Geneva Motor Show debut for the distinctive new Ford Galaxy

The new Ford Galaxy introduces fresh styling and a host of functional improvements for one of Europe's most popular multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). The vehicle, making its public debut at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show, sports a more upmarket appearance with several technological features that are new to the segment. The redesigned Galaxy exterior shares the latest 'Ford family' look with sleeker and more distinctive lines, notably in the headlamps and front grille. The sophisticated and all-new interior design marks a radical departure for Ford with a crisp, geometric feel to the dashboard and extensive use of fine-patterned 'technical' graining and metallic highlights.

Success story continues
"The Ford Galaxy is a tremendous success story that has helped to fuel the remarkable growth of a whole market segment in Europe," 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 while increasing the vehicle's visual differentiation from others in the segment." Powertrains have also been revised and improved across the range, with a new and more powerful 204 PS, 2.8-litre V6 engine heading the impressive line-up. State-of-the-art 1.9-litre diesel engines with high pressure fuel injection in 90 PS and 115 PS forms provide more torque than their predecessors, as well as lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Advanced transmissions such as the six-speed manual and the new four- and five-speed automatics - which give the driver the option of manual sequential selection or fully automatic shifting - make their first appearance in the European MPV class.

The latest Ford Galaxy is also one of the first vehicles in Europe to offer an advanced multi-media system as an original-equipment option. The system provides video playback and the facility for computer games on two daylight-visible, high-resolution screens on the backs of the front headrests. Along with the new multi-media option, the freshened Galaxy includes a long list of luxury options including the availability of navigation systems, high intensity xenon headlamps, retractable headlamp washers, front and rear parking distance sensors and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. These supplement high specifications for all models that include as standard: air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, electric front windows, driver and passenger front air bags, available (standard in some markets) side air bags and a distinctive oval clock, centrally mounted on the dashboard.

Individual new exterior design
The restyled Galaxy exterior includes a new bonnet, front wings, bumpers and tailgate as well as new headlamps and front grille. As well as providing fresh and totally distinctive front and rear views, the new design also serves to visually stretch the vehicle in side view, supporting the elegant and car-like look without compromising the one-box shape. However, actual length has only increased by 24 mm due to the new bumper profiles.

"The new Galaxy's unique headlamps characterise so much of what the Ford design team wanted to achieve with this car," said Andrew Pollitt, Galaxy Chief Programme Engineer. "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 additional option of high performance xenon lamps with automatic levelling."

Clear lenses on the individual clusters of the new tail-lights contribute to the contemporary look. Practicality is served by new, scratch-resistant mouldings on bumpers and doors. New interior stresses premium appearance and quality The story of the new Galaxy interior is one of improved practicality and 'first class' quality in the selection of materials and textures.

The new steering wheel first catches the eye, just as the headlamps do outside. A strong and purposeful design, the wheel features a fine pyramid-pattern 'technical' grain finish and four aluminium-coloured spokes.

In front of the wheel, the classic look of the instrument cluster receives a modern twist on selected models in the form of an alphanumeric/graphic dot matrix display for warning and vehicle information symbols, plus direction indicator repeaters for the navigation system where fitted. The aluminium-coloured surround on the instrument cluster echoes other metallic design highlights throughout the cabin, such as the chromed metal door handles. The smart technical grain used on the steering wheel is repeated on the lids of two ingenious new stowage boxes incorporated into the top of the dash. The central box is ideal for a mobile phone, sunglasses or an electronic personal organiser, while the other is deeper, to take bulkier items like cameras or drink cans, as well as having 12 coin slots. Both boxes have satisfying details such as the positive action of the release catches, damped opening mechanisms and soft-feel linings. Other additions to the already generous storage locations around the Galaxy cabin include two stylish new cup-holders in the centre console and larger bins in the restyled front doors, able to hold a 2-litre bottle.

"The restyled Galaxy introduces a new surface language for Ford interior design," said Gert Hohenester, Galaxy Chief Designer. "The dashboard has a crisp and decisive look, with very controlled use of geometric curves. The top rolls gently right through to the windscreen, but has a wide inset in the form of a truncated ellipse that echoes the shape of the vehicle's front grille. Small details like the end-caps to the air-vent barrels are very satisfying, and exceptional care has gone into the choice of surface treatments and colours to create an environment with a strong 'technical' look. However, soft surface textures and high quality new fabrics ensure that the cabin has a welcoming feel too."

The seats throughout have been substantially improved to offer more thigh and lateral support, as well as a smarter appearance. New sports front seats are also available as an option, as well as integral child seats for the rear. Generous track and height range on the driver's seat, plus the new rake-and-reach adjustable steering column, ensure a comfortable driving position regardless of personal size or shape.

High-tech powertrains
The flagship engine for the latest Galaxy range is a new 24-valve, V6 2.8-litre. At 204 PS it delivers 17 per cent more power than the V6 it replaces, producing a dramatic improvement in performance - the 0-100 km/h time drops from 11.8 to 9.9 seconds - while also cutting average fuel consumption by 11 per cent. The engine can be matched with either a sporty six-speed manual box or a five-speed automatic transmission, which allows either fully automatic gear changes or sequential manual gear-changes as desired by the driver.

The introduction of cutting-edge high pressure fuel injection diesel engine technology for the new Galaxy provides outstanding torque, as well as reducing both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. Available in 90 PS and 115 PS forms, the diesels also take the six-speed manual gearbox, with their own set of gear ratios for balanced and smooth driving. The five-speed automatic transmission is also an option with the 115 PS diesel. Completing the engine line-up is the smooth and flexible 2.3-litre DOHC, now with improvements to driveability, exhaust emissions and overall quietness. This proven engine is now uniquely available with a carefully matched, four-speed variant of the automatic transmission, or an improved version of Ford's VXT 75 five-speed manual gearbox.

"The new Galaxy's powertrain line-up features exciting new engines and innovative transmissions," said Tony Dixon, Galaxy Project Manager. "And though the previous Galaxy's car-like driving dynamics have never been seriously challenged, we've found scope for improvements to keep it a nose ahead, as well as developing a special high performance set-up for the powerful V6 model."

Driving dynamics
A major innovation in driving dynamics for the Ford Galaxy is the new Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fitted as standard on V6 models, and optional on diesel variants - a breakthrough in the MPV sector. The system detects a loss of driver control under extreme conditions and uses braking and throttle control to re-establish stability, keeping the vehicle on track with the driver barely being aware of the intervention. In addition, the V6 Galaxy has also been equipped with larger brake discs and callipers, to suit the higher engine power.

The new steering wheel and new rake-and-reach adjustable column contribute to an overall improvement in the steering package, and the car continues to set the class standard for an outstanding combination of steering precision, handling and ride comfort. The launch of the new model also serves to highlight the exhilarating sports suspension option, with reduced ride height, which was introduced recently and is available on selected new Galaxy models.

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 same groups of people - around 12 to 15 at a time - 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," Pollitt said. "They really reinforced our own beliefs that owners view these vehicles as luxury sedans first, but that 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 Galaxy, with an interior worthy of a premium large saloon car, and top-of-the-range options like the multi-media system." The Ford Galaxy is due to go on sale in Europe later this year.

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