FORD GALAXY

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Ford of Europe

Production: 1995−present

• Body and Chassis

Class: Large MPV (M)

Body style: 5-door MPV

Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

             Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

Related: Ford Mondeo

              Ford S-Max

              Volkswagen Sharan (1995−2006)

              SEAT Alhambra (1995−2006)

HISTORY

The Ford Galaxy is a large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by Ford of Europe since June 1995. The first Ford-brand MPV produced and marketed outside of North America, the model line is currently in its third generation. Sharing its platform architecture with the Ford Mondeo, the Galaxy was developed alongside the Ford S-MAX; the model line is slotted between the Connect and Custom variants of the Ford Tourneo/Transit model family.

In contrast to the American-designed Ford Aerostar and Chrysler Voyager (both imported to Europe), the Galaxy is configured with four sedan-style doors (in line with the Renault Espace).

DESIGN

Retaining their sleek front profiles, enhanced S-MAX and Galaxy models feature a revised upper front facia and unique combinations of grille and lower fascia designs for more distinctive style. Highlights include:

Bright chrome upper grille and foglamp surrounds

A unique honeycomb upper grille with a black surround, and black foglamp surrounds for Ford Performance-inspired S-MAX ST-Line models

Unique “flying V” signature upper grille with a satin chrome surround, and satin chrome foglamp surrounds for upscale S-MAX Vignale

New optional 19″ 5×2 Premium Luster Nickel alloy wheels are available on both S-MAX and Galaxy.

Greater comfort on the move

New 18-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats available for S-MAX and Galaxy Zetec and Titanium variants can help provide relief for back pain-sufferers on the road, having achieved recognition from the AGR’s independent testing committee of medical experts.

Ford Galaxy continue to offer optimised comfort, flexibility and versatility with up to 32 seating and load-space combinations, as well as innovative Easy Fold Seats for the second and third rows. The system enables each rear seat to be folded flat from a push-button control panel in the bootspace. A Power Raise function is also available for Galaxy third row seats.

FordPass Connect for enhanced connectivity

In addition to enabling WiFi hotspot capability, optional FordPass Connect technology allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including Vehicle Locator; Vehicle Status that checks fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more; and remote Door Lock Unlock.

New Local Hazard Information functionality – enabled by the FordPass Connect on-board modem – can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.

Local Hazard Information notifications are delivered independent of sat-nav, based on up-to-the minute data provided by HERE Technologies – sourced from local authorities, emergency services, and driving data from other vehicles connected to “the cloud”.

Notifications of hazards including road works; broken down vehicles; animals, pedestrians and objects in the carriageway; and even hazardous driving conditions are delivered to the vehicle over-the-air, giving drivers advanced warning of developing situations beyond their field of vision.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE GALAXY

Effortless performance and convenience

Available for the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy with 150PS and 190PS Power outputs, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers the power, torque and driving performance of a larger capacity engine alongside the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions synonymous with a smaller engine capacity.

The available eight-speed automatic transmission – controlled using a stylish and ergonomic rotary gear shift dial – has been engineered to further optimise fuel efficiency and deliver responsive performance and smooth, swift gearshifts. A six-speed manual transmission is also offered for Galaxy models.

Available advanced S-MAX and Galaxy comfort and convenience technologies include ACC with Stop & Go. In line with their large car Ford Mondeo stable mate, new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy also offer Pre-Collision Assist as standard. If a potential collision is detected, an alert sound is emitted and a warning message displays in the message center. If the driver’s response is not sufficient, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) will precharge to provide full responsiveness when the brakes are applied – culminating in brakes being applied in the absence of any corrective action.

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system is also offered, enabling S-MAX and Galaxy drivers to control audio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands. Supported by an 8-inch colour touchscreen that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures, SYNC 3 is compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ at no additional cost.

The enhanced Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models are available to order now from £30,490 and £33,210 respectively.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FORD GALAXY?

What are the best ways to take care of your new car so it continues looking as good as the day it left the showroom? Here are a few tips on how to take care of your new Galaxy:

1. Clean the paint of your car with detailing clay – this can remove bonded surface contamination that might be stuck to the paint and can’t be removed with normal washing.
2. A good coat of wax will help repel water, the harsh elements, pollutants and dead bugs to keep your paintwork looking fresh for longer.
3. Be sure to know how to clean car windows properly so it’ll be streak-free
4. Dirt-proof the interiors – using shiny protectants can increase the likelihood of age-related cracks on new vinyl. Instead, use a fabric protector like Scotchgard to keep dirt and pollen from clinging.
5. Maintain your car regularly – get your car serviced every year and in-between this time, make regular checks to the engine oil, tyre air pressure, battery and air filter.
6. Invest in specialist Ford GAP Insurance with ALA to protect your new purchase and your investment.
7. When you invest in the impressive new Ford Galaxy, you’ll have a small hatchback that will make you fall in love with driving again. Follow our car maintenance tips to help make sure your Galaxy looks brand-new for longer.

Source: wikipedia, netcarshow, whatcar