FORD has radically altered its best-selling Galaxy MPV line-up by cutting prices on most models, slashing trim choice and dropping the 2.0-litre 115PS petrol engine from the range while introducing a 'sporty' Zetec model. Until now the Galaxy range has consisted of five trims - Aspen, GLX, Ghia, Ghia X and Si models - priced from £18,380 on-the-road for the Aspen 1.9 TD 90PS manual to £26,380 on-the-road for the Ghia X 2.8 174PS 4x4.

The new range comprises LX, Zetec and Ghia models powered by a choice of 145PS 2.3-litre or 2.8 174PS CD-V6 petrol engines or 1.9 88PS or 110PS turbodiesels. Prices now start at £18,200 on-the-road for the 2.3-litre LX Galaxy and rise in £1,500 increments to the range-topping 2.8i V6 4x4 automatic costing £25,700, with automatic and diesel options available at a £1,000 premium over manual petrol-engined models.

The new Zetec comes with a choice of 2.3-litre petrol - unique to the Galaxy - or 1.9-litre TD 110PS and has 16in alloy wheels, front fog lamps, black-gloss front grille and tailgate surround, ABS brakes and heated, electric door mirrors. The Ghia has a six-CD autochanger, cruise control and all-round electric windows with global closing. Heated front seats, dual air conditioning and a volume sensing alarm are also standard on the Ghia V6 model.

Standard equipment across the new Galaxy line-up includes seven seats, air conditioning, tinted privacy glass, roof rails, power steering, 'Quickclear' heated windscreen and electric front windows. The Galaxy is the best-selling MPV in its class in Britain with more than 12,000 units sold last year giving it a 25.7% market share. A Ford spokesman said the Galaxy changes followed similar model simplification initiatives on other Ford ranges and the new line-up would see the Galaxy through to at least the end of next year.