Brussels Motor Show witnesses 2010 Ford S-Max and Ford Galaxy launch

The new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models, unveiled at the Brussels Motorshow, herald the arrival of a series of new and innovative technologies and features that will challenge established perceptions of what Ford cars feel like to sit in and to drive.

With fresh designs, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver-focused technologies aimed at improving safety and comfort.

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy are the first cars to be available with Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre 203PS EcoBoost petrol engine. This joins new 115PS and 163PS 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, with an updated 140PS version arriving in the UK later. Additionally, the latest Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford's large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional with the 2.0 140PS and 2.0 163PS Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut on versions of the new S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System.

With the new S-MAX and Galaxy, Ford's design team has achieved significant changes to enhance each vehicle's individual and expressive kinetic design styling.

From launch in 2006 the S-MAX quickly established itself as a sporty, high quality and well-equipped crossover that provided the benefits of a people mover, but without sacrificing style or driving enjoyment. The new model includes a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front facia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black, lower front trapezoidal grille. A new lower front bumper includes distinctive LED daytime running lights on high series models.

From the side, S-MAX is instantly recognisable with a new chrome strip which surrounds the whole glass area to enhance the car's sleek and sporty lines. The new S-MAX has also been re-designed with a more dynamically profiled tailgate, lower facia and new LED tail lights. Further distinguishing the new SMAX is a horizontal satin chrome bar, which runs between the LED tail lights and is embossed with the distinctive S-MAX logo.

The new Galaxy also features a re-designed frontal section. A new, more sculptured bonnet combines with a new front fascia design incorporating a bolder lower trapezoidal grille with inserts featuring subtle chrome bars - and new-look fog lights. Titanium and Titanium X models are differentiated further with chrome bars in the upper grille.

The roof incorporates new bolder integrated silver rails for cross bars, while at the rear, distinctive new LED lights and body-coloured lower fascia are standard equipment.
Carefully balanced new colour and material choices aim to deliver a luxurious and dynamic feel.

For both vehicles, the Ford Fold Flat System comes as standard for the second and third row of seats.

S-MAX high series models get a new multifunctional overhead console with sunglasses holder and child-watch mirror, and a new one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds. For the first time high series S-MAX models, and all models fitted with the panorama roof, get a new LED interior lighting system.

New interior colours, graphics and materials are offered across all series.

Ford's new S-MAX and Galaxy are the first vehicles to offer an all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine, which heralds a new era in Ford's petrol engine development.

Featuring lightweight all-aluminium construction, the latest-generation high-pressure direct injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost has an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.

Graham Hoare, Executive Director Powertrain, Ford of Europe said "EcoBoost is Ford's new global family of efficient petrol engines. New Galaxy and S-MAX are the first models in Europe to adopt this technology. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi combines petrol direct- injection, turbocharging and twin variable camshaft timing to deliver a great blend of efficiency, low emissions and performance feel."

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi engine has a maximum output of 203PS at 5,500rpm, combined with maximum torque of 300Nm, which is delivered across a broad 1,750-4,500 rpm range. With this new powertrain, the S-MAX achieves 0-62mph in 8.5sec (8.8sec for the Galaxy) and a top speed of 137mph (135mph for the Galaxy.)

Yet even with this responsive performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are significantly improved. Compared with the previous 161PS 2.3-litre automatic powertrain, CO2 is reduced by 19 per cent to 189g/km, even though the new 2.0-litre SCTi engine has over 25 per cent more power. This translates into a combined fuel economy of just 34.8mpg* and an extra urban figure of 44.1 mpg*.

At the same time Ford's diesel offering for the new S-MAX and Galaxy has been significantly improved. The latest 2.0-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine family is now available in three power levels - 115, 140 and 163PS – for the first time. The new 115PS and 163PS Duratorq TDCi engines, with Stage V emission rating, also deliver impressive fuel economy and CO2 performance.

With a combined consumption of 49.5mpg* and an average CO2 emission of 152g/km the new S-MAX and Galaxy, with six-speed manual transmission, prove that it is possible to combine driving fun and compelling performance with high efficiency. The upgraded 140PS version with Stage V emission rating arrives in the UK later.

The efficient and smooth-changing Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission is a perfect match for both the new petrol direct injection and common rail diesel engines. It is standard with the new EcoBoost SCTi and available as an option with the 140 and 163PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi.

New Features Further Enhance Safety and Comfort
From the outset the new S-MAX and Galaxy were designed and developed to offer customers a first-class travelling experience with updated features for even greater safety and comfort.

The new S-MAX and Galaxy are Ford of Europe's first vehicles to feature the new Blind Spot Information System. This radar-based technology warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spot area. Also, the Adjustable Speed Limiter Device (ASLD) is designed to help drivers set, and then not exceed, specific speed limits unintentionally.

High series versions of the new S-MAX feature LED daytime running lights as standard and LED illumination inside. All versions come with LED tail lights as standard.

The climate control system, which now features a new ventilated temperature and humidity sensor mounted in the steering column shroud, adds to the improved comfort of passengers.

Additional trademark technologies are also now being made available on S-MAX and Galaxy for the first time. These include the Ford Keyless System and the award-winning Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling system.

J?¶rg Beyer, Vehicle Line Director for Large and Luxury Vehicles, Ford of Europe, said: "The sheer number of milestones we have delivered with the new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy in terms of vehicle design, powertrain technology and features is big enough to make you think they are all-new vehicles. Our European Ford flagships deserve this treatment – and we are convinced that our customers will appreciate it."