New 7-seat Ford Galaxy gets more luxury and tech
Ford reveals the new Ford Galaxy 7-seater MPV with sharper looks and lots more tech.
The lid has been lifted on the new Ford Galaxy MPV, the latest version of Ford’s popular 7-seat family bus. The new Galaxy is set to arrive in the UK later in 2015, joining the new S-MAX and facelifted C-MAX in a revamped Ford MPV line-up.
The Galaxy takes on the latest Ford global design language with wide grille and slimed down headlamps defining the front end. The window line is raised compared to the outgoing car but the Galaxy retains the large glass area that marks it out from the sportier S-MAX. A retractable panoramic glass roof further boosts light levels inside.
Of more relevance to the space-hungry family car buyers attracted to the Galaxy will be improvements to the big MPV’s adaptable seating system. Ford claims that the new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats and all five of the chairs in the second and third rows can now be folded flat at the touch of a button.
There’s better access to the third row seats too with new outer seats in the second row that tilt and slide forward in a single motion. Ford is also claiming a class first for a system that automatically raises or lowers the third row of seating.
Ford’s integral link rear suspension system makes its debut in the new Galaxy, having already featured in the new Mondeo and S-MAX. It’s designed to give a smoother ride without compromising on the lateral stiffness needed for precise handling on the road. For even comfier progress, Galaxy buyers will be able to specify self-levelling rear suspension as an option.
In the engine bay, Ford’s 2.0-litre TDCi diesel units dominate with 118bhp, 148bhp and 178bhp power outputs offered. Petrol buyers will be able to choose from 1.6 (158bhp) or 2.0 (237bhp) Ecoboost turbo units with all models meeting the Euro VI emissions standards. All Galaxy models will also benefit from regenerative braking, stop-start and an Active Grille Shutter that can close to improve aerodynamics.
That’s not the only smart new technology that’s found its way into the Galaxy. The vehicle is fitted with a raft of safety and convenience kit including Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the beam angle to the driving environment, a front split view camera that increases the driver’s field of vision at junctions and an active parking system that can automatically reverse into a parking bay, as well as parking the car parallel to the road. The Galaxy may also get Ford's 'Intelligent Speed Limiter' that automatically lowers your speed to the posted road limit.
Inside the Galaxy, the traditional instrument cluster has been ditched in favour of a customisable 10-inch digital display screen and control over the car’s various functions is aided by the latest Ford SYNC 2 voice control system. SYNC 2 lets drivers operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems with simple voice commands.
We expect the new Ford Galaxy to arrive in the UK towards the end of 2015 with prices opening at around £28,000.
