Long-Term Test: Ford S-MAX: introduction

The trip also gave me the opportunity to try out all three suspension settings. The first, Comfort, was just right to allow the S-Max to pass what I like to call the Wandsworth Test: I literally can't go 200yds from my house without encountering speed bumps, which blight the area, so the Comfort setting allows the S-Max to float over the humps. Normal is the next setting, providing a little more stiffness while still being forgiving enough for the UK's 'special' roads. Finally, Sport is ideal for zipping around those country lanes, keeping the S-Max taut in the corners and almost making you completely forget that you're in an MPV.

The S-Max also coped well cruising up the motorways: there is a little road noise, but nothing that the stereo can't cope with and it's not of a pitch or level that means it gets wearing over a long journey. I'll let you know if that changes.

I also had a chance to sort out some of the toys, particularly the Bluetooth phone system (two thumbs up) and the sci-fi-feeling Voice Control (jury's still out). And, of course, Daisy put the DVD player through its paces ('It's really cool, Dad') with The Sound of Music and a Harry Potter film.

So it's a promising start for the S-Max: already a hit with the family, we're expecting big things from our car of - and for - the year. We're already planning a few trips across the Channel, so it looks like our lives are going to be well and truly S-Maxed.

Just don't expect to see a windsurfer strapped to the roof.

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