New Ford S-MAX And Galaxy

(Tue 15 Dec 09)

They're not brand new models, much as Ford would like you to think they are, but the S-MAX and Galaxy due to be formally unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in January are certainly a step ahead of the current models.

Ford Galaxy 19.

Both have been mildly restyled to give a sharper look than before, and both are available with a very promising new petrol engine. Known as the EcoBoost SCTi, it's a two-litre petrol unit which absolutely creams the 2.3-litre engine it replaces in terms of power output (200bhp versus 159bhp) but is also a lot more economical, giving combined economy and CO2 figures for each car of 34.8mpg and 189g/km.

EcoBoost comes as standard with Ford's PowerShift twin-clutch (but no-pedal) semi-automatic gearbox, which is also available as an option on some models with the uprated 2.0 Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel engine. This is now available for the first time in the S-MAX and Galaxy with a choice of three power outputs, namely 113bhp, 138bhp and 161bhp.

Ford S-MAX 21.

The keyless system and capless EasyFuel arrangement, both already familiar from other Fords, are being made available on the S-MAX and Galaxy for the first time, while a new Blind Sport Information System is making its debut on Ford of Europe vehicles. More expensive versions of the S-MAX (including all those fitted with a Panoramic sunroof) get LED interior lighting, while top-end S-MAX and Galaxy models come with extra courtesy lights in the tailgate to make night-time loading easier.