IT says a lot about a car when rivals use it in comparisons and it becomes the standard by which to judge, as in the case of the Ford S-MAX.

The sporting people carrier is closely related to its Galaxy stablemate but has earned itself a good reputation among drivers who don't just want to travel but to arrive.

Buy an S-MAX and it is a visual indicator you have responsibilities but also a racy side to your life as the shopping goes out and the mountain bikes, diving kit or saddles go in.

Ford has carefully developed an extensive 18-model S-MAX range in the UK based on three basic trim levels and six petrol or diesel engines with manual or automatic transmissions and a wide variety of power outputs to suit business tax bands and owners' pockets.

Prices run from £23,105 to £32,875.

The 163ps 2.0 TDCi is one of the best sellers, particularly among those who tend to keep their cars for longer or cover greater distances.

The turbo-diesel engine and Powershift transmission is a really good combination, giving strong, sustained and smooth acceleration with very long-legged motorway cruising ability when the opportunity arises.

It's not rapid from rest but within seconds of rolling the power can be felt and it has strong mid-range pull for swift and safe overtaking. There is no roughness or jerkiness to the gearchanges and the power comes in smartly as the throttle is floored.

I liked the steering weight and feel, its good turning circle and lack of vibration at speed or over bad surfaces. The brakes are well up to doing anything they are asked and it has a strong parking brake system.

Secondary controls are amassed on the wheel-spokes or stalks and they can take some mastering but with familiarity they are convenient and work well along with the few buttons on the fascia or the controls on the central console for climate control and the entertainment system.

Instruments are simple, big and clear with a smaller display for the settings and on board computer read out.

Heating and ventilation worked very well throughout the big cabin and powered windows in front and back were useful but a sunroof is not available.

Big windows need big wipers and they are on the S-Max, clearing the front and back glass with a single sweep while the bright headlights are far sighted and broad of beam. The low waistline helps visibility and its good to see rear parking sensors are standard at this price.

Not only is it roomy for passengers in the front and back with excellent seats for any journey, but it takes from a nominal 285 - 2,000 litres of goods, a truly enormous carrying capacity when you need it. Loading is straightforward and easy too.

Ride quality is biased towards firmness but its not hard and soaked up bad surfaces very well. The handling is good for such a big vehicle and the road holding encouragingly good on twisting tarmac.

After driving the Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi 163 I can appreciate why it is so popular and repeatedly gets to be the standard and it really has few betters at the price.