Ford of Europe has issued the following press release:
A NEW CONCEPT IN SPACE TRAVEL: THE NEW FORD GALAXY
The elegant all-new Ford Galaxy, which is being launched at the Geneva Motor Show 2006, takes the established and highly successful Galaxy concept further into the ’Travel First Class’ arena and is a worthy new flagship for the Ford of Europe product portfolio. The new Galaxy is handsome, dynamic and purposeful, featuring elements of Ford’s new ‘kinetic design’ form language.
A Bigger Galaxy: New Galaxy is slightly bigger than the model it replaces, with a wider track (+59mm front, + 81mm rear compared to the previous model). Overall length has increased by 179mm (4,820mm vs. 4,641mm), while vehicle width has increased by 60mm (1,854mm vs. 1,794mm). The overall height was reduced slightly by 14mm (1,676mm vs. 1,690mm).
The inside story:The new Ford Galaxy uses its increased exterior dimensions ingeniously to provide impressive interior space for up to seven adults and their luggage. With its deep glass area and high seating position, the Galaxy offers a “command bridge” feel for occupants. Its standard three-row seating configuration combined with the new Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS) offers new levels of flexibility for the Ford Galaxy, while luggage volume is significantly increased by around one third (435 litres vs. 335 litres) ’ even when all 7 seats are taken. With the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded flat this luggage volume increases to a massive 2325 litres.
Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS) for modularity and flexibility: The new Ford Galaxy is a full seven-seater and is equipped with the innovative new Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS) for the five individual rear seats. FFS enables the 2nd and 3rd row seating areas to be easily transformed into a completely flat load space without having to remove and store the seats. The spacious second and third row seats offer premium comfort in an individually designed seat, plus an increase in seat adjustment of 50mm for the second row and 60mm for the third row versus the first-generation model.
Panorama Roof and Overhead Console: The optional Panorama Roof is a single piece of glass externally, but inside the vehicle is effectively separated into four sections ’ two over the front seats, and two over the rear seats, with the overhead centre console running along the centreline of the roof panel from front to rear. The new full-length overhead console includes a child watch mirror and up to five stowage boxes.
No-compromise on safety: A major part of the new Galaxy story revolves around the vehicle’s active and passive safety systems. Ford’s Intelligent Protection System has been enhanced for Galaxy, and now features a driver’s knee airbag in addition to the usual complement of front and side airbags and air curtains. — Ford's future small car developments.
A new Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) active suspension system is also available, and is a major contributor to the Galaxy safety package as well as enhancing the vehicle’s driving dynamics. It includes Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) to improve suspension performance and comfort in all road conditions and interact with the vehicle’s ESP system for better dynamic vehicle behaviour. Other new safety and comfort features for the new Ford Galaxy are
* Hill-Launch-Assist (HLA), which allows the driver to release the brake pedal and to step on the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backwards
* Ford’s new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) and Collision Mitigation by Braking – driver aids based on radar distance control
Powertrains: New Galaxy features a comprehensive range of powertrains. The engine line up is:1.8 litre Duratorq TDCi 100 PS (74 kW), 1.8 litre Duratorq TDCi 125 PS (92 kW), 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi 130 PS (96 kW) with DPF, 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi 140 PS (103 kW) with or without DPF, and 2.0 litre Duratec TDCi 145 PS (107 kW).
Ford PrecisionDrive: The new Galaxy stands out in the MPV segment by offering Ford’s acclaimed driving quality as standard. This is now represented under the Ford PrecisionDrive title. Despite its size, the new Galaxy features car-like driving dynamics with real driver appeal. Thanks to the acknowledged Ford expertise of bringing to market suspension systems with high levels of comfort, stability and handling precision for safe driving, new Galaxy drives and handles like a smaller car.
THE NEW FORD S-MAX: SPORT, STYLE AND SPACE
The all-new S-MAX is an exciting new addition to Ford of Europe’s product portfolio, and will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2006. It shares many of the convenience, dynamic and safety features with its sister car, the new Ford Galaxy, but is a distinctly different vehicle. — Volkswagen space up! concept.
The new Ford S-MAX offers 5+2 seating and distinctive styling, while the availability of a 220PS Duratec 5-cylinder turbo engine from the Focus ST, signals its sporty character. A range of new driver-focused technologies plus innovative approaches to seating, stowage and flexibility make the S-MAX one of the most exciting new Ford cars ever.
Exterior Design: The new Ford S-MAX is the first production Ford model to include elements of Ford of Europe’s ‘Kinetic Design’ form language. Its distinctive lines were first previewed in the Ford SAV Concept vehicle at Geneva 2005.
Interior Design: Just as individual exterior styling reflects the different characters of S-MAX and new Galaxy even though they share a common architecture, the interior of the two cars is also distinctly different.
A new flexible seating system and a host of other innovative touches give the S-MAX interior its own personality.
Roominess and comfort for second-row passengers: Compared with the previous Galaxy, S-MAX offers second-row passengers a seating height elevated by 64mm, 60mm more legroom up to a class-leading 1,062mm, and more shoulder room (1,535mm vs. 1,523mm). In addition, each of the three individual seats can be adjusted independently. For an even more relaxed posture during long trips, the second-row seats feature a refined recline system with a lower pivot point. When reclining the backrest of the seat, the cushion will adjust by automatically inclining down.
Outstanding safety: Ford has equipped the S-MAX with an impressive array of active and passive safety features ’ many seen for the first time on a Ford vehicle. — Tokyo Show sustainability concepts.
S-MAX features an enhanced version of Ford’s Intelligent Protection System, including a new airbag for the driver’s knee area.
Strong and economical powertrains: The S-MAX engine line-up features two Duratec petrol and three latest-generation Duratorq TDCi diesels. Top of the range is the 220PS (162 kW), Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo engine, also used in the acclaimed Focus ST. This engine perfectly matches the sporty character of Ford S-MAX.
The successful 2.0 litre Duratec 145 PS (107 kW) engine plus clean and efficient diesels round out the range: 1.8 litre Duratorq TDCi 125 PS (92 kW), 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi 130 PS (96 kW) with DPF, 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi 140 PS (103 kW) with or without DPF.
Ford PrecisionDrive : The new S-MAX explores the sporty side of Ford’s driving style, while the Galaxy’s suspension is tuned to a considerably more relaxed ride. Ford is now signalling its acclaimed driving quality attributes to customers under the Ford PrecisionDrive banner.
Compared with Galaxy, S-MAX’s slightly lower centre of gravity, unique damper tuning and spring travel of slightly less than 200mm offers precision ride and handling designed to reward the enthusiastic driver. Ford’s optional new active suspension system with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) provides even better handling, comfort and stability, plus shorter braking distances.
