Next Generation Ford Galaxy

Press Release

New Ford Galaxy

A stylish new exterior, a transformed interior and improved powertrains for the new Ford Galaxy are supplemented by a comprehensive increase in refinement and a list of technological features and options more usually associated with a luxury executive saloon. The new Galaxy will be one of the first vehicles in Europe, for example, to offer an advanced multi-media entertainment system.

“A consistent best-seller, the Ford Galaxy has helped fuel the remarkable growth of a whole new market segment,” said Nick Scheele, Chairman, Ford Europe. ”Now with the new Galaxy, we’re building on that success to give our customers more of the things they want, like greater refinement and extra features. At the same time, the new model stands out unmistakably from others in the segment.”

More distinctive looks and upmarket features

The redesigned Ford Galaxy exterior has sleeker and more distinctive lines as well as gaining the latest Ford 'family’ identity, notably in the dramatic headlamps and front grille. The sophisticated and all-new interior design marks a radical departure for Ford, with a crisp, geometric look to the dashboard and extensive use of fine-patterned ‘technical’ graining and metallic highlights.

The executive-style credentials for the Ford Galaxy range now include a new, more powerful V6 engine complete with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), two advanced, high pressure fuel injection diesel engines, automatic ‘Select-Shift’ transmissions with sequential manual changing capability, anti-lock brakes as standard and more supportive new seats (leather optional), as well as air-conditioning, and driver and passenger airbags standard on every model.

The new Ford Galaxy is available in three series, to suit a wide variety of customer budgets and lifestyles, from the accessible value of LX, to the sporty refinement of Zetec or the luxury of Ghia.

The extensive list of upmarket new options includes side airbags (standard on Ghia), high intensity xenon headlights with retractable headlight washers, parking distance sensor front and rear (standard on Zetec and Ghia), advanced navigation system, plus the unique multi-media system which offers video playback and computer games display on state-of-the-art screens in the rear of the front-row headrests.

“Over and above the impressive individual features, though, our aim was to increase the car’s refinement in every aspect,” said Andrew Pollitt, Ford Galaxy chief programme engineer. “That demanded meticulous attention to detail everywhere. You may never consciously notice individual touches like the co-ordination of the interior trim, the overall fit-and-finish precision, or the matching of the audio unit buttons with the others in the centre console. But we believe that customers will nevertheless recognise and appreciate the overall impression of quality that such care generates.”

Fresh and individual new exterior design

The restyled Ford Galaxy exterior includes a new bonnet, front wings, bumpers and tailgate. As well as providing fresh and distinctive front and rear views, the new design also appears to stretch the vehicle in side view, emphasising the elegant and car-like look without compromising the one-box shape. Fresh details like the slimmer front grille and the tear-shaped headlights also make a major contribution to the new appearance.

”The unique headlights characterise so much of what the Ford design team wanted to achieve with this car,” said Andrew Pollitt. ”The lamps have real distinction and immediate visual appeal, but look closer and you’ll see tremendous craftsmanship in the beautiful detailing of the reflector housings. Functionally, they deliver a more even spread of light to help the driver at night, while for those who want to be at the cutting edge of technology, we have the high performance xenon option.”

New interior delivers premium appearance and quality

The redesigned interior of the new Ford Galaxy delivers improved practicality in a stylish, premium quality package. The focal point is the radical new dashboard, with its purposeful new steering wheel. This features a fine pyramid-pattern ‘technical’ grain finish and metallic spokes, surface treatments echoed throughout the interior and which contribute significantly to the contemporary feel.

“The car introduces a new surface language for Ford interior design,” said Gert Hohenester, Ford Galaxy chief designer. ”The dashboard has a crisp and decisive look, with very controlled use of geometric curves, such as the way the top rolls gently right through to the windscreen. The elliptical inset on top of the dash adds visual distinction, while small details like the end-caps to the air-vent barrels have been considered just as carefully.”

The seats are now more comfortable and stowage opportunities have been increased, notably with the two handy boxes incorporated neatly into the top of the dash. Large enough to hold a variety of items with ease, the boxes have satisfying details such as the positive action of the release catches, damped opening mechanisms and soft-feel linings.

High technology for new powertrains

The flagship engine for the revised Ford Galaxy range is a new 24-valve, 204 PS 2.8-litre V6 which delivers 17 per cent more power than its predecessor. As a result, the 0-62mph time drops from 11.8 to 9.9 seconds while average fuel consumption is cut by eight percent.

Two new, 1.9-litre diesel options - in 90 PS and 115 PS variants - feature high pressure fuel injection technology to deliver outstanding torque, as well as reducing both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. The engine line-up is completed by Ford’s smooth and flexible 2.3-litre DOHC, now with improvements to driveability, exhaust emissions and overall quietness. Advanced transmissions for the new Ford Galaxy include six-speed manuals and four- and five-speed ‘Select-Shift’ automatic transmissions, which allow sequential manual gear-changes if required.

A major innovation in driving dynamics for any vehicle in this class is the new Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fitted as standard on V6 Ford Galaxy models, and optional with the 115 PS diesel engine. The system detects a loss of driver control under extreme conditions and uses braking and throttle control to re-establish stability.

The new Ford Galaxy continues to set the class standard for an outstanding combination of steering precision, handling and ride comfort. Steering feel has been improved, the suspension set-up optimised to suit the new engines, and the V6 Galaxy has also been equipped with larger brakes, to handle the higher engine power. A Sports Pack option (sports suspension, performance bumpers, side skirts) is also available.