New Year, new Fords

Dec 15 2009 Maurice Glover

New Year, new Fords

FORD will drive into 2010 with new versions of its top-selling multi-purpose vehicles.

Reworked S-Max and Galaxy models will debut at the Brussels motor show in January to launch what Ford of Europe chairman John Fleming claims will be an exciting year for new product introductions.

'We've given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but beneath the skin is where the major changes have been made," he said.

'These are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from smaller displacements, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.'

The cars will have the company's new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203PS it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140PS, plus a new 163PS variant.

In addition, the Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford's large car range.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features also debuts on the cars, including a blind spot information system. Both vehicles feature significant design changes that include adoption of a fold flat system as standard for the second and third row of seats.

The S-Max high series models get a new multifunctional overhead console with extra stowage, sunglasses holder and child-watch mirror, and a new one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds.