01 Mar 06
Ford showed of both the new Galaxy and S-Max MPVs at the Geneva Motor Show. Although both cars are based on the same platform - that of the next Mondeo - and both seat seven, each car is designed for a specific purpose and the only exterior parts shared are the bonnet and headlights.
The S-Max is designed to be the sporty one of the pair, sitting some 69mm lower than the Galaxy and has tuned suspension for 'more precise ride and handling'. It'll cost from £16,767 when it goes on sale in the UK in June.
Engines on offer are the five-cylinder 2.5 (220bhp) as in the Focus ST, the 2.0-litre (145bhp) Duratec unit and the 1.8 TDCi (125bhp) and 2.0 TDCi (140bhp) diesels. All bar the 2.0 petrol come with six-speed manual transmission as standard.
All versions will come with front and rear curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, flat-folding rear seats for both rear rows, a CD player, heated/electrically adjustable door mirrors, heated windscreen and washers, an alarm, electric tailgate release, front foglights, air conditioning, electric front windows and a trip computer.
Zetec models (from £19,072) add five-spoke 16" alloy wheels, automatic temperature control, rear electric windows, power-adjustment and lumbar support for the driver's seat, sports-shaped front seats, seat-back fold-down trays, a leather steering wheel and gear knob and reading and vanity lights.
Versions badged Titanium (from £20,572) add a six-CD autochanger, 17" alloys, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, underseat storage, front and rear carpet mats, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and tinted glass.
Fords headline unveiling in Geneva is probably the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet (see separate story), but theres one other unsung hero on its stand which again, will sell in far greater numbers than the front-page stars. The Transit van has been overhauled for 2006, with an all-new engine line-up (six diesels and one petrol), a coded locking system with rechargeable, waterproof ignition fob, standard ABS and the option of leather trim, Bluetooth kit, cruise control, sat nav, and items beyond the expectations of most white van men. Its offered with front- or rear-wheel drive, dozens of different body sizes and styles, a heavy-duty front axle, up to three rows of seats and with huge luggage space. Sales start this summer, and Ford expects to build at least 240,000 a year.
