Ford launches the All-New Galaxy MPV - lots of tech, better quality and more refined.

• All-new Ford Galaxy delivers luxurious travel for seven with practical innovations, class-leading refinement and advanced driver assistance technologies
• Galaxy offers sophisticated exterior with slim-line headlamps, raised beltline and large glass area.  Its stylish interior features retractable panoramic glass roof
• Easier to optimise for seating or luggage space with segment-first ability to raise, as well as fold, third-row seats at the push of a button
• Clever floor design makes getting in and out easier with second-row seats sliding and tilting in a single action for entry to the third row
• Galaxy helps drivers avoid exceeding speed limits, and incurring costly penalties, with new Intelligent Speed Limiter

Ford Motor Company has revealed the all-new Ford Galaxy, which has advanced as a spacious, refined and technology-laden people mover offering luxurious travel for seven passengers.

Featuring the company’s latest global design language with a sophisticated grille and slim-line headlamps, the all-new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats, enabling families to easily switch between seating or load space with a segment-first feature that raises third-row seats at the push of a button.

Comfort is enhanced for front seat passengers with massaging Ford Multi-Contour Seats; and for rear seat passengers with integral link rear suspension that offers a smoother, quieter ride.

The all-new Galaxy also supports drivers in town and on the highway with advanced technologies including:

• Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when activated scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits and avoid fines
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which will reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether
• Glare-Free Highbeam technology for the adaptive LED headlamps, which detects vehicles ahead and fades out light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas

Galaxy takes the nameplate’s signature car-like driving dynamics to a new level with Ford Adaptive Steering technology, which adjusts steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision, and Ford’s latest fuel-efficient engines, including the powerful new 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel.

“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,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “The all-new Galaxy enhances those qualities with improved dynamics, fuel efficiency and refinement – as well as useful innovations.”

Ford literally “revealed” the all-new Galaxy for the first time – on the back of a moving trailer – through an incredible stunt performed with the help of illusionist Darcy Oake (http://bit.ly/GalaxyIllusion).

Flexible for family life

All-new Galaxy makes it easier than ever to maximise space for passengers and luggage. A control panel in the rear luggage compartment enables all five second- and third-row seats to be folded flat at the push of a button. As a segment-first, the panel also can be used to automatically raise the third row seats.

A flat load floor makes it easier to load large or bulky items, and the ability to slide and recline second- and third-row seats individually means seating and loadspace combinations are as easy to tailor to the school run as for trips to the airport. Beneath the boot floor the new Cargo Management System offers 20 litres of hidden storage, and helps to carry taller items.

Passengers can store 1.5-litre drink bottles in door bins, and under-seat storage provides easy access for everything from laptop computers to books or snacks. Further stowage is available in the instrument panel top, and a media storage area for mobile phones and audio devices is incorporated into the centre stack. Parents will appreciate a standard child-watch mirror, positioned to offer a wide-angle view of the passenger seats.

Second- and third-row passengers also benefit from up to 10mm more headroom than in the outgoing Galaxy and the third-row seat offers more space than key competitors, with up to 40mm more headroom. 

Elbow and shoulder-room are optimised by retaining the traditional swing-open rear door design. Third-row occupants also can make themselves feel more at home with their own armrest storage bins and cup-holders.

One touch access to the third row is provided with easy-entry second-row seats that tilt and slide forward in a single action, and a recessed floor design that makes getting in and out of the car easier for passengers. A double seal helps the inner panel stay clean and reduces the risk of passengers dirtying their clothes by brushing against the car exterior when getting in or out.

Finding the perfect temperature can now be achieved more quickly with the enhanced heating ventilation and air conditioning that debuted in Europe with the all-new Ford Mondeo. The system provides more airflow, is capable of lower temperatures and is quieter. 

Rear seat passengers can select their own climate settings with a dedicated climate system and their own controls. The interior is also kept cool in sunny weather with solar-tinted glass that blocks ultra-violet light and heat from the cabin.

“Galaxy has always been a car designed around the needs of seven, and our new model takes this philosophy to even greater heights with every occupant benefiting from outstanding levels of comfort and refinement,” said Andrew Kernahan, Ford Galaxy chief programme engineer.

A smoother and quieter ride

Ford’s integral link rear suspension configuration delivers the compliance required for greater comfort, while retaining lateral stiffness for enhanced steering and handling. Also introduced to all-new Mondeo and all-new S-MAX, it allows the wheel to move further rearwards on impact with bumps. This delivers improved impact absorption for a smoother ride and reduced noise levels. Galaxy also is offered with self-levelling rear suspension that maintains optimal ride height for comfort and handling.

Sound-deadening material within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors, and more extensive use of closed-section body structure components contribute to a quieter cabin. Acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows also helps reduce wind noise and environmental noise.

Smart technology supports and simplifies

Drivers are supported by systems that monitor speed restrictions, pedestrians and other vehicles to help them focus on the task of driving. Further systems include Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle to match the driving environment, and can prevent dazzling other drivers with the Glare-Free Highbeam function.

All-new Galaxy technologies also make parking easier:

• Perpendicular Parking can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars in the same way that Active Park Assist helps drivers to parallel park
• Park-Out Assist helps drivers exit a parallel parking space, the system operating the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake
• Side Parking Aid delivers audible alerts and on-screen distance indicators to obstacles around the vehicle
• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them
• Front Split View Camera enhances the driver’s field of vision when pulling out of a parking space or junction with a 180 degree camera system installed at the front of the Galaxy, and displays the image on the 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen in the centre console

Further driver assistance technologies offered with all-new Galaxy include Blind Spot Information System,Traffic Sign Recognition,Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.

Ford SYNC 2 with Voice Control enables drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. A useful tool for family road trips or holidays, drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by saying: “I’m hungry” or search for attractions and points of interest by name.

SYNC 2 also features Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

Galaxy will for the first time enable parents to easily open the boot door even if they are juggling shopping bags, pushchairs and toddlers. Hands-Free Liftgate can be opened or closed using a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper. Further convenience is delivered with standard power heated door mirrors for frosty mornings and electric parking brake with Hill Launch Assist.

Dynamic performance

The all-new Galaxy enhances signature car-like driving qualities by combining Ford’s advanced global CD-segment platform with sophisticated technologies. The integral link rear suspension design features aluminium lower control arms that reduce weight by 2 kilogrammes. Aluminium front knuckles with enclosed wheel bearings improve stiffness for sharper responses.

Dampers and springs are tuned specifically for Galaxy, and the model continues to offer Continuous Control Damping that helps tailor suspension with “comfort,” “normal” and “sport” chassis settings. Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) also enables steering weight to adapt to match these settings.

The all-new Galaxy also is among the first vehicles to benefit from Ford Adaptive Steering technology that will make the seven-seater easier to manoeuvre in town, and deliver greater steering precision at higher speeds. The introduction of EPAS also enables Torque Steer Compensation and Active Nibble Compensation systems that cancel out unwanted feedback, forces and vibration.

Powerful, fuel-efficient new engines will further enhance driving appeal in town and on the highway. The all-new Galaxy will be available with Ford’s new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi Bi-turbo diesel engine that offers enhanced responsiveness and 450Nm of torque from 2,000rpm.

“The new high-powered TDCi diesel engine follows the downsizing trend we’ve led with our EcoBoost petrol technology. Smaller engines deliver better fuel efficiency and emissions, and we claim the power back with advanced technology,” said Andrew Brumley, chief engineer, Ford Engine Programs. 

“Sequential bi-turbo technology delivers the seamless performance consumers want every day in all conditions, and makes turbo-lag a distant memory.”

Ford’s enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with single variable geometry turbocharger technology is offered with 120PS, 150PS and 180PS, featuring revised engine block, new cylinder-head and fuel injection designs, and lean NO_X trap exhaust after-treatment system for cleaner emissions.

Petrol engine options include Ford’s new fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost. The entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards with CO₂ emissions and fuel efficiency enhanced using:

• Smart Regenerative Charging, which selectively engages the alternator and charges the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost – reducing engine load for less fuel usage
• Auto-Start-Stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle and restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off
• Active Grille Shutter, which improves aerodynamics and optimises airflow for engine cooling

Improved active and passive safety

The all-new Galaxy is designed to help drivers protect their most precious cargo, for the first time offering second-row seat side airbags, in addition to the driver and front-passenger, driver-knee, and first-, second- and third-row curtain airbags. Second-row seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters enhance rear passenger safety. There are seatbelt minders for all three rows.

MyKey technology will enable owners to programme a key that can inhibit incoming phone calls; restrict top speed; prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reduce audio system maximum volume, and disable the audio system altogether if occupants are not using safety belts.

Vehicle stability also is enhanced with Curve Control and Roll Stability Control systems that adjust engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control. Pedestrian safety is further enhanced with concealed wipers designed to limit injuries from head impacts.

Sophisticated design

The all-new Galaxy offers a contemporary and sophisticated appearance. At the front a raised trapezoidal grille is positioned above a distinctive full-width lower grille. The slim-line headlamps flow into the raised beltline that is designed to present a strong, mature and elegant character.

A modern, highly technical effect is delivered at the rear by merging the window glass with the taillamps to deliver the impression of a larger glass area. The thin window pillars also have been designed to optimise both visibility from within the vehicle and to enhance the visual impact of the glass area – giving the Galaxy greater presence to reinforce its seven-seater status.

The all-new Galaxy features a mature and sophisticated interior design, including a sculpted centre console that flows from the upper instrument panel and a wrap-around dashboard that flows into the front doors. The open and airy interior benefits from a large glass area and optional full-length retractable panoramic glass roof.

The traditional instrument cluster makes way for an optional driver-facing 10-inch digital screen with animated analogue-style speedometer and rev-counter. Users also can customise the display settings and 3D graphics on the digital screen for a personalised and interactive experience, and auto-dimming adjusts display brightness to match ambient light.

“Raised positioning for the centre console and instrument panel delivers a car-like environment that reflects the Galaxy’s driving character and refinement,” said Claudio Messale, chief designer, Ford of Europe. “These qualities are delivered alongside the enhanced visibility and confidence offered by a larger people mover – to deliver the best of both without compromise.”