The new Galaxy will reach the UK this summerNew seven-seat MPV will reach the UK this summer, with prices starting from £26,445
The 2015 Ford Galaxy will offer all-wheel drive when it goes on sale this summer, with prices starting from £26,445.
Ford’s Intelligent all-wheel drive system measures the road surface once every 16 milliseconds, and is able to send up to 100% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels as needed.
The Blue Oval says the system has a minimal impact on CO2 emissions and fuel economy. The system also means the new Galaxy can tow loads of up to 2000kg.
Ford already offers all-wheel drive in its Kuga, Mondeo, and S-Max models, and the system will also be offered on the Edge SUV when it comes to market later this year.
Taking clear styling cues from the smaller S-Max, the seven-seat Galaxy uses Ford’s new family front-end design, with a prominent front grille and slim headlights.
The new car also features a unique third row of seats which can be raised from the boot floor “at the touch of a button”, something Ford claims is a first in the MPV segment. In addition, both the second and third row of seats can be folded flat via a button on the centre console.
Inside the cabin, Ford has replaced the older car’s traditional instrument cluster with a new 10in digital display, which can be customised.
The Galaxy’s flat load space has been enhanced thanks to an extra 20 litres of storage found beneath the boot floor. Door bins are also larger than before, while under-seat storage is also available.
Second and third-row passengers in the Galaxy benefit from more headroom than before, by up to 40mm in the third row, while rearmost passengers also get their own armrest storage and cup holders. Rear passengers also get their own temperature adjustment.
Ford’s Seat Alhambra and Volkswagen Sharan rival is based on the Blue Oval’s global C/D platform, which also underpins the new Mondeo. The Galaxy also uses Ford’s integral link rear suspension set-up, the same as that found on the S-Max and Mondeo. Ford says the system “delivers improved impact absorption for a smoother ride and reduced noise levels”.
Self-levelling rear suspension is also available, while drivers can choose from Comfort, Normal or Sport driving modes via the firm’s Continuous Control Damping system. Adaptive electronic steering is also fitted.
The Galaxy’s suite of safety and assistance technology has also been upgraded. New adaptive front lighting features alongside parking aids, a cross traffic alert which warns drivers of obstacles when reversing, and a front split-view camera system.
The Galaxy also features Ford’s Sync 2 infotainment system, and the firm’s programmable MyKey is available.
Powering the new Galaxy will be a 2.0-litre TDCi Biturbo diesel with 207bhp and 332lb ft. The same engine will also be available in lower-powered single-turbocharger form and offered with 118bhp, 148bhp and 178bhp outputs.
Petrol options include Ford’s 158bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost offering 237bhp. The entire Galaxy engine range meets Euro 6 emissions legislation, while Ford claims that fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved across the range.
Unlike the smaller S-Max, the vast majority of the Galaxy’s sales are likely to come from fleet rather than private sales. Because of this split, it’s understood that no super-luxury Vignale version of the Galaxy will be offered.
The new Galaxy is available in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X specifications, with order books opening today. Entry-level Zetec models get 17-inch alloy wheels, Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning and sports seats.
Titanium models, which cost from £28,595, get privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers, keyless entry, cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Top-spec Titanium X models get additional equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a powered tailgate, park assist and a rear view camera, and cost from £33,095. First deliveries are planned for the summer.
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