The new Ford new S-MAX and Galaxy ranges have been launched here, and particularly interesting is the launch price for the new S-Max at just under €30,000.
The new models have had a range of interior and exterior design changes and also feature the new, high efficiency 2.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine. An improved version of the TDCi 2.0 litre engine is also included in the range for both vehicles.
The new S-MAX is available in Ireland in three trim levels: Zetec, Titanium and Titanium S, while the line-up will also feature a special launch model for €29,995 with steel wheels, front electric windows, manual air conditioning, cruise control and ESP. That’s nearly €2,000 less than the entry level S-MAX which Ford introduced in 2006 and with a higher specification. This price may also attract people to move from the standard CD segment cars to a stylish MPV.
The entry level standard specification on the Zetec version includes 16” 5x3-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning with dual-zone electronic automatic temperature contro, sports style front seats, electric front and rear windows, cruise control, Ford's intelligent protection system, and Ford's 'easy fuel' capless refuelling system.
Similarly, the new Galaxy is available in three trim levels: Zetec; Ghia; and Titanium, and the standard specification details for the entry level Zetec version are similar to the S-Max. That includes 16” 5-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lights, silver-finish roof rail system, rear privacy glass, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors, electric windows front and rear, and similar air conditioning, as well as similar Ford's IPS and easy fuel capless refuelling system.
Available as standard across the S-MAX and Galaxy range is the new adjustable speed limiter device which is another new driver assistance system being given its debut in the 2010 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy range. It was designed to help drivers avoid exceeding certain speeds unintentionally. It will not only help keep the driver from breaking legal speed limits, but also help them avoid reaching speeds they personally consider inappropriate.
Another first, this time as an option on both in the range, is the new blind spot information system. This radar-based facility encourages drivers to be even more conscientious in checking over their shoulders by warning of vehicles in their blind spot areas.
In line with all segments, the MPV market is well down in Ireland. However, as market leaders in MPVs, Ford predicts a bright future for stylish, functional and well-built seven-seaters. And Ford certainly has upped the ante with the introduction of the new S-Max and Galaxy, which tick all the boxes and more.
