FirstDrive/Ford Galaxy and Ford S-Max: Ford's new MPVs, the Galaxy and the S-Max seem to be designed to compete with each other. Daniel Attwood reports
Ford has launched two distinctly different MPVs - the latest, but still conservative, Galaxy and the sportier S-Max - both of which are spawned from the same basic platform and reveal Ford's latest 'kenetic design' that will feature on its future models.
It was always certain that Ford would continue with its flagship Galaxy, which has remained a strong seller in its segment since it was launched in 1995.
This latest offering remains faithful to the traditional MPV format and offers a more luxurious and comfort orientated ride than the harder, sportier S-Max. The Galaxy has seven seats as standard and retains the boxy look that buyers expect.
The S-Max on the other hand is targeted at the younger buyer, who still needs space but wants a more involving drive. "I don't see the S-Max as an MPV," claimed Jens Ludmann, the chief programme engineer. "It is stylish, more like a wagon; it is lower than an MPV and has a sporting character so that it attracts a different customer group to the Galaxy."
The designer of the two new models, Geoff Gardiner, explained Ford's reasoning for introducing two MPVs a little better: "The Galaxy has more space and comfort, it is for long distance travel. The S-Max however is an object of desire not just of need."
Whatever the marketing talk, the facts show that the S-Max shares much of the same architecture and technology with its Galaxy brother, although it sits some 69mm lower and is 50mm shorter. It is also offered with just five seats, although the majority of buyers are expected to opt for the additional two rear seats offered at a premium of about €700. Essentially this means there are two Ford seven-seat MPVs coming onto the market at the same time, one of which - the S-Max - will be priced at €3,000 less than the other.
This presents something of a dilemma for MPV buyers. While Ford has the edge over its one-time partner VW with the early introduction of this new Galaxy (the new Sharan doesn't arrive until 2008), buyers are still going to be asking which of these Ford MPVs best suits them.
If you intend to carry seven adults often then the Galaxy is the one, as the S-Max is essentially a part-time seven-seater with the rear two seats suitable only for short journeys or short people. The Galaxy also offers more internal space, both over the S-Max and the outgoing model. Indeed, there's a 30 per cent increase in load area with all seats upright, which means two suitcases can be stowed behind the third-row.
The Galaxy, which does not arrive until later this summer, also benefits from more comfortable furnishing such as captain's chairs up front, and rear passengers will prefer its 'waterfall floor' that means each row of seats is set higher than the one in front for improved visibility.
On the other hand, the S-Max, which arrives here first in June and will sit in the Ford line up between the C-Max and Galaxy, offers a more engaging drive. Unfortunately, on the first drive offered to journalists by Ford, the only S-Max available was the range-topping 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol model, which will not be available in Ireland.
However, it is clear even while driving this range-topper that the S-Max will appeal to the driver and add this to its practicality and price differential, and those considering an MPV have an interesting choice. As Ford executives point out, there are now 90,000 households in Ireland with four or more children, which means there is still a significant untapped market for MPVs.
Both models feature Ford's FlatSystem, which enables the second and third row seats to be folded flat to the floor without having to remove them.
Specification on the entry S-Max is high, with little to separate it from the base LX Galaxy. Both come with air con and other toys like 6-speaker remote CD, heated windscreen and front fogs, as well as safety equipment that includes driver and passenger airbags and first and second row side airbags.
Ford is also introducing its second-generation adaptive cruise control, which uses radar to judge the proximity and speed of vehicles in front and will slow or speed the car to suit. While it will not bring the car to a stop it is impressive.
Whatever they finally opt for, the majority will choose Ford's diesel engines from the 1.8-litre 100bhp to the 2.2-litre 170bhp. The MPV just got a little more crowded and some could say a little more confusing.
FORD GALAXY
ON SALE: July 2006
MODEL: Seven-seat MPV
ENGINES: 2.0-litre145bhp petrol; 1.8-litreTDCi diesel engine producing either 100bhp or 125bhp; 2.0-litre TDCi 130bhp or 145bhp diesel; and 2.2-litre TDCi 170bhp diesel
TRANSMISSION: Five-speed or six-speed manual depending on engine choice
LOAD AREA: 2.0x1.15m with rear seats folded flat
PRICE: Estimated to start at €35,000+
FORD S-MAX
ON SALE: June 2006
MODEL: Five-seat MPV (optional seven seat)
ENGINES: 2.0-litre145bhp petrol; 1.8-litreTDCi 125bhp diesel; and 2.0-litre TDCi producing 130bhp and145bhp diesel
TRANSMISSION: Five-speed or six-speed manual depending on engine choice
LOAD AREA: 2.0x1.15m with rear seats folded flat
PRICE: Estimated to start at €32,000