Ford Galaxy

The Ford Galaxy is a large MpV first introduced in 1995.
The first Galaxy was designed and built by AutoEuropa, a joint venture between Ford and Volkswagen (VW), and also sold by VW as the Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra. All three models were built by Autoeuropa at the joint production plant in palmela, portugal.
The Galaxy uses predominantly Volkswagen mechanicals, most notably the 2.8-litre VR6 petrol engine from the top versions of the VW Golf, as well as VW’s 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit. Initially only the 2.0-litre Straight-4 petrol version used a Ford powerplant - this is derived from the Ford DOHC family. In later years this unit was supplemented by a 2.3-litre 16-valve version first seen in the facelifted Ford Scorpio. This engine was unique to the Ford Galaxy in that it was transversially mounted opposed to longitudinally like in the Ford Scorpio and Escort RS2000 which used the same bottom end; similarly, this was the case with the 1.8-litre 20-valve turbocharged petrol engine offered in the Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra.
All of the VW-sourced engines are supplied with “Ford” rocker covers, despite being of Volkswagen design. Diesel, 2.8 V6 and all automatic transmissions were VW based, but manual boxes on the 2.0i and 2.3i DOHC engines were modified versions of the trusted VXT75 5 speed set-up.
The original interior used a mix of both Ford and VW components, using a Golf-derived instrument pack, and most of the switchgear, while the curved fascia moulding was of Ford design, heavily reminiscent of that used in the Ford Mondeo.
A major redesign in 2001 saw the Galaxy distance itself from its VW Group competitors. The car adopted the Ford corporate front end, while the interior benefited from an all-new dash, utilising high-quality materials and a design akin to the third-generation Ford Mondeo, introduced at a similar time as the new Galaxy. Also new engines were available across the range, the newer 24v VR6 along with VW’s pumpe-Düse (pd) TDI engines available in 115, 130 and 150 bhp (112 kW) forms, these were matched to a 6 speed manual transmission, a 4 speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift operation and a 5 speed automatic transmission (Auto boxes were only available on 115 pS (113 hp/85 kW) variant due to the limitations of the torque converter).
1.8 L Duratorq TDCi I4, 125 pS (123 hp/92 kW) 2.0 L Duratorq ZSD TDCi I4, 130 pS (128 hp/96 kW) 2.0 L Duratorq ZSD TDCi I4, 140 pS (138 hp/103 kW) 2.0 L Duratec I4, 145 pS (143 hp/107 kW)
The third generation Galaxy was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale alongside the shorter and lower Ford S-MAX in June 2006.
The new Galaxy is larger than its predecessor and is a four pillar vehicle of entirely Ford design, with no Volkswagen content. No longer produced in portugal, Europe’s replacement Galaxy is assembled at a newly re-equipped plant alongside the Mondeo in Genk, Belgium. With the S-MAX catering to customers who require a sport-oriented MpV, Ford were able to expand the Galaxy in every dimension without losing sales in size-conscious Europe.
Due to its size, Ford was unable to design the Galaxy using a full Kinetic Design format. However, Ford officially states that the car contains ‘elements’ of Kinetic Design, such as its trapezoidal grille, large wheelarches and angular headlights. No spare wheel is obtained when buying this car, a foam is given to seal punctures until a new wheel can be bought.
Ford’s engines are used, all diesels being from the Duratorq family of engines in 100 pS (99 hp/74 kW) & 125 pS (123 hp/92 kW) 1.8 format and also 130 pS (128 hp/96 kW) & 140 pS (138 hp/103 kW) 2.0 TDCi versions. two petrol engines are offered - the Duratec 2.0 145 pS (143 hp/107 kW) variant and 2.3 L petrol 161 bhp (120 kW) engine
This version is not sold in Latin America, but the old 1995-2006 Ford Galaxy is still available there, with 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8 petrol engines. (The VW sourced 1.9 TDi engine is no longer offered).
In the United Kingdom, the car is available in Edge, Zetec and Ghia trim levels. In February 2008, Ford announced that the Galaxy will be made available with the Titanium high series trim as seen on the Focus, C-MAX, Mondeo and S-MAX ranges. The Titanium model will be specified to the same level as the Ghia but will add a ‘techno’ feel. At the same time the availability of a 2.2TDCi engine option (joint design with peugeot; 170hp) was announced.
One major selling point of the Galaxy and S-MAX is the “FoldFlatSystem”. This design allows the second- and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor although this step forward in seating design lowers the load carrying capacity of the vehicle.
In Europe the Galaxy is currently leading sales in its segment, although it is outsold by its S-MAX sibling.