2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
Ford has redesigned its S-Max and Galaxy family carriages. A fresh design and new assistance systems, new diesel and gasoline engines as well as a dual clutch transmission should upgrade the two vans.
By Sebastian Viehmann
Vans have disappeared a little in the SUV thicket of the last few years, but there is still plenty of choice among classic family carriages. Ford has three options in its program: the 4.4 meter long C-Max as a competitor for VW Touran, Citroën C4 or Renault Scénic, the 4.7 meter long S-Max as an opponent of the Renault Grand Scénic or Mazda 5 and finally the 4.8 meter long Galaxy, which competes in the same market segment as VW Sharan or Renault Espace. After the new C-Max, the Cologne-based company is now also introducing the refreshed versions of the S-Max and Galaxy. They will be presented at the European Motor Show in Brussels in January. As before, the production of both cars will take place in Belgium.
EcoBoost engine family
Ford has stirred a lot under the hood. The S-Max and Galaxy are the first models of the group in Europe to receive the new EcoBoost engine family. The turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engines should "draw more power from less displacement and combine this with impressively low fuel consumption and low carbon dioxide emissions," says Ford Europe boss John Fleming. The two-liter engine is equipped as standard with the new dual-clutch automatic transmission called PowerShift and has an output of 149 kW (203 hp) at 5,500 tours. The maximum torque is 300 Newton meters.
Also used in the USA
With this engine, the Ford S-Max accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.5 seconds (Galaxy: 8.8 seconds), the top speed is 221 km / h (Galaxy: 217 km / h). Compared to the old 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 160 hp, the EcoBoost unit should require less fuel and the S-Max should achieve an average consumption of 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers. EcoBoost engines are also used at Ford in the USA, where they are optimized for constant gliding at low speeds on the highways.
With manual six-speed switch
Something is also happening with the diesel engines. The diesel engines from S-Max and Galaxy now all meet the Euro-5 emissions standard. The two-liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder units are available in three output levels: 85 kW (115 PS), 103 kW (140 PS) and, for the first time, also with 120 kW (163 PS). The power transmission is handled by a manual six-speed gearbox. According to the factory, the average consumption is 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. The current diesel models from S-Max and Galaxy still have an average thirst between 6.0 and 6.7 liters. The automatic PowerShift dual clutch transmission is optionally available for the new diesels with 140 and 163 hp.
Vision improvement
Also new on board are assistance systems such as the BLIS known from Ford partner Volvo, which warns of cars in the blind spot when changing lanes. The cruise control can now be used as a limiter, as you are used to from Renault or Mercedes: If you preselect a certain speed, it will no longer be exceeded unintentionally. The taillights and - depending on the equipment - the daytime running lights are made using LED technology, as is the interior lighting. A reversing camera is on board for an additional charge. You can no longer fill up with the wrong fuel: The "EasyFuel" system prevents you from filling the tank with gasoline instead of diesel, for example. As usual with facelifts, the interior of the vans has also been redesigned. This includes a small overhead console with additional storage space or an electric panoramic glass roof. Ambient lighting on the tailgate should make loading easier in the dark.
Optics changed only marginally
The visual changes are more subtle in both the S-Max and the Galaxy. The most eye-catching feature is the new grill with the daytime running lights on the S-Max that extend up to the fenders. The market launch of the two refreshed family vans is planned for the second half of 2010. Ford has not yet given any information about the prices. The current S-Max starts at 27,900 euros, the Galaxy at 29,650 euros.
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