THE new generation Ford Galaxy people shifter, which costs from £26,445, is being made available with all-wheel drive for the first time.

It is part of an expansion of vehicles available with AWD - first available on Kuga, now on the new Mondeo and S-MAX and due to be offered on the Edge SUV later this year.

And Ford is heralding the speed of a system that measures grip every 16 milliseconds - 20 times quicker than it takes to blink.

In fact it can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, and make required adjustments in just 100 milliseconds.

The company says that as it is Intelligent AWD, delivering torque only when needed, there is a minimal impact on fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.

The system is available with the 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, and the 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi unit and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

Also up for grabs is a 120PS version of the same powerplant as well as Ford's new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi bi-turbo diesel.

Petrol engine options include Ford's new 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and the entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards with CO2 emissions from 129g/km.

Trim grades are Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X, and all feature a new grille, slimline headlamps, seven full-size seats and advanced driver assistance technologies.

And family-friendly innovations include a feature that raises third row seats at the push of a button, while comfort is enhanced for front seat passengers with massaging seats.

Second and third row passengers benefit from up to 10mm more headroom than in the outgoing Galaxy and the third row seats are said to offer up to 40mm more headroom than key competitors.

Ford of Europe vice president Roelant de Waard said: "Families across Europe have grown up with the Galaxy. Customers are reassured by its ability to carry seven in first-class comfort and safety, and to constantly surprise with its unmatched versatility.

"The all-new Galaxy now delivers even more assurance with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, actively optimising traction for even smoother and more refined journeys."