The standard beige box...
The standard beige box usually found on a desk is replaced by a sleek ÷£1,000 scale model, with a variety of machines to choose from, including the BMW M5, Mercedes S-Class, Hummer H2, Dodge Viper and Corvette.
Larger in every dimension...
Larger in every dimension, the people carrier will offer ample space for seven, plus a more luxurious and versatile interior. Expect the new Galaxy to be more expensive, though, with prices starting at around í‚á£23,000 - similar to Renault"s Grand Espace.
The car borrows heavily from the SAV concept, unveiled at Geneva in March, and is due on sale next summer. As a five and seven-seater, it will sit beneath the Galaxy in Ford"s line-up. Adaptive headlights are standard on the Ghia-spec Galaxy, and the Frankfurt car also features a panoramic glass roof extending over the second row of seats. This is set to make it on to high-spec customer models.
It will be joined by a special roof rack that can double as a spoiler, diverting airflow from the rear window, while Ford"s trademark flared wheelarches are complemented by wraparound rear tail-lights. As on the current car, the next Galaxy gets conventional hinged rear doors, rather than the sliding alternatives offered by rivals.
Inside, the newcomer is much more innovative - the heavy, removable rear seats have been replaced by two rows of chairs which fold completely flat, yet there"s ample room for luggage with them in place. Other touches include an overhead storage console, plus Ford"s new HMI (Human Machine Interface) system, which controls the Galaxy"s ventilation and audio set-ups using a dial similar to BMW"s iDrive device.
The production model will offer four Mondeo-sourced engines at launch, comprising 2.0 and 2.2-litre TDCi diesels as well as 2.0 and 3.0-litre V6 petrol powerplants. A performance version will arrive later, using the 220bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder from the Focus ST.
The new Galaxy goes on sale in May, with Ford expecting to shift around 10,000 cars annually in this country.