Geneva preview: Ford’s funky new MPVs

Newswheel staff :: 21 February 2006 :: Filed under MPV / People carrier, Ford, Ford Galaxy, Ford S-Max, Europe & UK,

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Two sizes fit all

Ford has pulled the wraps off its new MPV pairing, the Galaxy and S-Max. Yup, both cars are clearly built on the same basic architecture (they’re structurally identical from the B pillar forward). And they’re both chips off the SAV concept block (that’s the show car Ford wheeled out at last year’s Geneva shindig). But courtesy of some wheelbase tweaking and careful engine selection, Ford is pitching the two models at very different target markets.

Ford has dropped the five-cylinder turbo lump from the Focus ST into the S-Max

In simple terms, think sporty for the S-Max and practical for the Galaxy. Thanks to a shorter wheelbase and tighter overall dimensions, the S-Max is more faithful to Ford’s new “kinetic” design philosophy as presaged on the SAV concept. And fitted with the same 2.5-litre Volvo-sourced five pot engine as seen in the Focus ST (and specced up with firmer suspension settings and a lower centre of gravity than the new Galaxy), it’s also likely to be the sharper driving tool. But don’t get the wrong idea – this is still a big machine. As well as offering optional seating for up to seven, the S-Max is actually longer and wider than the old Galaxy MPV.

What’s more, Ford’s new FoldFlatSystem allows the second and (optional) third rows of seats to be folded entirely flat into the floor. A slide-out cargo floor is also available as an option on five-seat S-Max models.

The new Galaxy is  nearly five metres long and comes standard  in seven-seater config

As for the Galaxy, it’s a seriously big beast and comes as standard as a full seven seater. Overall length is up by 6cm over the S-Max to around 4.8 metres and even with all the rear seats occupied it offers at least 435 litres of luggage capacity. Knock those rear seats flat and you’re looking at a slightly silly 2,345 litres of stowage.

Both cars share the same basic dashboard design and are fitted as standard with Ford’s new HMI (Human Machine Interface) steering wheel-mounted toggle switches. Other than the fact the fact that HMI is Ford’s answer to the likes of iDrive from BMW and M-B’s COMAND system, it’s not clear yet exactly what functionality it offers. Whatever, the S-Max and Galaxy are offered with largely the same engine range, populated mostly with four-pot oil burners, the most powerful of which is the 2.0-litre TDCi offering 137bhp.

Spot the difference: New Galaxy top, S-Max bottom. Both receive Ford’s new HMI control interface

Both models are also available with the 143bhp Duratec 2.0-litre petrol lump, but that 2.5-litre turbo five is exclusive to the S-Max. Oh, and you can order a Panorama glass roof option on either the S-Max or Galaxy, too. After their Geneva debut next week, both cars will go on sale later this year. We’ll update with prices when we get ‘em.

P.S. if you’re wondering how close the S-Max really is to the original SAV concept of 12 months ago…