was a more than impressive 116mph, while the zero to 62mph dash could be accomplished in 11.1 seconds. Not only that, but there was also plenty mid-range grunt for safe overtaking thanks to 210lb/ft of torque available at 1,750 revs.

Now a few years down the line, a used S-MAX can mix it with the best of the MPV bunch. But one thing in its favour is that it beats the competition hands down when it comes to space. Who says size didn't matter.

Expect to pay between £5,100 to £6,800 for a 2007, 57-plate 1.8 TDCi in LX trim or between £5,900 to £7,800 for a year newer 2008 model on an 08-plate.

An 2009 09-plate model rebadged 1.8 TDCi Edge will set you back anything from £7,800 to £9,800 depending on the mileage covered and the car's overall condition.