Ford S-Max. 2006 to date (prod. unknown). 5-door minivan. F/F, 1999 cm³ petrol (4 cyl. DOHC), 2261, 2521 cm³ (5 cyl. DOHC), 1753, 1997 cm³ diesel (4 cyl. DOHC). Not really a new niche—Dodge and Seat have been doing sporting variants of minivans for years—but Ford decided to go for a lower body than the traditional Galaxy when creating the S-Max. If there is such a thing as a minivan coupé, this is probably it—but unlike the defunct Renault Avantime, S-Max proved to be more practical (five doors, individually moveable centre seats) and an inspired drive (CD345 platform shared with the Ford Mondeo Mk IV, and excellent grip for a minivan). Turbo 2·5 develops 220 PS. European Car of the Year for 2006–7. Flexfuel model 2008.

Manufacturing location: Genk, Belgium

Marque: Ford