First look: Ford lays S-Max and Galaxy bare

FORD has chosen the Geneva show to reveal a redesigned version of its full-sized Galaxy people-mover – alongside its uniquely styled sister model, the S-Max.

The first production Ford to feature the Blue Oval’s new "kinetic" design language, the new Galaxy is 179mm longer (at 4820mm), 60mm wider (1854mm), 14mm lower (1676mm) and rides on 59mm and 81mm-wider front and rear wheel tracks.

Thanks to its new FoldFlatSystem (FFS), the second-generation Galaxy offers 30 per cent more luggage space (now 435 litres) with all seven seats in use, and a total of 2325 litres with the rear two rows folded.

Apart from an optional "panorama roof" and full-length overhead console, Galaxy now offers kneebags to go with its side and side curtain airbags, a new Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) active suspension system with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) and ESP stability control, the Hill-Launch-Assist (HLA) anti-rollback feature, Ford’s new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) and Collision Mitigation by Braking (CMB) systems. Someone has also been working overtime on acronyms, too! In Europe, Galaxy engines will include five Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel engines, comprising 74kW and 92kW 1.8-litre versions, and 96kW, 103kW and 107kW 2.0-litre versions.

The 5+2-seater S-Max version, which also offers lower sports suspension, will be powered by the Focus ST’s 222hp 2.5-litre five-cylinder Duratec turbo petrol engine, plus a 107kW 2.0-litre petrol four and three TDCi engines.