Two of the latest and most modern MPVs on the market are the Ford S-Max and Renault Espace, both revealed at the Paris Auto Show.

On the surface, they offer exactly the same thing: contemporary styling, modern interior, gadgets and seven seats, but they are actually very different in concept and execution.

The S-Max has not gone down the newfangled crossover route, sticking to its predecessor’s formula of sportiness. This is what always made it unique in the sector – the fact that it handled nearly as well as the Mondeo on which it was based. It didn’t neglect practicality, though, but it was trumped by other less driving dynamics-focused rivals, most of which were French and one of which was the old Renault Espace.

Now that we have all-new generations of both vehicles, we thought it’d be a good idea to see what you prefer. The new Espace is arguably the more striking of the two to look at, and while it may seem taller than the outgoing model, it actually isn’t but does come with a higher ground clearance.

Renault has also stopped calling it an MPV and now refers to it as a crossover. Still, its more upright shape probably translates into more interior volume than the S-Max has, and that’s very desirable in this corner of the market.

We’ve yet to see detailed presentations of either, but at this early point, which would you most like to own? Use the poll provided and comments section below for answers.

Poll: Which minivan would you get?

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