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Ford's safety boosts

New technology which warns about blindspots and speeding are now part of company's two flagship models

Martin Brennan

Safety first: new technology to aid drivers in the new Galaxy car

Interior of Galaxy car

The S-MAX models which also have the added features

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Ford has come up with new technology for their top vehicles, the S-MAX and Galaxy, to make driving safer. Two flagship models now offer a Blindspot Information System and an Adjustable Speed Limiter device.

The BLIS is a radar-based unit that warns drivers to be on the lookout for vehicles coming from behind in their blindspot areas which can be a lifesaver in high speed lane driving on motorways. The ASLD, a unit designed to help drivers avoid exceeding fixed speeds unintentionally.

The new technology was announced by Ford chairman and managing director, Eddie Murphy, at the launch of the new 2010 versions of the S-MAX and Galaxy models. He said that the new S-MAX, which now has more equipment than the model launched in 2006, comes to market at a price that is now €2,000 cheaper. The plan is to woo motorists out of the luxury level cars into Ford's seven-seater model. The introductory offer is a fiver short of €30,000 for the two-litre diesel version which comes with ESP, air conditioning and cruise control.

The new keen price for the S-MAX should see a renewed interest in the model and there are now 13 versions on offer in three trim levels with engine power output ranging from 115 bhp to 160 bhp. The Titanium versions with more kit on board start at €34,095 and alongside the higher-powered diesel engines is an EcoBoost two-litre petrol engine with a powerful 203 bhp output which comes with a fuel saving Powershift automatic dual clutch six-speed transmission. This model with automatic headlights and wipers starts at €40,690 and adds 17" alloy wheels. The Galaxy range also has an EcoBoost engine on offer but here again there is a tax penalty pushing it into the E tax bracket which means high road tax and an ex-works sticker price of €53,180. The diesel version Galaxy models stars at €40,295 and there are three trim levels with the entry level Zetec getting rear privacy glass, roof rails, automatic temperature control and Ford's Intelligent Protection system.

Ford plan to sell 500 of the new models next year. Murphy said he believes that there is a future for seven-seater vehicles in the Irish market as the healthy birth rate of the Celtic Tiger would ensure a stream of customers with three and more children over the next 5 to 10 years.