This article needs additional citations for verification .(October 2012) |
Ford Galaxy | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Ford of Europe |
Also called | Volkswagen Sharan (1995−2006) SEAT Alhambra (1995−2006) |
Production | June 1995 − April 2023 [1] |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Large MPV (M) |
Body style | 5-door MPV |
Layout |
The Ford Galaxy is a seven-seater car produced by Ford of Europe from June 1995 to April 2023. Considered in the motor industry to be a large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), it was the first Ford-brand MPV produced and marketed outside of North America, the model line is currently in its third generation. Sharing its platform architecture with the Ford Mondeo, the Galaxy was developed alongside the Ford S-Max; the model line is slotted between the Connect and Custom variants of the Ford Tourneo/Transit model family.
In contrast to the American-designed Ford Aerostar and Chrysler Voyager (both imported to Europe), the Galaxy is configured with four sedan-style doors (in line with the Renault Espace).
First generation (Mk I, Mk II) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Also called | Volkswagen Sharan (until 2006) SEAT Alhambra (until 2006) |
Production | June 1995–2006 |
Assembly | Portugal: Palmela (AutoEuropa) |
Designer | Greg M Greeson (1990) |
Body and chassis | |
Platform | Volkswagen Group B-VX62 |
Related | Volkswagen Sharan SEAT Alhambra |
Powertrain | |
Engine | petrol engines: 2.0i DOHC 2.3i DOHC 2.8i VR6 diesel engine: 1.9 TDI 90 bhp (67 kW) or 110 bhp (82 kW) 116 bhp (87 kW) 131 bhp (98 kW) |
The first Galaxy was designed as a joint venture product between Ford and the Volkswagen Group. Produced at the joint-venture AutoEuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal, the vehicle was badge-engineered to create three vehicles: the Ford Galaxy; by Volkswagen as the Volkswagen Sharan; and by SEAT as the Alhambra. Production started in May 1995.
The Galaxy used predominantly Volkswagen Group mechanicals, most notably the 2.8-litre VR6 petrol engine from the top versions of the Volkswagen Golf, as well as Volkswagen Group's 1.9-litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbo-diesel unit. Initially only the 2.0-litre inline-four petrol version used a Ford powerplant – this derived from the Ford I4 DOHC engine. 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 transversely mounted as opposed to longitudinal mounting like in the Scorpio.
The 2.8-litre VR6 model was also available with an optional four-wheel-drive system, however this did not reappear on the second generation. [2]
All of the VW Group sourced engines were supplied with "Ford" badges on the rocker covers, despite being VW Group designs. All automatic transmissions were VW Group AG4 boxes, but manual gearboxes on all engines were VXT75 five speeds (modified versions of the trusted Ford MTX-75 five speed set-up to suit the transverse engine layout).
The original interior used a mix of both Ford and VW Group components, using a Volkswagen 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.
In 1999, the MkI Ford Galaxy was rated in a Top Gear magazine survey as the least satisfying car in the United Kingdom, though 12,233 people bought a Galaxy in the previous year, which was twice the market share of its nearest rival, according to a Ford's spokesman. [3] In the UK, Ford Galaxy sold more than Volkswagen Sharan and was the best selling MPV. [4]
When the car was launched in 1995, there were two trim levels; the Aspen and the GLX, as well as the Ghia which launched a few months later. [5] In 1996, the 4x4 powertrain was available, the Aspen was updated with body coloured bumpers and updated hubcaps, as well as the launch of the Ghia X which was powered by the 2.3 petrol as standard instead of the 2.0 like that on the standard Ghia - and it had a few more standard features like air conditioning and front fog lights. [6] In early 1997, the Ultima was also launched, designed to be more luxurious than the Ghia. It had 6 leather captains chairs, as well as a front passenger airbag, traction control and different alloy wheels (all as standard features). [6] However, it never sold very well and approximately only around 125 were on the road at its peak. [7] Then, in 1999, Ford introduced the new LX and Zetec trim styles which replaced the Aspen and GLX models.
In August 2000, the Galaxy received a facelift with new exterior (incorporating New Edge) and interior styling including a new dashboard. [8] The updated trims included the LX, the Zetec and Ghia. Contrary to the name, the Zetec was not available with a Zetec engine, but with the 1.9 TDI engine which was supplied by Volkswagen, as well as Ford's own 2.3 petrol. [9] In 2004, the Galaxy received a very minor facelift with new taillights, a new lower front grille and a few differences to some trims. As well as this, the Silver special edition was launched alongside the Mondeo Silver, both having alloy wheels and only being available in 3 different silver colours. [10]
Pre-facelift (1995-2000) [5] [6] [8] [11] | Facelift (2000-2006) [9] [12] |
---|---|
Aspen | LX |
LX (1999) | Silver |
GLX | Zetec |
Zetec (1999) | Ghia |
Si | |
Ghia | |
Ghia X | |
Ultima |
Second generation (Mk III) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | June 2006 − 2015 |
Assembly | |
Body and chassis | |
Related | Ford S-MAX Ford Mondeo |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed 6F35 automatic 6-speed 6DCT450 dual-clutch |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,850 mm (112.2 in) |
Length | 4,820 mm (189.8 in) |
Width |
|
Height | 1,725 mm (67.9 in) |
Kerb weight |
|
The second generation Galaxy was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale alongside the Ford S-Max (which had a lower rear roofline, external cosmetic differences and only child seats in the third row) in June 2006.
The new Galaxy is larger than its predecessor, and is a four pillar vehicle of Ford design, with no Volkswagen Group content (Ford sold its stake in AutoEuropa back to the Volkswagen Group the year before). No longer produced at the AutoEuropa plant 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 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), Ford was 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 states that the Mk III Galaxy has 'elements' of Kinetic Design, such as its trapezoidal grille, large wheelarches and angular headlights. The vehicle has no spare wheel; instead an aerosol foam sealant is provided to seal punctures until a new tyre can be purchased.
Only Ford's own engines are used, all diesels being from the Duratorq family of engines in 100 PS (74 kW ; 99 bhp ) and 125 PS (92 kW; 123 bhp) 1.8-litre format, and also 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) and 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) 2.0 TDCi versions, with 2.2 TDCi for more power. Two petrol engines are now offered, there is the "1.6T 160PS EcoBoost Start/Stop" and the "2.0 203 PS EcoBoost [13]
However the 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine has been criticized by the Independent writer Jamie Merrill. He describes the engine as not powerful enough and should have been left in the smaller cars. [14]
In the United Kingdom, the Mk III Galaxy was available in Edge, Zetec, and Ghia trim levels. In February 2008, Ford added the Titanium high level trim in common with the Focus, C-MAX, Kuga, Mondeo and S-MAX ranges. The Titanium model is specified to the same level as the Ghia but adds a 'techno' feel. At the same time, the availability of a 175 PS (129 kW ; 173 bhp ) 2.2 TDCi engine option (joint design with PSA) was announced. The current trim levels available in the United Kingdom (November 2011) are Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X.
The Ford Galaxy also comes with many features such as Home Safe Lighting, Quickclear heated windscreen and a cooled passenger glove box. [15]
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 change in seating design reduces the load carrying capacity of the vehicle.
This model of car is known as the main vehicle on the British television series Outnumbered , which replaces the Vauxhall Zafira the family had in the older series.
Third generation (Mk IV) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | June 2015 – April 2023 |
Assembly | Spain: Almussafes (Ford Valencia Plant) |
Body and chassis | |
Platform | Ford CD4 platform |
Related | |
Powertrain | |
Engine |
|
Electric motor | 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) Permanent magnet 3-phase AC synchronous traction motor |
Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed 6F35 automatic Durashift CVT automatic 6-speed 6DCT450 dual-clutch |
Hybrid drivetrain | FHEV (Galaxy Hybrid) |
Battery | 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,850 mm (112.2 in) |
Length | 4,853 mm (191.1 in) |
Width | 1,916 mm (75.4 in) |
Height | 1,811 mm (71.3 in) |
Curb weight | 1,978 kg (4,361 lb) (hybrid) |
After its sibling, the Ford S-Max, was presented at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the all-new Galaxy went on sale in mid-2015. [16]
The Galaxy is available with the same range of engines as the S-Max, namely one diesel (in four states of tune) and two petrol variants. The petrol 1.5 SCTi Ecoboost has 160 hp, and the larger 2.0 SCTi has 240 hp, but can only be mated to Ford's Powershift automatic gearbox. At launch, Ford expected only two percent of United Kingdom sales to be petrol models. [2]
All the diesels average over 50 mpg – the most economical being the 2.0 TDCi Duratorq 120, which manages 57mpg. Both the 2.0 TDCi 150 and 180 versions come with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the Powershift auto – the 180 hp version can also be specced with AWD. The range topping Bi-Turbo 2.0 TDCi 210 comes with the Powershift gearbox only, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in under nine seconds.
The trim levels, mirroring those available in the S-Max, Mondeo and Edge, include Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X.
Ford updated the Galaxy for the 2020 model year. It received a new front grille and bumpers with a similar design as the Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta, Puma and Kuga. The Galaxy also received the Vignale version, a new automatic transmission and an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. [17] [18]
In late 2021, Ford stopped selling the standard petrol and diesel models, only selling it with one engine choice, a 2.5-litre hybrid Duratec - producing 190PS with a Durashift CVT transmission. [19]
In January 2022, Ford announced plans to discontinue the Galaxy after 27 years of production, stopping accepting orders for the minivan in favour of realisation of existing ones. Afterwards the cars will be axed from the European lineup without direct successor. [20]
The 2012 Ford Galaxy was reviewed by What Car? , and was given 4 out of 5 stars. They added that the Galaxy was more fun to drive than most MPVs. [21]
Top Gear also reviewed the car and gave it 7/10 and added it looked great all around. [22]
The SEAT Alhambra is a seven-seater minivan that was built from 1996 to 2020. It was manufactured under the SEAT brand from June 1996 onwards at the Volkswagen Group's AutoEuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal. It shares the same platform with the Volkswagen Sharan, and the first generation was also related to the Ford Galaxy. The vehicle is named after the Alhambra of Granada, a famous monument in Spain. It is considered in the motor industry to be a large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
The Ford Orion is a small family car that was produced by Ford Europe from 1983 until 1993. A total of 3,534,239 units were sold during the car's ten-year production life.
The Ford Duratorq engine, commonly referred to as Duratorq, is the marketing name of a range of Ford diesel engines introduced in 2000-2020. The larger capacity 5-cylinder units use the Power Stroke branding when installed in North American-market vehicles. The first design, codenamed "Puma" during its development, replaced the older Endura-D unit which had been around since 1984. Commercial versions of the Puma unit replaced Ford's older "2.5Di" type unit used in the Transit, and many other manufacturers' vehicles - most notably the London Taxi and in the Land Rover Defender. Other unrelated units in this range have been developed by Ford and PSA. The TDCi Duratorq engines are available in vehicles from Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Mazda. A new EcoBlue diesel engine range, originally codenamed "Panther" and planned to be available in 2.0- and 1.5-litre variants, will progressively replace the Duratorq engines from 2016.
The Volkswagen Sharan is a seven-seater minivan that was produced by the German Volkswagen Group and built at the AutoEuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal, with a front-wheel-drive version across two generations, from 1995 to 2022. Through badge engineering, the Volkswagen Sharan shares the same platform with the SEAT Alhambra, and the first generation was also in most respects identical to the Ford Galaxy. From 2010 to 2023 the Sharan was in its second generation. It is described in the motor industry as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
The Volkswagen Caddy is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle (M-segment) produced by the German automaker Volkswagen Group since 1980. It is sold in Europe and in other markets around the world. The Volkswagen Caddy was first introduced in North America in 1980 and in Europe in 1982. The first and second generations also had pick-up variants.
The Ford Sigma is a small straight-4 automobile engine introduced in 1995 by Ford Motor Company. Its first evolution was sold as the Zetec-S, then Zetec-SE and finally, in later years, renamed Duratec. The last upgrade of the engine is named Duratec Ti-VCT. Conceived for Ford's smaller models, the motor was intended to replace the older HCS and smaller capacity CVH units.
The Ford Escort is a small family car that was manufactured by Ford of Europe from 1968 until 2000. In total there were six generations, spread across three basic platforms: the original, rear-wheel-drive Mk.1/Mk.2 (1968–1980), the "Erika" front-wheel-drive Mk.3/Mk.4 (1980–1992), and the final CE-14 Mk.5/Mk.6 (1990–2002) version. Its successor, the Ford Focus, was released in 1998, but the final generation of Escort was phased out gradually, with the panel van version ending production in 2002 in favour of the Ford Transit Connect.
The Ford S-Max was a mid-size MPV produced by Ford Europe for the European market. A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), Ford also describes the S-Max as an SAV. Introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on sale alongside the new generation Galaxy in June 2006.
Ford of Europe GmbH is a subsidiary company of Ford Motor Company founded in 1967 in Cork, Ireland, with headquarters in Cologne, Germany.
The Ford Focus (third generation), also known as the Focus Mk III, (Code name: C346) debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show as a 2012 model. The cars shown were a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback, also debuting a new 2.0-litre direct injection I4 engine. A 5-door estate (wagon) was previewed at the Geneva Motor Show a month later.
The Ford Focus Mk 2 is the second generation of Ford Focus, a range of small family cars produced by Ford Motor Company from 2005 to 2010. It was launched at the Paris Motor Show on September 25, 2004, as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate, although the new car was previewed, in 4-door saloon form, as the 'Focus Concept' developed by Ford Europe at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2005.
Ford Motor Company used the Zetec name on a variety of inline 4-cylinder automobile engines. It was coined to replace "Zeta" on a range of 1.6 L to 2.0 L multi-valve engines introduced in 1991 because Ford was threatened with legal action by Lancia who owned the Zeta trademark. The company used the name widely in European advertising and later introduced it to the North American market with the Contour.
The Ford Mondeo I (first generation) is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk. In December 1992, Autocar published a section on the Mondeo, and how it would conquer rivals.
The Ford Mondeo Mk3 (second generation) model was launched by Ford in October 2000. This Mondeo was considerably larger than its predecessor, and although Ford abandoned its New Edge design theme for the second generation, it was their first vehicle to fully benefit from the Prodigy concept car. This gave it an overall effect which many critics felt was more restrained and mature, if much less distinctive. Two of the old car's biggest weaknesses, the modest rear legroom, and uncompetitive diesel version were addressed by a 50 mm (2.0 in) longer wheelbase and the new Duratorq diesel engine. The basic chassis and suspension design was carried over from the previous generation, which meant that the car continued its predecessor's reputation for class leading handling and ride. This Mondeo came to Mexico, replacing the North American built Ford Contour, and was sold from 2001 to 2007, when the Ford Fusion replaced it. The North American market Fusion and Ford Five Hundred/Taurus sported very similar styling, inside and out.
The Ford Mondeo Mk IV (third generation), codenamed CD345 was officially unveiled in five-door production form by Ford in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo, the platform was the same as that used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda Atenza in Japan. It was also used for several Volvos starting with the Volvo S80 II.
The fourth generation of the Ford Mondeo, is a range of mid-size cars produced by Ford from 2013 to 2022. Developed under the model code CD391, it is a rebadged variant of the American-market Fusion sold in Europe, Latin America, China and Australia. Revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the Mondeo is based on a new iteration of Ford's C/D platform, which it shares with the Galaxy and S-Max large MPVs. The Fusion had started production in 2012, which was about one year before the Mondeo had. At its launch, it served as the flagship model for Ford's lineup in China, and was tested on Chinese roads in 2013.
The Fiesta Mark IV was launched in October 1995 and became Britain's best-selling car from 1996 to 1998, when it was overtaken by the all-new Ford Focus, a replacement for the Ford Escort.
The Ford Fiesta Mk5 is the fifth generation of the Ford Fiesta supermini built in Europe between April 2002 and 2008. The Fiesta continued to be built in Mexico until 2010 and in Brazil until 2014. Most engines were carried over from the previous Fiesta. This generation became the best-selling Ford Fiesta generation to date. This was the first Fiesta to be sold in Asia and Australasia, where it replaced the Kia-based Festiva.
The Ford Fiesta Mk6/Mark VI is the sixth generation of the Ford Fiesta supermini. The sixth generation Fiesta was shown in a concept car form as the Ford Verve at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, with introductions in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australasia, and Africa. Developed under the project code B299 and B409, the model uses the Ford global B-car platform newly developed for the model.
The fifth-generation Ford Mondeo is a sedan manufactured by Ford through its joint venture Changan Ford in China since 2022. It is the replacement for the outgoing fourth-generation Mondeo and the Chinese market Taurus. The car is the sedan counterpart of the Mondeo Sport crossover, and shares the same platform as the mid-size luxury Lincoln Z. It is also marketed in the Middle East as the Ford Taurus.