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MK2
Overview |
The
MK2 Ford Galaxy was available in three trim levels, to suit a
wide variety of customer budgets and lifestyles, from the accessible
value of LX, to the sporty refinement of Zetec or the luxury of
Ghia.
The extensive list of upmarket new options included side airbags
(standard on Ghia), high intensity xenon headlights with retractable
headlight washers, parking distance sensor front and rear (standard
on Zetec and Ghia), advanced navigation system, plus the unique
multi-media system which offers video playback and computer games
display on state-of-the-art screens in the rear of the front-row
headrests.
The restyled Ford Galaxy exterior included a new bonnet, front
wings, bumpers and tailgate. As well as providing fresh and distinctive
front and rear views, the new design also appeared to stretch
the vehicle in side view, emphasising the elegant and car-like
look without compromising the one-box shape. Fresh details like
the slimmer front grille and the tear-shaped headlights also made
a major contribution to the new appearance.
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The
redesigned interior of the MK2 Ford Galaxy delivered improved
practicality in a stylish, premium quality package. The focal
point was the radical new dashboard, with its purposeful new steering
wheel. This featured a fine pyramid-pattern ‘technical’
grain finish and metallic spokes, surface treatments echoed throughout
the interior and which contribute significantly to the contemporary
feel.
The seats
were made more comfortable and stowage opportunities were increased,
notably with the two handy boxes incorporated neatly into the
top of the dash. Large enough to hold a variety of items with
ease, the boxes have satisfying details such as the positive action
of the release catches, damped opening mechanisms and soft-feel
linings.
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The
flagship engine for the revised Ford Galaxy range was a new 24-valve,
204 PS 2.8-litre V6 which delivers 17 per cent more power than
its predecessor. As a result, the 0-62mph time dropped from 11.8
to 9.9 seconds while average fuel consumption was cut by eight
percent. Four new, 1.9-litre diesel options - in 90 PS, 115 PS,
130 PS & 150 PS variants - feature high pressure fuel injection
technology to deliver outstanding torque, as well as reducing
both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. The engine line-up
was completed by Ford’s smooth and flexible 2.3-litre DOHC,
now with improvements to driveability, exhaust emissions and overall
quietness. Advanced transmissions for the MK2 Ford Galaxy included
six-speed manuals and four- and five-speed ‘Select-Shift’
automatic transmissions, which allow sequential manual gear-changes
if required.
A major innovation in driving dynamics for any vehicle in this
class was the new Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fitted
as standard on V6 Ford Galaxy models, and optional with the 115
PS diesel engine. The system detects a loss of driver control
under extreme conditions and uses braking and throttle control
to re-establish stability.
The MK2 Ford Galaxy continued to set the class standard for an
outstanding combination of steering precision, handling and ride
comfort. Steering feel was improved, the suspension set-up optimised
to suit the new engines, and the V6 Galaxy had also been equipped
with larger brakes, to handle the higher engine power. A Sports
Pack option (sports suspension, performance bumpers, side skirts)
was also available. |
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