WHEN Ford came to update their big S-MAX people carrier, they sought some "expert" advice from a pretty powerful source.

For bosses at the Blue Oval badge, realising that more and more mums have the final decision on what car is to be parked on the driveway, sought input as to what busy mums really wanted in a new vehicle through Mumsnetters networking forums.

And after mums - and dads - queued up in droves to take part in test drives and offer feedback, the final result was an MPV that had to to be one of the most family-friendly available on the market when it was launched.

The stylish interior was classy yet solidly put together and more than up for the hard life it no doubt would have to put up with from a family of growing kids.

However, Ford kept hard surfaces to a minimum, preferring soft-touch plastics for the dashboard, centre console and door inserts. They also took note when it came to easy of entry, especially when mums were struggling with items such as car seats and bags of messages.

There was masses of headroom and legroom in the seven-seater, which let five adults enjoy home-from-home comforts and still had space for another two kids in the rear along with a couple of holdalls or small suitcases.

And for those Ikea trips, all five rear seats folded flat giving a huge van-like 2,000 litre carrying capacity.

Out on the road, the S-MAX could also strut its stuff. The machine handled more akin to a sporty saloon than a full-sized MPV.

Smooth and quiet on the hoof, and offering an extremely comfortable ride, there was a surprising lack of body roll when pushed through bends, another major plus if any of your kids are a little suseptible to motion sickness.

Visually, the new S-MAX took on the look of a large estate car, with acres of glass on show. From the rear, its LED tail lights also helped make it stand out from the crowd while being highly visible in nasty weather.

For 2010, there were plenty of engines to choose from, including a two-litre petrol, a similar-sized diesel and a 2.2-litre oilburner. Power outputs were 144 and 201bhp for petrol models and 114, 138, 160 and 172bhp for the diesel-powered derivatives, while a mix of Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X Sport specification levels were available.

Every S-MAX came well equipped on the safety front. There were front, and side airbags for driver and front passenger, while a series of curtain bags protected those sitting further back.

Electronic stability programme helped keep the car planted on the black stuff, while anti-lock brakes and ESP were also fitted. Even front and rear parking sensors came as standard throughout the range.

The S-MAX also came well kitted-out in the comfort stakes. All models had dual-zone climate control, electric mirrors and electric windows all round.

Titanium spec added cruise control, automatic lights and USB socket, while Titanium X Sport also featured a panorama roof, part-leather seats and sports suspension.

Any of the diesel machines made a great family transporter and for me personally, the two-litre gave a good mix between power and economy. Now they make a great used buy.

A manual 140bhp 2010 S-MAX 2.0 TDCi in Zetec trim on a 10-plate with around 50,000 miles on the clock will cost anything between £7,895 and £10,710.

Move up a year to an 11-plate and you'll be talking in the region of £9,345 to £12,040, while a 2012 12-plate model with cost between £10,970 and £13,660.

Move up to a higher Titanium spec and prices will be anything up to £1,500 dearer.