THE designers of Ford's S-Max picked up the rule book for family travel and clearly enjoyed ripping it into a thousand pieces.

Seven-seater vehicles have been around for some time, but nothing on the road matches this one.

With a footprint little larger than a Ford Focus, the designers have created an unrivalled combination of sporty looks, excellent handling, performance, economy and price that have helped it race to the top of its class and win both the European Car of the Year title and Top Gear magazine Big Car of the Year title.

Unpicking that, let's start with the looks, which the S-Max shares with its larger sister vehicle, the Galaxy. Claudio Messale, chief designer for both vehicles, said the aim was to produce something distinctly different, combining elements of sports car and multi-activity vehicle.

Pronounced wheel arches, a kick-up to the rear of the window glass area and distinctive shark-like "gills", which resemble cooling ducts, give the vehicle a unique look.

The driver sits in a 'cockpit' driving position, rather than the higher feel of the new Galaxy, and the driver's seat on the test model, like that on a sports car, was eight-way adjustable. The leather-trimmed steering wheel too adjusts for both height and reach.

The steering wheel includes a range of controls linked to an easy-to-read centre display, which relays information on everything from radio and navigation system, to cruise control and mobile phone.

The shallower windscreen, sloping A-pillars and the higher beltline underline the sporty feeling behind the wheel, but the looks pale into insignificance once you get on the move. This is a great drive and to match the car's up-and-at-'em aura, Ford is marketing a variety of stowage kits that allow, for instance, the carrying of skis, snowboards, or up to four cycles.

Gizmos, gadgets and sharp styling are one thing, but where the sensational S-Max flattens the opposition is in its taut ride and pin-sharp response.

This is simply the best handling seven-seater on the road and is bound to appeal to drivers of traditional saloons and hatchbacks, looking for a more versatile vehicle, without having to sacrifice either style or performance.

More than once, I caught myself glancing round to remind myself that there really were seven seats on board.

In truth, very few people need so many seats in day-to-day motoring, but when you do, there is no sharper seven-seater package available.

The best news of all is that S-Max prices start at £16,995.

Auto facts Ford S-Max Zetec 2.0 TDCi

  • Price: £19,995
  • Ins group: 11
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 44.1mpg
  • Top speed: 122mph
  • Length: 476.8cm/187.7in
  • Width: 188.4cm/74.2in
  • Luggage capacity: 11.8 cu ft (seven seats in place)
  • Fuel tank capacity: 15.4 gallons/70 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 169g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles