Follow the leader
Ford has played a clever hand in the large MPV sector. The mainstream family car market migrated toward smaller, more lifestyle-oriented cars such as Vauxhall Zafira and Renault Scenic. And while the UK’s market leader followed this trend with e C-Max and S-Max models, it cannily kept a foot in the pig people-mover camp by creating a new, second-generation Galaxy.
This proved to be a winner – especially as Ford’s erstwhile partner in the sector, Volkswagen, is still building its versions of the original jointly-developed Galaxy as the VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra. These are due for replacement later in the year – indeed, we got a first look at the new Shazza at Geneva last month (see page 14).
But Ford has meanwhile moved on to a mid-life facelift for its Galaxy, with significant changes both inside the car and under the bonnet. New engines and transmissions give a greatly improved ride, while giving the car impressive fuel economy and, crucially, sub-160g/km CO2 emissions levels.
The importance of Galaxy to Ford’s presence in the chauffeuring and private hire sector cannot be underestimated. Of the 8,000 Galaxys sold in the UK last year, around 40% went to private hire companies – including 1,200 cars supplied to market-leader Addison Lee. And a lot of Addison Lee’s rivals have started to follow suit, buying fleets of Galaxys in preference to traditional saloons such as the Mondeo, which shares the Galaxy’s platform and running gear.
In advance of the UK launch later this month, Ford has taken us to the southern tip of Spain, to let us loose on some German-spec left-hookers. We’re driving a top-of-the-range 163PS 2.0-litre diesel, featuring Ford’s latest Duratorq engine. It’s badged with Ghia trim, though for the UK, Ghia is now a goner – instead our equivalent RHD range-toppers will carry the Titanium badge.
Ford has facelifted the Galaxy and S-Max simultaneously – and the changes are designed to give greater separation between the two models. The S-Max is pitched at family buyers, and it’s been restyled to have a more sporty look – the grille now looks more like that of a Fiesta or Focus.
Galaxy, on the other hand, is moving upscale, with chrome surrounds to the grille and headlamps and subtle horizontal chrome bars across the grille to denote the Titanium spec. There’s more chrome on the sides and roof bars too, and new LED rear lights. Inside, both rows of rear seats now fold flat and there are new interior colour trim options.
