Ford Focus ST 2.0 Reviewed

Ford’s ST range has become an icon in the hot hatch segment, and the new range continues to build on this legacy. I recently drove the 2013 Ford Focus ST.

Exterior - unmistakably Ford Focus

The new 4-door Ford Focus has a bulky, chiseled chassis, and though a hatch, is by no means a small car. This gives the car a very powerful look and instills a feeling of invincibility while driving. My test car came in Tangerine Scream, the newest addition to Ford’s rather ostentatious orange-palette. This is arguably the most unique and eye catching colour on the road and, coupled with the tank-like chassis and the letters “ST” scrawled across the rear of the car, mean that you are guaranteed to be noticed.

An enigmatic interior

The interior space of the Focus is still a conundrum to me, managing to create a somewhat intimate and almost claustrophobic feeling for the driver in what is rather a large space; on attempt, I struggled to place both elbows comfortably on the armrests simultaneously… they were simply too far away. This tight feeling is created by the acute angle of the sloping windscreen and snug bucket seats.

The back seat has ample space, seating three average sized adults comfortably, and the boot can only be described as cavernous. There is then, no shortage of space in the Focus.

Focus on technology

The new Focus ST comes with plenty of gadgetry to enhance the driving experience. The keyless entry and driving system is rather nifty, and is especially helpful when carrying items to and from the car. The interior dashboard is full of buttons and dials, resembling the cock-pit of a fighter plane, and it appears as if there is nothing you cannot do in the car. For the most part I ignored the dash as it felt like there was simply too much on it, which was rather intimidating and ironically, as touched on above, it also felt too far away. There are shortcut buttons on the steering-wheel to access the onboard computer, but these were oddly placed and difficult to use while driving.

Unleashing the Focus ST

The new Ford Focus ST is a beast. With a 2.0 litre engine, 184Kw and a six speed gear box, putting your foot down results in the car jerking forward with such unbridled enthusiasm, that keeping the gears ticking over becomes a challenge. Gear-up too slowly, a rather common occurrence, and the car feels wobbly and uncontrollable. Accelerating in the ST can be likened to taking an excitable Rottweiler for a run, it simply wrenches you along. This feeling passes as you get into the higher gears, and the Focus ST begins to glide.

It’s no secret, the Focus ST is built for speed, and this it handles wonderfully. The braking on this Ford is also phenomenally sharp, and takes a lot of getting used to. On my initial drives, anything left on my leather seats invariably ended up on the floor due to my rather ambitious use of the brake pedal.

All in all, the new Focus is immensely fun to drive, and being an ST, the biggest challenge is trying to stay within the local speed limit.  

Ford Focus ST Conclusion

The Ford Focus ST speaks volumes about its owner and thus targets a very niche market. If you want a big, bold car with immense power and all the latest technology, the new Focus ST is definitely worth considering.

Quickspecs: Ford Focus ST vs Notable Competitors

	Ford Focus ST	VW Golf 7 GTI	Opel OPC
Price	R363,300	R368,300	R435,000
Engine size	2.0 Petrol	2.0 Petrol	2.0 Petrol
Power max	184Kw	162Kw	206Kw
Torque	360Nm	350Nm	400Nm
Acceleration (0-100km)	6.5s	6.5s	6.2s
Top speed	248Km/h	246Km/h	250Km/h
Fuel consumption	7.2l / 100km	6.0l / 100km	8.1l / 100km
Safety rating	5	5	5

Focus ST Rating

Performance - 5

Style - 3

Drive comfort - 4

Running Costs - 3

The Ford Mustang! What a beauty

Ford Mustang

There is something special about old school muscle cars. They exude both beauty and power. They represent freedom. Oh, and that's just looking at them. Driving one is another experience altogether, something that I hope everyone may experience in their lifetime.

I stumbled upon this article the other day: a tribute to muscle cars, and for a while I reminisced as I scanned the ample pictures of the Ford Mustangs of old. The final question was posed... Do you like old or new Ford Mustang? I think for me its a no brainer, old school is cool! Muscle cars for me will always be represented by the old school beauties, and while the new cars are lovely in their own regard, they do not hold the same nostalgic power over me.

I cant wait for the next muscle car day in South Africa, so that I can once more delight in the sights and sounds of good old school muscle cars, especially the Ford Mustang.

New car specials - February 2012

Cars.co.za have launched their South African new car specials for February 2012. This month there are a few interesting specials, including a few from Renault which include free items with the purchase of the vehicle.

Here is the complete list of new car specials available:

Ford specials
2012 Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente from R115 000
Includes a 3 year / 60 000 KM Service plan.

Lexus specials
2012 Lexus CT200h from R355 400
Includes an IPad or Galaxy tab of your choice

Nissan Specials
2012 Nissan NP200 Base model from R106 000
Excludes Service and delivery

Renault Specials
2012 Renault Sandero from R129 000
Includes 3 in 1 safely pack and shopping spree to the value of R2000

2012 Renault Clio S from R179 000
Includes 32" Plasma screen and DSTV installation

2012 Renault Megane Shake It
Includes free SPA day

Suzuki Specials
2012 Suzuki Swift from R148 900
Save up to R7000

Volkswagen Specials
2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Sedan Comfortline from R2 459.62 per month 


2012 Volkswagen Golf 6 1.4 TSi from R254 500
Includes 5 years / 90 000km maintenance plan


To view more information about these specials or to enquire with the relevant South African car dealerships, visit the Cars.co.za new car specials page.
  

Why I love my Ford Fiesta Flair 1.4i

As a student I was given my white Ford Fiesta Flair 1.4i. The car was a small hatchback, sporting two doors and a 1.4 litre fuel injected engine. Aesthetically it had the characteristics of a bubble, yet was neat enough. It was not the car of my dreams, it was not even the car I wanted, it was just a car... a means of getting from A to B. Who was I to deny myself that pleasure. So I gratefully accepted the gift bestowed up me and drove off into the sunset.

6 years and a lot of kilometres later I am still driving that very same Fiesta. Sure it has a huge dent in the bonnet and a couple of smaller dents at various intervals around the car. The heater is stuck on, the windscreen cracked and the window winder has broken in two. My speakers too have been distorted for the last few years and there is a somewhat disconcerting rattle from the back wheels.

On paper, this poor little Ford Fiesta is a disaster, surely not more than a few kilometres shy of the scrap yard. In reality however, it is an absolute dream. I can fill my petrol tank up for R400, which lasts me a couple of weeks when driving locally around Johannesburg, and can get me to within a stones throw of Durban when hitting the open road. The services are also very reasonable. Sure, I don't go to directly to Ford, but rather my local mechanic and it rarely costs me more than R1000 - R1500 per year to keep this little hatch running. Then there is the cost of car insurance, which is substantially lower than that of other cars I compared with. Not driving a recognised performance vehicle and not being highly sought after by the crime syndicates of the world definitely has its perks.

The true beauty of this car however, is not in the money it saves me alone, but also how we have bonded. Put anyone else in the driver's seat and what follows is a constant stream of complaints and abuse at the car. I however feel completely at home in that front seat - the acceleration is fast enough, in fact the car feels quite zippy. My arms have grown accustomed to the lack of power steering and all the above mentioned idiosyncrasies which would certainly deter a buyer (or thief for that matter) have become so normal to me, that I would struggle to function in a properly working vehicle. Add to this that rattles aside, the car runs like a dream and hasn't given me much trouble in the time we have spent together, and I am more than happy to drive my Ford Fiesta Flair for the foreseeable future.

Geely buys Volvo from Ford

Known as one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in China, Geely Holding Group have completed the acquisition of Volvo Car Corporation from Ford Motor Company.

Bismarck du Plessis sponsored with a new Ford Ranger

Ford have decided to give South African rugby star Bismarck du Plessis one of their new Ford Ranger bakkies as part of a new sponsorship deal.

Kelley Blue Book names its coolest cars under $18k

Kelley Blue Book, or just KBB for short, has long been the trusted source for book values for new and used cars. They have no recently released their list of what they believe are the coolest cars for under $18k which works out to around R144 000. Although you cant take that at face value, as the actual cost of the car once it has reached our shores it a lot more than that, but anyway, back to the list!

What exactly makes a car cool according to KBB? They take into consideration that x-factor, with emphasis on cool to own as well as cool to drive. This is obviously a very subjective list but they tried to not just consider the normal safety issues and the like but rather which cars are the most fun. While the list consisted of their top 10, here are the top 5, as no one really bothers with anything worse than 5th on a list anyway.

• 1 2011 Ford Fiesta
• 2 2010 Honda Civic
• 3 2010 Honda Fit
• 4 2010 Hyundai Elentra Touring
• 5 Kia Soul

Once again the 2011 Ford Fiesta comes up tops. Its great price tag along with its sporty and fun looks seem to be make it a favourite the world over. That added to its great fuel economy and style and you have an extremely well made car.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

2011 Ford Fiesta is the most economical car in its class

In an era that is dominated by being green and saving money, the 2011 Ford Fiesta has stepped up to the plate and has been named the most fuel efficient car in it's class. The Ford Fiesta has been given a rating of 40mpg (miles per gallon), which translates into around 17km per liter. This rating is given by the 'Environment Protection Agency' or EPA.

This rating of 40mpg puts the 2011 Ford Fiesta ahead of it's competitors regarding highway driving. At 40mpg it is 5mpg less than the Honda Fit and 4mpg less than the Toyota Yaris. The Fiesta is able to achieve this impressive fuel economy thanks to a number of fuel saving features. The engine is a 1.6 liter Duratec with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, a deceleration fuel shutoff and a system that reduces the power needed to run the aircon and alternator.

To further add to this mpg rating, the car is aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and has electric-power assisted steering. The transmission is a 6 speed automatic.

Source: Ford.

Ford Fiesta reaches milestone as 6-millionth car is produced

The Ford Fiesta has long been a favourite among new car buyers and youngsters looking to purchase their first car. The Fiesta has always been a small, fun, nippy compact car that oozes personality and a zest for life.

The Niehl assembly plant in Cologne has just completed it's 6-millionth Ford Fiesta, a truly impressive milestone for such a well selling car. The plant produces an amazing 1885 models each day, including Ford Fiesta and Fusion models.

This milestone is a testament to how popular the car has remained all these years. The total number of Ford Fiesta models sold comes to a staggering 13 Million since the car went in to production in Europe all the way back in 1976.

Good news for American car buyers is that the new 2011 Ford Fiesta is slated for release in their country!

Source: Ford

Ford teams up with DUB to showcase their new Mustang

In partnership with DUB magazine, Ford have unveiled a limited special edition of the 2011 Mustang. This comes as no surprise as the Mustang is the most customized car in the world, so Ford took this opportunity to showcase the Mustang to a new generation.

Being based on the 305hp Mustang V6, the gearbox will come in either automatic or manual 6-speed. The engine remains the same though but the wheels are now 20 inch and fitted with Pirelli tires. Colour options include: Grabber blue, Black, Race Red and Ignot Silver.

Many areas of the interior have been styled by Roush as well as the front fascia and splitter. The limited edition Dub Ford Mustang will be available this fall and will be offered in either coupe', convertible and glass roof.

Source: Ford

Ford's new Start Concept car revealed in Beijing

Ford chose the Beijing Auto Show to debut their new Ford Start concept car.

The new Ford Fiesta is the best selling car in Europe for March

Ford's impressive new Fiesta continues its great sales figures with another impressive month in Europe. The month of March proved to be a great one for Ford as their Fiesta became the best selling car in Europe, added to that was the news that the Fiesta is has been the best selling car in Europe for the first quarter of 2010.

Since the Ford Fiesta went on sale 18 months ago, Ford have sold 750 000 around the world. What is more impressive is how the Fiesta has shut out the Volkswagen Golf with greater sales figures in Europe. In March the Fiesta out-soled the Volkswagen Golf by almost 11 800 units. A truly impressive statistic based on just how popular the VW Golf and Polo models are around the world.

Source: Ford.

Massive sales increases in March for major car brands.

With the world-wide recession now clearly a thing of the past, three of the top car manufacturers have once again shown strong sales figures and growth for the month of March. These figures are somewhat deceptive as they are generally compared to March of 2009, which was obviously an atrocious year for the automotive market as global car sales dropped dramatically. However these figures are still impressive in their own right as they clearly show the full recovery the automotive market is marking and a positive future for these major brands.

Volkswagen


Volkswagen of America reported that their March sales included 22,148 car units which resulted in a 40.9% increase compared to the same month in 2009. The Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg proved to be very popular during this time with their economic pricing and clean diesel engines.

Ford



The Ford brand in America, which includes Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, also posted very strong sales figures for March 2010. The sales figures were up 37% for the quarter compared to the 2009 year. Ken Czubay, Ford vice president US Marketing Sales and Service, reported that it was due to Fords lineup of new vehicles that carried sales figures and that cars, utilities and trucks were all on the up.

Among the top achievers for Ford cars include: The Ford Fusion, the Ford Taurus and the Ford Focus. As for the utility market, the Ford Escape is up 52% in sales.

Audi



Following in the trend and not to be out-done, Audi posted their US sales stats that included a 33.5% increase from the same month in 2009. This increase also gave Audi a personal milestone of its best first-quarter sales since they began selling cars in the US. At the top of the list is the

Audi A5 which set an Audi single month sales record with an increase of 59.8% compared to March 2009. The Audi A3 also saw impressive increases with a jump of 100% sales compared to 2009 which was increased by the new A3 being named 2010 Green car of the year. Also among the top contenders were the: Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 which also saw big gains in sales.

What about used cars?

The used car market, like the new car market, has seen an increase in sales compared to 2009. The market is once again thriving with renewed confidence from used car buyers and generally more money available. As always find a range of used cars on Cars.co.za.

Source: VW, Ford, Audi

Ford Reaches Agreement to Sell Volvo Cars and Related Assets to Geely

28, 2010 – Ford Motor Company today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is $1.8 billion (U.S.), which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of $200 million (U.S.), and the remainder in cash. The cash portion of the purchase price will be adjusted at close for customary purchase price adjustments relating to pension deficits, debt, cash and working capital, the net effect of which could be a significant decrease in the cash proceeds to Ford.

“Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.”

Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition, but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.

Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components.

As part of the sale, Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period to ensure a smooth separation process.

Ford and Geely have established agreements to govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and provide appropriate safeguards against misuse. These agreements also will allow Volvo Cars to grant sublicenses to certain portions of Ford’s intellectual property used by Volvo Cars to third parties, including Geely.

“The Volvo team has done an exceptional job of restructuring its business and remaining focused on delivering its plan during the sale process,” said Lewis Booth, Ford’s chief financial officer. “With Ford’s continued investment in Volvo, it has launched its best-ever product range and remained true to its core values – safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Cars, and wish the management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.”

“Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Ford’s stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely,” said Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, “The Volvo management team fully endorses Ford’s sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.

“Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars’ business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely, and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.”

Source: Ford

New Ford Fiesta offered in both four- and five-door body styles

Internationally acclaimed with more than half a million units sold worldwide, Ford's popular Fiesta compact is set for another debut at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show. The unveiling of the four-door Fiesta in ASEAN follows a whirlwind series of introductions for Ford's global compact that started in Europe one year ago and has progressively moved across the world.

The Fiesta's full arrival in ASEAN also signifies the continued role of Thailand as a global production hub for Ford Motor Company, where both the four- and five-door models will be produced for the ASEAN markets, with exports also planned for markets that include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Available in four- and five-door body styles, the new Fiesta will include a choice of two E20-capable petrol powertrains and a comprehensive list of features for safety, connectivity and technology.

The new Ford Fiesta will be available in Thailand at all Ford showrooms in August.



Fun and fuel efficient

Whether it's the standard 1.4-litre manual or available 1.6-litre equipped with Ford's six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, Fiesta delivers on both spirited performance and fuel efficiency. Vehicles with PowerShift also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control as standard.

The standard I-4 is more than capable with 69 KW at 5750 rpm, while the larger 1.6-litre engine provides 87 KW at 6000 rpm. Combined fuel economy ratings, to be announced during the introduction of the new Fiesta, are expected to be among the class leaders when the model goes on sale.

The 1.6-litre engine utilises Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that optimises camshaft phasing for exceptional throttle response, performance and flexibility across the rpm range.

With both the manual and automatic transmissions, gear ratios have been selected to provide spirited acceleration characteristics

Drivers opting for the larger engine also will benefit from the new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of an automatic that is preferred in busy urban traffic. Often found in larger, more premium cars, the availability of a six-speed automatic in a small car signals Ford's commitment to offer the latest vehicle technology across a spectrum of passenger cars.

Fiesta is the first Ford small car in the region to be equipped with the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed combines the sportiness of a manual transmission and, with six forward gears, allows the engine to run at reduced speeds for better fuel economy and less wear and tear on the engine.

Source: Ford

All-new Ford Police Interceptor purpose-built to lead market

Ford reveals its all-new, purpose-built Police Interceptor sedan today, showcasing a car for law enforcement officials that will exceed the durability, safety, performance and fuel economy of the industry's leading police car – the Ford Crown Victoria – while also confirming production of a Police Interceptor utility vehicle.

Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, specifically designed and engineered an all-new Police Interceptor to handle the rigors of police work, including industry-leading powertrain, safety and technology innovations.

Ford will also add a second Police Interceptor to the lineup, a utility vehicle to provide customers a choice of the best vehicle to suit their needs. More details will be released in the third quarter of this year.



"Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that's as dynamic as it is durable," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford's Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, which provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

"Their feedback mattered to us," said Scott Tobin, Ford vehicle line director for cars and crossovers. "Safety and durability were at the top of their list. So safety and durability were at the top of ours."

Source: Ford

Ford, BMW and Nissan at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show

With the 80th Geneva International Motor Show just around the corner (Starting on the 4th of March) we can expect to see a host of new information regarding many of the top car brands from around the world. As a sneak peak, here is some information from Ford, BMW and Nissan regarding what they will be show casing at the event.

BMW

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides the appropriate setting for the European debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE. Based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, this concept car comes with all-electric drive and innovative electric storage technology optimising both the range the car is able to cover as well as its supreme standard of functionality.
The BMW Concept ActiveE thus combines emission-free motoring with four seats and luggage capacity of approximately 200 litres. With its agility and driving pleasure so typical of the brand, the car offers all the electro-mobility one would expect of a trendsetter like BMW.

Nissan Juke

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, where customers are uninspired by the lack of originality on offer, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style in a compact package.

It will be the third member of Nissan’s crossover family, reinforcing the company’s position as a pioneer of this increasingly popular configuration of vehicle.

The top of the range Juke will come with a new turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm.

The 1.6 direct injection turbo engine is available with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4-i system, updated to include torque-vectoring technology. As well splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle too, enhancing agility and reducing understeer when cornering.

Ford's All-new C-MAX range

The all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, which go on sale later this year, will provide two of Ford’s star attractions at the Geneva Motor Show, bringing new levels of style and desirability to the compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) market.

Ford’s C-segment MAV customers now have the choice of a 5-seat C-MAX or 7-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility. The interior of the 5-seat C-MAX is revealed for the first time at Geneva.

The all-new C-MAX cockpit will represent the next generation of Ford’s human machine interface (HMI) system. Key elements of this technology are two five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel, which control two main vehicle displays: one in the instrument cluster and the second mounted in a high position in the centre console. This simple, intuitive control system enables the driver to operate the key vehicle features while keeping both hands on the wheel, and with a minimum of distraction.

“The launch of the new C-MAX range is highly significant, and shows customers worldwide that they can expect some truly exciting designs as we roll out our new global range of medium cars,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. ”The new C-MAX is just the start – with the next-generation Focus coming quickly after, we look forward to revealing more of the story in the very near future.”

Source: BMW, Ford, Nissan

Brussels debut for new S-MAX and Galaxy models

COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe will unveil new versions of its top-selling S-MAX and Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show on January 13.

With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford's kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver-focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy models kick off a busy year for new product introductions from Ford of Europe but, more significantly, herald the arrival of a series of new and innovative technologies and features that, as they are introduced throughout the year, will challenge established perceptions of what Ford cars feel like to sit in and drive.

"We've given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made," said John Fleming, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story."

These are the first cars to be available with Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford's large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

With the new S-MAX and Galaxy, Ford's design team has achieved significant changes to enhance each vehicle's individual and expressive kinetic design styling.

The S-MAX has been updated with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille.

From the side, S-MAX is instantly recognisable and now stands out even more with its window profile enhanced by a chrome strip, which surrounds the whole glass area to enhance the car's sleek and sporty lines.

The rear of new S-MAX has also been re-designed with a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a lower fascia, and new LED tail lights that extend deep into the rear side flanks, creating an even stronger athletic appearance.

The new Galaxy also features a re-designed frontal section, which emphasises its 'first class travel' appeal and, along with a number of significant other detail revisions, enhance its role as Ford's luxurious, full-size seven seat people mover.

A new, more sculptured, bonnet combines with the Galaxy's new front fascia design – which incorporates a bolder lower trapezoidal grille with inserts featuring subtle chrome bars - and new-look fog lights to emphasise the Ford 'kinetic design' influence. Ghia and Titanium models are differentiated further with chrome bars in the upper grille as well.

The roof incorporates new bolder integrated silver rails for cross bars, while at the rear, distinctive new LED lights and body-coloured lower fascia are standard equipment. Ghia and Titanium series models also receive additional chrome detailing on the side mouldings and door handles.

As with the revised exterior, real attention to detail and high quality execution are key to the new interiors for both models. Carefully balanced new colour and material choices deliver a luxurious and dynamic feel, which helps differentiate the individual personality of each model to meet particular customer tastes and requirements.

COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe will unveil new versions of its top-selling S-MAX and Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show on January 13.

With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford's kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver-focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

"We've given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made," said John Fleming, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story."

These are the first cars to be available with Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford's large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

The S-MAX has been updated with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille.

Source: Ford