New Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec

Hurray for the Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec. This seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle is the perfect post-Xmas workhorse. As such, it has a vast 2,000-litre boot that enables party-goers to dump their unwanted presents. That is larger than the Mercedes-Benz E- Class Estate, and that has the capacity of a warehouse. So, farewell novelty tie. Goodbye miniature nail clippers from a cracker, and buzz-off soap-on-a-rope. Hello Ford S-Max with your surprisingly sharp handling. Greetings to the robust build quality, and welcome to the party magic seats. These easily fold into the floor to create the 2,000-litre 'bin'. Cargo capacity only falls to 270-litres with seven passengers aboard, which is similar to a Fiesta.

The Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec is also reasonably kind to your wallet. What a relief after paying for the Christmas food. As such, this mile-muncher averages a cash-saving 49.6mpg, and returns up to 57.7mpg on the extra-urban cycle. It can also be taxed annually for only £130, and its price tag is a sensible £23,310. This workhorse has a reasonable turn of speed too, so its 140PS engine propels your unwanted presents to 62mph in 10.2 seconds. Standard equipment includes: climate control, parking sensors, and Bluetooth. Good car then, if only it could banish Slade's Christmas tune from my head.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

Best deals on new FORD S-MAX cars Best deals on used FORD S-MAX cars FORD S-MAX Picture Gallery FORD Tech specs, colours and model guides