Advanced Cutting Edge technology for greater comfort
All new Ford Galaxy
Ford's integral link rear suspension configuration delivers the compliance required for greater comfort, while retaining lateral stiffness for enhanced steering and handling. The system 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.
Ford Adaptive Steering continually changes the ratio between the steering and road wheels according to vehicle speed to enable Galaxy to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input at higher speeds. At lower speeds, such as when pulling into a parking space or manoeuvring in tight quarters, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn.
Galaxy also offers for the first time a power-adjustment function for steering column reach and rake, and a heated steering wheel.
Finding the perfect temperature can now be achieved more quickly with enhanced heating ventilation and air conditioning. The system provides more airflow, is capable of lower temperatures, and is quieter. Rear seat passengers can select their own climate settings and interior is also kept cool in sunny weather with solar-tinted glass that blocks ultra-violet light and heat from the cabin.
Interior refinement also is enhanced with additional 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. Acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows helps reduce wind noise and environmental noise. The woven structure of the Galaxy headliner allows sound waves to pass into the sound-deadening foam beneath, traditionally used primarily to prevent exterior noise reaching the cabin through the roof.."
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 for a maximum 2,339 litres of load space. 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.
Interior space is maximised with thin seat technology and seat contouring. Second- and third-row passengers also benefit from up to 10 mm more headroom than in the outgoing Galaxy and the third-row seat offers more space than key competitors, with up to 40 mm 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.
Smart technology supports and simplifies
The all-new Galaxy 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
Front Split View Camera, which 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
All-new Galaxy technologies makes 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
Further driver assistance technologies for 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 two kilogrammes. Aluminium front knuckles with enclosed wheel bearings improve stiffness for sharper responses.
Electronic Power Assisted Steering also for the first time allows steering weight to adapt to match these settings, and 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 450 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. The engine delivers 51.4mpg fuel efficiency, 144 g/km CO2 emissions* - a 24 per cent CO2 improvement over the outgoing 200PS 2.2-litre TDCi automatic combination - alongside 0-62 mph) acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
"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 delivers 56.5mpg fuel efficiency and 129g/km CO2 in 120PS, 150PS and 180PS form - a seven per cent CO2 improvement over the outgoing 115PS 1.6-litre TDCi engine. The enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi features a revised engine block, new cylinder-head and fuel injection designs, and lean NOX trap exhaust after-treatment system for cleaner emissions.
The all-new Galaxy offers Intelligent AWD with the 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission, and with the 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi engine and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, Intelligent AWD has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and CO2 emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.
Measuring how the car's wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds - twenty times quicker than it takes to blink - the system can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, and make required adjustments in just 100 milliseconds.
Petrol engine options include Ford's new fuel-efficient 160PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost delivering 43.5mpg and 149 g/km CO2 - an 11 per cent CO2 improvement over the outgoing 160PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost. A 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost also is available. The entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro Stage VI emissions 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 thatcan 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. Detailing and finishing options include aluminium, charcoal metallic, and high-gloss or silk black. 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."
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