Which non-diesel for a three-child family?

I have three children, aged between 10 and 13. I am thinking about buying a Ford S-Max as it seems spacious and provides more flexibility on seating than our current estate car. I would ideally like an automatic. However, I am concerned that most of the models are diesel. I use the car for stop/start city driving and only rarely do long journeys. I would really appreciate your advice on which model to go for, or whether there is an alternative I may have overlooked.

Asked on 10 June 2012 by KM, via email

Answered by Honest John
The high performance 205 and 240PS Ecoboost petrol models are available with the Powershift transmission and make the S-Max a 7-seater sports car. You can get big discounts via www.drivethedeal.com.

A much less sporty and more economical alternative is the Toyota Verso 1.8i Valvematic Multidrive S. Tests and videos: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/ford/ford-s-max-20.../ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-vers.../
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