New 2010 S-Max and Galaxy models, EcoBoost engines

In 2010 it is time for a facelift of the Ford S-Max and Galaxy. In addition to discrete visual updates they also features Ford's new engine family Ecoboost.

Ecoboost is gasoline engines using "downsizing" technology - i.e. smaller engine block but with greater efficiency and lower consumption. As the name suggests, ecoboost is related to turbochargers as in the popular in TDCI engines.

Ford starts however from the top of the hierarchy. The S-Max and Galaxy, the current 2.3-liter with automatic transmission and 161 horsepower replaced by a 2.0 Ecoboost with 203 horsepower. It becomes as standard combined with a dual-clutch gearbox called Powershift, which thus makes its entrance in Ford's big class.

The new engine and gearbox together improves fuel economy from 10.3 to 12.3 km per. liters - eventhough performance has been increased.

The Ecoboost engine in the 2.0 version will probably be available in a less powerful version, and when C-Max is launched later in 2010, we also see a smaller 1.6-Ecoboost with around 160 hp, and in 2011 following a small version of the new Focus.

Galaxy is a more spacious version of the S-Max, but is not nearly as popular. The facelift introduces improved diesel engine and customers can select between 115, 140 and 163 horsepowers. The 115 version can run 17.5 km per. liters.

Ford does not tell whether the S-Max and Galaxy will be offered with some of the "old" gasoline engines.

Other news on the big multi-car is the possibility of Volvo's BLIS system, which warns of vehicles in the blind spot, a new electric child security rear doors and a new quality sound system.

Overall score:

S-Max, 85%
Galaxy, 80%

We think:
The new Ford models are excellent money-for-value and the increased fuel economy has been awaited for some time for these larger models. If you have 3 children or less go for the S-Max, families with 4 children should buy the Galaxy instead as the seating is slightly better on the third row.