SECTOR: Large MPV   PRICE: €30,150–€40,750   FUEL: 5.0–8.9l/100km   CO2: 129–204g/km

The outgoing Ford S-Max was one of those segment-busting vehicles which could so easily have not worked. Emerging from its MPV joint venture with the Volkswagen Group, it gave Ford an opportunity to widen its MPV family to include a sportier sibling for the Galaxy. There was nothing like it on the market and, perhaps aside from the new Renault Espace, there still isn’t.

But it outstripped expectations. The S-Max struck a chord almost instantly, accounting for two thirds of Ford’s sales in this sector. With a high share of conquests from other buyers, sales weighted towards top trim levels and plenty of return buyers, it’s been a game-changer for the brand.

So the new car is starting as a familiar product. As before, the platform is shared with the new Mondeo and Galaxy, but also with the forthcoming Edge SUV arriving later this year. This will also be one of the first cars to get the luxurious Vignale trim, targeting a premium brand ownership experience for customers who want it.

Most engine options are also shared with the Mondeo, but without the 1.5-litre diesels. European buyers are expected to favour one of three 2.0-litre diesels, weighted towards the 150hp and 190hp versions rather than the 120hp entry-level model. A twin-turbocharged 210hp diesel and a selection of small-selling EcoBoost petrols will also be available.

Visually it’s perhaps not as daring as the original S-Max was when it launched, but the spirit of the outgoing car lives on successfully here. The torque of the diesel engines suits it best, even compared to the most powerful petrol options, and this offers an impressive combination of excellent long-distance comfort and surprising agility and confidence depending on the road ahead.

The trade-off is the S-Max doesn’t feel as focused on cabin space as some large MPVs. Its third row isn’t much more spacious than the Grand C-Max, and the second row seating doesn’t have the sideways sliding function of the five-seat C-Max.

However, it’s got plenty of space for people and cargo. There’s a bank of switches inside the tailgate to effortlessly flatten the rear seats, and three ISOFIX points on the middle row mean it’s got the hardware young families need in a car this size.

It also gets Ford’s latest high-end technology, including glare-free high-beam headlights, the ability to automatically adjust its speed limiter based on road signs and a new variable power steering system which reduces the effort needed for low-speed manoeuvres then dulls itself while cruising. The latter is an acquired taste, as the S-Max’s standard steering setup is excellent, but it’s a great option for city-based drivers.

But ultimately the new S-Max is an evolution of the old car’s appealing ownership proposition rather than a radical new entry. That’s all it needs to be, too. Ford tried, and succeeded, to catch lightning in a glass bottle with the old car. With the new one, it’s repeated that seemingly impossible task.

What we think:

The S-Max makes few compromises in versatility for what it offers in style and driver appeal over traditional MPV products like the Galaxy.