Next Generation Ford Galaxy

Next Generation Ford Galaxy Debut at IAA

Future of Space and Luxury

September 13, 2005 7:18 AM
Filed Under: American, Ford

Press Release

Future of Space and Luxury

 

 

Ford is giving visitors to the Frankfurt Motor Show a glimpse into the future for its largest people carrier, the Ford Galaxy.

 

An entirely new Ford Galaxy is on track for launch in the middle of 2006, and its design direction is being previewed exclusively at the Show this September. True to its function and elegant in execution, the Galaxy showcar is designed to emphasise comfort and luxury while providing spacious accommodation for up to seven people.

 

The new model will also blend Ford's well-renowned characteristics of supreme driving quality with high levels of interior sophistication, innovative stowage solutions and the very latest technology.

 

A key new model for Ford of Europe

 

The new generation Ford Galaxy will be the first full-size people carrier developed entirely using in-house Ford of Europe expertise. Developed by Ford's European Product Development team and due to be built at Ford's Genk plant in Belgium, this vehicle will be a key product for Ford of Europe.

 

It builds on the success of the current joint-venture model, and in particular the strengths that have made the Ford Galaxy such as success.

 

Galaxy sits at the top of Ford's European model range, alongside the recently enhanced Ford Mondeo and soon to be joined by the production version of the Ford SAV Concept.

 

The SAV Concept was seen at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show in March, and in June was confirmed as the basis for an additional new Ford of Europe carline, also to be launched in 2006.

 

Designed for a specific customer

 

"As we look to introduce a new generation of Ford Galaxy, we have in mind a very specific customer. That is someone who may already own a Ford Galaxy and knows what they want from this type of vehicle," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "Our goal with a new Galaxy will be to offer a true seven seat vehicle that provides the product values this core customer group desires. As you can see from this preview model, all the elements are coming into place, from the refined exterior design to an unprecedented level of interior room and functionality. We think this vehicle will excel in this highly competitive segment."

 

The preview model shows how a new full-size people mover can continue to build the "travel first class" mantle currently expressed by Ford Galaxy. Ford designers are creating a vehicle that emphasizes visually these key values of luxury, space and flexibility.

 

Design philosophy emphasises space and luxury

 

"The next Galaxy, like the Ford SAV Concept, will feature elements of our evolving 'kinetic' design philosophy," said Smith. "They reflect style with substance, and help to express the vehicle's dynamic driving capabilities."

 

Full exterior surfaces spanning taut dynamic lines are distinct elements of Ford's new design language and are evident in the Frankfurt showcar.

 

A high roofline is incorporated into this form language to provide the interior headroom and excellent all-round visibility expected by large people carrier customers.

 

It employs Ford's overtly pronounced wheelarch lips and strong shoulders to provide a balanced side view that sets off the generous, glassy appearance of the passenger cabin. 18-inch alloy wheels help to provide a solid stance of the vehicle viewed from the side.

 

Distinctive new look

 

The front of the new Galaxy preview model has a characteristic angled nose combined with a distinctive new Ford headlamp shape, emphasizing the fresh new Ford face.

 

The headlamp units incorporate an Advanced Front Light System (AFLS), featuring moving halogen lamps with 12 degrees of swivel that provide an enhanced view for the driver that is particularly useful when negotiating twisty country roads. It also provides directed lighting that assists with specific, low-speed cornering movements such as turning into driveways.

 

Another notable design feature at the front of the showcar is a split front grille. Spanning the headlamps is a slim upper grille, which is balanced by a deeper lower grille to provide a refined, luxurious appearance entirely in keeping with the car's functional attributes.

 

The generous glass area flows through to the rear of the car, where a panoramic rear screen ensures excellent all-round visibility. The rear lamps are angled and feature clear lenses to provide a jewelled effect. The wrap around rear tail lamps are sleek and elegant but still allow a practical large tailgate opening ensuring a low load height and giving customers maximum benefit from the spacious interior.

 

Travelling first class - the new Galaxy interior

 

While the finer details of the new Ford Galaxy interior will remain secret until closer to launch, the emphasis will be on luxury, complementary colours and materials, and the dynamic use of surfacing.

 

On the preview model, Infiniti Blue leather seats feature enhanced stitch lines and blend with a Pewter interior to offer an elegant colour mix. Real wood accents add to the luxury feel. The slim instrument panel section possesses a dynamic break in colour between the dashboard and the rest of the vehicle environment, which enhances the perception of interior space.

 

A key feature is the high H-point seating that provides the driver with a commanding driving position. There is a sweeping flow through the centre console, which features an ergonomically positioned high-mounted gear shifter.

 

Unique Fixed Glass Roof

 

Another distinctive and highly useful feature on the new Galaxy preview model is a fixed glass roof and adjustable roof rack. The fixed glass roof extends to just above the backrest of the second row seat, providing passengers with an airy ambience.

The showcar also integrates a roof rack into the roofline. The roof rack bars are designed to move to the rear of the vehicle to act as an aerodynamic spoiler. This has the effect of helping to keep the rear window clearer during wet driving conditions.

 

Space and Flexibility

 

Utilising to the full the space for seven passengers, the new Galaxy will offer a high level of flexibility in a three-row configuration. On the Frankfurt car, a new fold flat seating system allows smart use of the space behind the driver. Though the fold flat seats provide a great deal of space flexibility, the key benefit is that the seats always remain on board to allow the configuration of the vehicle to be changed easily.

 

Galaxy Control System

 

The preview model for the new Ford Galaxy introduces some important new technologies. Among them is a Human Machine Interface (HMI) system that defines the dialogue between the driver and the vehicle. This looks set to become invaluable to drivers as they will be able to increase their level of functional control via an intuitive four-spoke toggle on each side of the steering wheel that operates several vehicle functions. Through its HMI system Galaxy drivers will be able to customize vehicle settings through a single point of contact.

 

Full technical and feature details of the production version of the new Ford Galaxy will be announced closer to launch next year.

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.

Listening to the customer

 

Information from existing Ford Galaxy customers has played a major role in developing the design and content of the new model. In addition to traditional market research activities, Ford has used for the first time in Europe ‘customer panels’ of existing owners, who have been involved throughout the vehicle development process. The panels have given their views direct to Ford’s designers and engineers at regular intervals, from initial design sketches to near-production readiness.

 

”This continuity of feedback gave us an invaluable grounding in what Galaxy customers want,” said Andrew Pollitt, Galaxy chief programme engineer. ”The panels reinforced our own conviction that owners view these vehicles as luxury saloons first and foremost, and only then as cars which also provide amazing versatility and space for up to seven people. That gave us real confidence to press ahead and create a stylish, upmarket new Ford Galaxy, with an interior worthy of a premium executive car, and top-of-the-range features and options.”

 

Customer Panels  

 

 

As the start of a unique customer consultation exercise, Ford issued disposable cameras to around 30 existing Ford Galaxy owners in the summer of 1997 and asked them to record themselves and their families at work and at play with their vehicles. The resulting photos were the first step in a two-year long process that helped give Ford’s designers and engineers a deeper understanding of customer needs and aspirations, and which played a key role in shaping the new Ford Galaxy.

 

“At Ford, we have access to a huge amount of traditional, quantitative market research, which provides invaluable input. But for developing this vehicle we wanted to try something new,” said Andrew Pollitt, Ford Galaxy chief programme engineer. “We’ve always had lots of informal feedback from Galaxy buyers, telling us what they liked – and didn’t like – about their vehicles, and we wanted to harness this insight and enthusiasm. So as part of the development process for the new Galaxy, we brought to Europe for the first time an idea that Ford has been using for cars in the USA, called customer panels.”

 

The crucial difference between these panels and Ford’s usual customer research is that the same panel members are consulted at various stages during the vehicle’s development. For the new Galaxy programme, Ford set up two panels of around 15 people each, one based in Britain and one in Germany, representing the two major markets for the vehicle. The individuals were selected from Ford’s customer database, and were chosen so that each panel was broadly representative of the whole market in terms of age, family situation, income group and so forth.

At initial meetings during July 1997, the photographs from the disposable cameras provided the basis for lengthy discussion with the Ford development team about these customers’ lifestyles, interests and activities, and how the current Ford Galaxy met their needs. Each panel spent several hours at a time with Ford’s engineers and designers, in carefully structured sessions run by an independent facilitator, to ensure that everyone’s voice was heard. Though the sessions started with formal research via a questionnaire, there was plenty of time for open discussion to share new ideas too.

 

One topic, for example, discussed at length during the first meeting was interior design, including concepts for the dashboard. Ford’s designers had sketched out three ideas, one with the controls ‘wrapped’ around the driver, one with a prominent central console running from floor to dash-top, and a third showing a much more open design, which proved a clear favourite.

 

“The panels were almost unanimous on this. They wanted to create an all-inclusive vehicle, where all the occupants were in ‘partnership’, rather than having the driver more isolated,” said Pollitt. “That message was communicated clearly from the first meeting, but some of the more detailed work on the dashboard showed the value of consistently consulting the same people.” Based on feedback from the initial meetings, Ford’s designers produced a mock-up of the dashboard to show at the second event three months later. They had responded to the panel’s requests for a high quality look, but were surprised. Though the customers liked the basic shape, they were not so happy with the traditional-looking ‘retro’ styling that the designers had chosen. Fortunately, this was early enough in the development process to allow for changes. The more geometric, high-tech design shown at the third set of meetings, the following February, proved a winner and this has largely been carried through to the finished vehicle.

 

In most other major areas, however, the panels’ input largely confirmed what the Ford Galaxy development team expected. The exterior design with its strong Ford corporate themes, for example, met with a very positive response right from the very start. The customer panels also confirmed the importance of plenty of stowage space. More than one person needed to be able to hide away clutter after a weekend, and reclaim the Ford Galaxy as a business vehicle for the working week.

 

So the new twin stowage boxes on the dash-top were an instant success. Meanwhile, detailed suggestions from several panel members led to larger front door pockets for the new Ford Galaxy. By the time of the fourth and final panel meetings in May 1999, Ford was mainly looking for detailed input on proposed paint colours, trim materials and finishes. But they did have one more surprise for the customer panels – a demonstration of a sophisticated multi-media system, which could show video or even computer games output for the rear-seat passengers. The development team guessed correctly that this would receive a very positive response from the panel, who saw it as a really useful addition, especially for keeping passengers entertained on long journeys.

 

Throughout the process, the British and German panels generally gave very similar feedback. From more traditional research, the Ford team know that there are no major differences in Ford Galaxy usage patterns across European markets, and the standard Ford process of showing near-final designs at ‘customer clinics’ proved that the new panels spoke very effectively for Galaxy customers at large.

 

“This unique input from the consumer panels has played a very positive role in helping us develop the new Ford Galaxy,” said Andrew Pollitt. “The members have consistently given us very honest feedback, and I believe that we’ve responded by treating them as an integral part of the whole team. While they’ve provided us with the occasional correcting hand on the tiller, their greatest contribution has been in giving us the courage to push forward with some bold new ideas, like the dashboard styling and the multi-media system.”

 

Ford are so positive about the value of this feedback from existing Ford Galaxy owners, that they have recently taken the idea one step further, with the introduction of the Ford Galaxy E-Club on the Internet, another first for Ford in Europe. Registered owners can raise issues or comments of their own, while members of the Ford team now have an ideal sounding board for new ideas, services or options.

 

“The more we communicate with our customers, the more we’ll think like them,” said Andrew Pollitt. “We involved many members of the Ford development team with the customer panels, but by using the Internet, everyone on the Galaxy team can talk or listen directly to the customer whenever they need to. That’s a hugely powerful tool that I’m sure will help us keep the new Galaxy one step ahead of the competition, as well as providing a very exciting resource when we come to future vehicles.”

Powertrains and Driving Dynamics

 

 

The impressive engine line-up for the Ford Galaxy is now headed by an all new 24-valve, 2.8-litre V6. This delivers 17 per cent more power than the previous 12-valve V6, as well as an eight percent improvement in fuel consumption and lower emissions. Significantly higher torque across the range contributes to a notably more sporty performance, and this is complemented by the two new transmission options: a close-ratio six-speed manual box and a five-speed ‘Select-Shift’ automatic that also allows for ‘push up, push down’ sequential manual gear-changes.

 

The new V6 delivers 204 PS (150 kW), up from 174 PS (128kW), while maximum torque is both increased and delivered at lower engine speed: 268 Nm at 3,214 rpm, instead of 235 Nm at 4,200 rpm. In combination with the six-speed manual transmission, the new engine cuts the 0-62mph acceleration time from 11.8 to 9.9 seconds, and the official ‘combined’ fuel consumption figure improves from 23.9mpg to 26.2mpg.

 

The engine employs a lightweight alloy cylinder head with two overhead camshafts of a new weight-saving design. A new intake manifold runner control system improves self-charging across the range to give a flatter torque curve. The head is a completely new casting, designed for better engine breathing, and features variable valve-timing on both intake and outlet to improve torque at low engine speed and boost power output at higher engine speeds. A new engine management system optimises fuel economy and emissions, while other engine improvements include valves operated by roller cam followers to reduce friction, modified pistons, revisions to the engine cooling and oil circuits, and additional stiffening ribs on the cylinder block to reduce noise and vibration.

 

The new six-speed manual transmission for the V6 Galaxy has close-ratio gearing to suit the engine’s sporty performance. By providing a better match between engine and transmission across the range, the six-speed improves the car’s overall performance feel, as well as benefiting fuel consumption and reducing engine noise, especially at cruising speeds.

 

As an alternative to the manual box, the new V6 is also available with a five-speed ‘Select-Shift’ automatic transmission, which allows the driver the option of sequential manual gear changes. To select this mode instead of fully automatic, the gear selector lever is moved sideways into a special track, then changes are simply made by pushing the gear-lever briefly forward to change up, or backwards to change down. A display within the instrument cluster tells the driver which gear is currently selected.

 

For safety, it is only possible to engage a new gear when engine speed and vehicle speed are compatible, and the transmission also has a failsafe system which will intervene to prevent the engine over-speeding or under-idling. The kickdown strategy also changes, so that the transmission only shifts to the next higher gear shortly before reaching maximum engine speed.

 

New high-tech diesel engines deliver improved torque and economy

 

The two powerful, turbo-charged diesel engine options for the new Ford Galaxy feature state-of-the-art high pressure fuel injection technology to deliver outstanding torque and fuel consumption, as well as reduced exhaust emissions. The new, 1.9-litre TDi engine is available in two variants, a 90 PS (66kW) unit delivering 240 Nm torque and an 115 PS (85 kW), which produces an outstanding 310 Nm. Their fuel consumption figures are just 43.5mpg and 42.8mpg respectively (official ‘combined’ figures, with manual transmission).

 

The main technological advance for these diesels is the addition of a ‘unit injector system’ to the previous 1.9-litre TDi engine design. The system delivers fuel at extremely high pressure during the injection process, up to 2050 bar, and permits very precise control of the fuel quantity and atomisation. The result is a more complete mixing of fuel and air, improving combustion to deliver benefits for both power output and emission levels.

 

Each cylinder has a unit injector installed directly in the cylinder head, which incorporates the functions of a fuel injection pump, a control unit and a fuel injector into a single component. Other features of the engines include an intercooler and exhaust gas recirculation system. The 90PS version has a fixed geometry turbocharger, and the 115PS a variable geometry one.

 

Both diesels take a six-speed manual transmission as standard, similar to the V6, but with a wider set of gear ratios for optimised performance and fuel economy. The 115PS variant is also available with the option of the new five-speed ‘Select-Shift' automatic with manual sequential gear-changing mode.

 

Added refinement for flexible 2.3-litre engine

 

Ford’s widely acclaimed 145 PS (107 kW) 2.3-litre DOHC petrol engine completes the line-up for the new Galaxy, now with improvements in a variety of areas. Overall driveability is enhanced with new engine calibration, emission levels are reduced following a comprehensive list of actions, vehicle security is enhanced with a new encrypted immobiliser system, and a new transmission mounting system reduces powertrain noise. A new ‘soft start’ alternator improves vehicle start-up, as it is quieter and provides a reduced load during the first couple of seconds.

 

The standard five-speed manual transmission has been improved, while the automatic option has been considerably enhanced, to provide a four-speed ‘Select-Shift’ transmission (with manual sequential gear-changing) for the 2.3-litre Ford Galaxy. Ford’s engineers have paid particular attention to matching the characteristics of the engine and this new automatic transmission, to provide a more sporty feel that is emphasised by the ‘Select-Shift’ change, while retaining the engine’s good fuel economy.

 

Class-leading driving dynamics

 

The new Ford Galaxy continues to set class standards for driving dynamics, as it has ever since the car’s original launch, with a carefully-judged balance between steering, road-holding, handling and comfort. Steering feel is now further improved on all models, while suspension settings have been re-tuned to suit the new engines. A new, optional Sports Pack (including sports suspension and purposeful body-styling package) is now available, and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) is introduced as standard with the V6 engine (also optional for the 115 PS diesel), together with uprated brakes for the V6.

 

The whole Galaxy range benefits from a new steering column, which is rake and reach adjustable, and has reduced friction to give improved steering feel at all speeds, and the purposeful new steering wheel also adds to the driver’s overall feeling of control.

Spring and damper rates have been reviewed and optimised to suit the new powertrains. The new Ford Galaxy is also ideally suited to the recently introduced Sports Pack, which includes a new sports suspension package to improve handling and reduce roll with only minimal trade-off in ride comfort. The package reduces ride height by 25 mm, incorporates high performance shock absorbers, higher rated springs all round and larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and is matched to a purposeful body styling kit.

 

ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) now makes its debut in the Galaxy range and one of its first appearances as standard equipment in this market segment. It will be available as standard with the V6 engine, or as an option on other models. An active safety system, ESP helps the driver retain control under extreme conditions, intervening almost imperceptibly to correct understeer or oversteer.

 

The ESP sensors measure ‘yaw rate’, transverse acceleration, steering wheel angle and the speed of the four road wheels. Their output is used to compare vehicle behaviour with a dynamics handling map stored in a special on-board computer. When the system detects a tendency for the vehicle to move off the chosen line, engine power is reduced and the brakes are momentarily applied to individual wheels, to bring the vehicle back on course.

 

Brakes have also been uprated for the more powerful new V6 engine. The vented front discs are increased from 280 mm to 313 mm, while the rear discs change from 280 mm solid to 294 mm vented.

 

Other features relating to driving dynamics of the new Ford Galaxy include:

Exterior Design and Features

 

 

The sleek and distinctive exterior design of the new Ford Galaxy now provides an even more car-like appearance, as well as introducing the Ford ‘family' design cues, especially in front view. Functionality is improved in key areas such as the performance of the dramatic new headlights, as well as with new options such as the front and rear parking distance sensor, standard on Zetec and Ghia models.

 

The striking, tear-shaped headlights are the most eye-catching feature of the new Galaxy exterior, following the pattern that Ford has set with its other recent vehicles like the Ford Focus. The intricate detail of the large reflectors is visible through the clear lenses, while the edges of the lights intersect neatly with the new, wider front grille with its metallic gunmetal finish and honeycomb structure.

 

The outlines of the new headlights and grille introduce flowing lines that are maintained across the revised vehicle exterior, resulting in completely new sheet-metal for the bonnet, front wings and tailgate, as well as new bumper designs front and rear.

 

The new bonnet gains a broad V-shaped inset that provides two subtle fold lines running back from the grille-ends to the A-pillars. The shut-line between the wider new bonnet and the re-styled, flatter front wings now also runs directly up to the A-pillar, helping to carry the eye back along the vehicle. Effective details include the relocation of the screen washer nozzles off the bonnet, now leaving it with a crisp, uninterrupted rear edge, and more tidily located windscreen wipers.

 

The new, body-coloured bumpers at front and rear appear to increase the vehicle’s length by more than the actual difference of just 24 mm, helping to create the more car-like appearance. The elongating effect is emphasised by the new, black protective strips along the vehicle sides and on both bumpers.

 

The rear of the new Galaxy has been completely redesigned for a fresh, contemporary look, with a new tailgate that is unique to the Ford vehicle. The shape of individual tail-lamp clusters echoes the headlight ‘tear-drops’, and they are crisply finished with red and clear lenses. A new lip at the top of the tailgate visually flattens the upper edge of the rear screen, contributing further to the more modern new look.

 

Completing the revised exterior are newly designed five-spoke 7x16 inch alloy wheels, standard on both Zetec and Ghia models. LX models take 6x15 inch steel wheels and wheelcovers.


Other details of the new Ford Galaxy exterior include:

 

The headlights on the new Ford Galaxy are designed for function just as much as form, and deliver a real performance improvement compared with the previous Galaxy. The large lamp shape provides extra scope for tuning both the pattern of light distribution and the evenness of the ‘scatter’, which means that they deliver the optimum spread of light.

 

Drivers of the new Ford Galaxy also have the option of high intensity xenon headlights, more usually found on large, prestige saloons. Xenon (or gas discharge) lamps significantly increase the illumination range and give a much wider spread at short distance, making driving easier and more comfortable. The light produced has high levels of green and blue (like sunlight) which helps in difficult circumstances, such as spotting pedestrians in dark clothing.

 

The system uses a xenon bulb in the dipped beam, so that the driver always gains the benefits without dazzling other motorists. The special 35W bulb produces three times as much light as the conventional 55W bulb used for high beam, but still consumes less electricity. Moreover, bulb wear is so low that they can normally be expected to last the life of the vehicle.

 

The xenon headlights are combined with automatic levelling and a cleaning system. The levelling system is dynamic and adjusts to the laden state of the vehicle. It also responds to vehicle acceleration to avoid dazzling on-coming motorists, and to braking, so road illumination is not reduced. The new headlight washer system is retractable, with the powerful jets concealed in the bumper until required.

 

Practical new parking aid now with additional front sensors

 

Standard on all Zetec and Ghia models, the popular parking aid for manoeuvring the Ford Galaxy into tight spots gains sensors at the front of the car as well as the rear, to help avoid contact with concealed low objects, such as small bollards and vehicle tow-hooks.

 

The system uses four ultrasound sensors in each of the front and rear bumpers, and gives the driver audible signals to warn of nearby obstructions. Warnings start intermittently, becoming continuous at about 30cm from the object. The front sensors are activated automatically at start-up and the rear ones when reverse gear is selected. Both are switched off when the car reaches 15mph, though the system can also be switched on and off manually – useful when driving in heavy traffic, for example. A control light in the switch indicates when the system is on, and the volume of the warnings can be adjusted in eight steps.

Interior Design and Features  

 

 

The crisp new interior of the latest Ford Galaxy is an new landmark for Ford, introducing a fresh, more geometric ‘design language’ which is complemented by better attention-to-detail, to provide an altogether more upmarket cabin environment. Practicality is improved too, with smarter and more comfortable seats, extra stowage locations and new entertainment and information system options.

 

The focal point of the new interior is the stylish dashboard, which is unique to the Ford Galaxy. Ford’s designers aimed for a very open look, characterised by the use of strong horizontals running right across the car, such as the distinctive elliptical shape stretching across the upper dash. Visually, this breaks up the large dash-top area, provides a perfect setting for two useful new stowage boxes, and echoes the design treatment of the car’s front grille. Side-window de-misters are neatly integrated at each end, while the use of a fine pyramid-pattern ‘technical grain’ surface treatment for the whole ellipse provides a contemporary finish.

 

The same technical grain features on the boss of the purposeful new steering wheel, while the soft, aluminium-look finish of its four spokes is echoed in other interior details, such as the instrument surround. On Zetec models, a metallic finish is also used for the decorative moulding that runs right across the dash and again on the doors. Other series are distinguished by different treatments for these mouldings, with the black being used for LX models and subtle wood effects being used on Ghia.

 

Telling interior design features include the oval analogue clock, the smarter door trim, the layout of the well-spaced buttons on the centre stack and the chrome finish on the solid metal door handles and the handbrake button. Care over fine details is reflected in the more ergonomic control stalks, the soft-touch finish for the door pulls, the positive action of the push-button release mechanisms for the dash-top boxes and their velour-style interior lining.

 

Classic-looking instrument dials with new, clearer graphics are neatly arrayed in front of the driver. For the Ford Galaxy Ghia these are supplemented with a new, alphanumeric mini-dot matrix display, which carries warning symbol text and output from the trip/fuel computer, plus gear selection on vehicles with 'Select-Shift' transmission. All Galaxys equipped with the optional navigation system have a large, three-colour dot matrix display instead, which also shows directional instructions.

 

Better seats and greater comfort

 

New style seats front and rear are designed to be more comfortable and supportive, as well as looking smarter. Improved foam pads and additional support wires ensure better thigh and lumbar support, while extra stitching on the covers gives a more tailored fit which provides a more luxurious level of finish. Individual trim fabrics for each series have been chosen to match the crisper, more technical feel of the whole interior.

 

All models have seven seats as standard, with the option of six ‘captain’s chairs’ with integral arm rests on Ghia. From its flexible seating package, the Ford Galaxy offers 52 basic seat configurations to accommodate varying combinations of passengers and luggage.

Ingenious multi-function seats with integrated child and infant seating are optional too. Adjustments on the driver’s seat for track and height - plus rake and reach adjustment on the steering column - ensure a comfortable position for drivers of all shapes and sizes, a positive safety benefit.

 

Other seating features include:

 

The new Ford Galaxy gains several ingenious new stowage facilities which join an already long list, notably two smart and practical new dash-top boxes. The centre box, for example, is easily big enough for a mobile phone and electronic personal organiser, or several cased CDs, while the outer box can accommodate more bulky items, as well as having 12 coin/token slots. Both boxes have soft-feel linings, while the lids have positive-feel release buttons and a damped opening action.

 

The size of front-door bins has also been increased and new, fold-out stowage boxes have been added alongside, plus two ingenious pop-out cup-holders in the centre console. Other stowage locations include the lockable glove compartment, rear-door bins, large pockets on the front-seat backs and a large lidded compartment alongside the third-row seats. All rear seats fold to form tables, and on Zetec and Ghia the front-seat backs have aircraft-style, fold-up trays.

 

Optional accessories to extend the Ford Galaxy’s versatility even further include a fridge, insulated coolbox, a safe deposit box and special Versatility Pack (cargo net, headrest-mounted coat hangers and tonneau cover).

 

Innovative multi-media option heads entertainment and information systems

 

The new Galaxy range offers customers an unparalleled choice of entertainment and information systems, to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets.

 

The Ford Galaxy’s unique multi-media system is one of the first to be offered as an original equipment option on any mainstream vehicle in Europe. There is also an optional navigation system and a choice of multi-speaker audio systems, as both standard fit and optional extras.

The line-up is headed by the innovative, intergrated multi-media system, which provides twin state-of-the-art screens in the rear of the front headrests to handle video playback and the output from computer games. The ultra-high resolution (340,000 pixel), seven-inch widescreen TFT (Thin Film Transistor) displays are around 50 per cent brighter than most current screens, which ensures that they are clearly visible even in direct sunlight. They can be dimmed for night-time viewing and have a much wider than usual viewing angle than most existing systems, of around 120 degrees rather than 90 degrees.

 

Each screen is independently switchable – so one can play video while the other shows a computer game – and they are operated individually via multi-function infra-red remote controls. The infra-red sensors are located immediately below the screens – unlike many aftermarket multi-media installations – so operation simply requires pointing the controller at the screen.

 

A special centre console in the car includes provision for locating a computer games console as well as individual output sockets for up to four headphone sets.

 

The system’s hi-fi stereo video cassette player is installed securely out of sight in the Galaxy’s third-row stowage bin, and it has been specially developed to be robust enough for automotive use. The system is even designed to be expandable as new options become available, including a DVD player. Power consumption during normal operation is low (less than four amps) and there is a battery-saving shutdown feature. Finally, front seat occupants have override control via the head unit mounted in the dashboard.

 

The Radio Navigation System (RNS) offers route choice (shortest, fastest, with/without motorways etc), detour function (to avoid traffic jams), arrival and travel time, destination memory and more, through a similar swivelling five-inch TFT colour monitor mounted in the centre console. Completing the multi-media pack is an RNS-compatible six-disc CD auto-changer, controlled from the RNS screen.

 

Compact Disc systems are standard audio equipment on the Ford Galaxy Zetec and Ghia, with Zetec offering a 6000N front-loading CD RDS system and Ghia featuring a six-disc CD auto-changer and 5000N RDS stereo. On LX models, a fully featured 4050N stereo RDS radio/cassette is standard and all systems are large-format units, with generous sized controls, large display and a rotary volume control for ease of use.

 

Detail changes improve overall comfort and refinement

 

A long series of detail changes complete the improvement in overall comfort and refinement for the new Ford Galaxy, supplementing what were already high specification levels.


The heating and ventilation system, for example, gains efficient new cylindrical barrel vents on the dashboard including an additional centre vent for better air flow, as well as more efficient window de-misters and an active carbon filter to remove external odours. Occupant comfort also benefits from reductions in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), following improvements to the powertrain mounting systems and quieter combustion from the new diesel engines.

 

Details of the interior specification include

 

Air-conditioning standard on all models, with separate rear compartment heater. Automatic temperature control (standard on 2.3-litre and 115PS TDi) and dual air-conditioning (standard on V6 Ghia).

 

Driver and front passenger airbags standard on all models

 

Standard features on all Ford Galaxys include: electric front windows with global closing function (which also operates on all other electric windows and the sunroof, where fitted); opening rear quarter vents (except with dual air- conditioning); theatre-style dimming on the twin front courtesy lights; two power points in the luggage compartment for rear passenger’s electrical accessories;

tread plates for front and rear doors; pollen filter

 

Extra interior features for Zetec and Ghia include reading lights for second and third row passengers; new back-lighting for the air vent adjusters and cup-holders

 

Additional standard features on Ghia include leather-covered steering wheel, handbrake grip and gear knob, electric rear windows with global closing, CD auto-changer, fuel computer, driver's seat lumbar adjust (heated front seats on V6), new carpet slip mats for front and middle rows, check system for bulb failure and washer reservoir level, extra courtesy lights in front and rear footwells and doors, stainless steel tailgate scuffplate

 

Options include electric tilt/slide sunroof (not available with dual air-conditioning), second battery, Versatility Pack (cargo nets, load compartment tonneau cover)

Safety and Security  

 

 

The advanced safety systems for the new Ford Galaxy include driver and front passenger airbags now standard on all models, optional side-air bags (standard on Ghia), a reinforced occupant safety cell with impact-absorbing crumple zones, side impact beams in the doors and collapse control on the steering column, to protect the driver. Over and above these passive safety measures, the Ford Galaxy is engineered for active safety, maximising driver control at all times to help avoid hazardous situations in the first place.

 

The driver and front passenger airbags are a new design, to suit the new dashboard and the more compact steering wheel, and their operation is optimised with the seat belts which include mechanical belt pre-tensioners. Side airbags appear on Galaxy for the first time, further enhancing the comprehensive Ford Galaxy safety package.

 

One popular safety option for the Galaxy is the integrated child seat which can take an adult in comfort or convert to either a child’s booster seat or to a dedicated infant seat (for children over 12 months).