Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Ford S-Max (above) and Galaxy (below right) – Click either for high-res image galleries

We can debate the relevance of the modern minivan in the North American market until the proverbial cows come home, but the fact remains that in Europe, the MPV still plays a vital role. Few know that as well as Ford does, and now the Blue Oval has unveiled mildly revised versions of its most important people-movers at the 2010 Brussels Auto Show.

Previewed in initial details and photos a full month ago, The visual tweaks to both the Galaxy and its sportier sibling, the S-Max, are admittedly minimal, but keep both looking fresh and in stride with Ford’s latest kinetic design language. LED daytime running lights and taillamps are part of the package, and there are a host of new interior trim options, complete with a new panoramic sunroof. Ford’s also offering a Blind-Spot Information System (cleverly abbreviated as BLIS), along with the new 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower, direct injection four-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine in addition to Duratorq diesels with 115 or 163 hp.

We took a ride in a pre-facelift S-Max on the way to the airport en route back from test driving the new Ford Fiesta in Tuscany and were suitably impressed, so any effort to keep it relevant is good in our books. That’s the short of it. If you want the long version, there’s a 70-page press release after the jump with all the information you never wanted to know about Ford’s latest European people haulers. And for your viewing pleasure, high-resolution image galleries of both are included below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford S-Max