Im not quite at the age to be buying an MPV just yet. But my fathers recently bought one after downsizing from an Eclass to something more practical.
I went on a few trips to check out the various models you looked at.
Verso... boring and a little sluggish. no real complaints just nothing to get you going.
Touran..Im a VW fan, most of my cars have been VW group, however the Touran didnt impress, poorly thought out interior... cheap feeling for the price. Good point is the superb VW TDI engines (ive got one my self in a Bora) Touran is also very boxy van like looking.
Smax.. I too hate ford...buit to be honest of the 3 you listed its the winner for me, well made. Good looking good performance and nicely thought out interior.
In the end my Father ended up getting a B class merc. which if your budget will go that far is a very nice alternative. Costs more than anything else in the small MPV market, but it feels like a propper mercedies should.
Actually thinking about it, Top gear did a review of the sportier mini MPV's that covers all the ones mentioned i think (although being top gear they may not have been looking at the things your usual MPV buyer would look at)....might be on youtube?