BY DEFINITION, a multi-purpose vehicle should be what its name implies. In other words, it should easily be configured to carry seven people, loads of luggage or a combination of the two.

Unfortunately, the need to have two smallish seats for the third row usually means such cars cannot accommodate large items when ferrying seven people around. It also follows that if the whole extended family goes to the airport to fetch one of their brood, that traveller had better be travelling light.

Though I'm not particularly skilled at it, golf has become one of my passions. One of my favourite MPVs at present is the Ford S-Max, so seeing how it fits into my lifestyle would be illuminating.

The S-Max has always received very favourable reviews for its dynamic handling. It drives and handles more like a good saloon rather than a tallish MPV. The ride is a little firmish, but the payoff is a level of response and agility that would do a hatchback proud.

As a proper MPV, however, the S-Max is not exactly a class leader in clever packaging or features. The seat-backs of the third row fold forward but not out of sight (that is, the whole row does not disappear under the floor). Neither the second nor the third row of seats can be removed so a large flat loading area is not possible in this car. None of the seats can be rotated so tea time tete-a-tetes are not possible onboard.

Golfers do not fancy removing or folding seats or performing other back-breaking manoeuvres just to play golf. A hurt back means many months off the course since the golf swing is notoriously unfriendly to the spine.

For a single golfer wanting to walk the course, the rear of the S-Max easily accommodates a golf bag and trolley with all seats upright. It is also roomy enough for two golf bags, one on top of the other.

This capability is important, since many golfers in Singapore drive to the course alone and no extra effort is needed to load the equipment. It is in direct contrast to many hatchbacks which have luggage compartments that cannot carry a bag and trolley without folding one or two of the rear seat-backs.

And folding the seat is often not the most ergonomic of manoeuvres.

As a vehicle for that golf trip upcountry for a flight of four, the Ford S-Max would be ideal. Given its superb dynamics, driving in Malaysia would be rather more satisfying than the woolly experience expected of most other MPVs. With the last row folded forward, there is ample space for four golf bags lying longitudinally side by side. And four Boston bags would sit quite neatly on top of their respective golf bags without compromising rear vision.

The four people in the car will have all the space they need. Second row passengers have arena seating (that is, they sit higher up than the first row). This effectively reduces any chances of claustrophobia.

Twin moon-roofs further enhance the open cheerful ambience in the cabin, thus setting just the right mood for what's to come.

Space and ingenious packaging may not be virtues of the S-Max. However, as a sporty MPV for people keen on both driving and golf, it is as neat a package as they come.

The Ford S-Max is powered by Caltex with Techron.kk

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 15, 2008.