Ford has announced that the all-new Galaxy minivan is available with the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, an absolute first for the nameplate.
The AWD system promises to deliver enhanced traction and road-holding “with a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions,” according to the release.
The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system can send up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, and make required adjustments in just 100 milliseconds. Ford says its AWD system has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and CO2 emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems, as it only delivers torque where and when it is needed.
On Ford Galaxy vehicles fitted with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the system is always on, improving traction – particularly at low speeds. At speeds above 30 km/h (18 mph), Ford says the system is designed to improve driving feel, handling and responses using information from body control, braking, gearbox and the Electronic Power Assisted Steering.
For example, by sending torque to the rear wheels when cornering at speed the system can help reduce understeer. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is offered with the 150PS (148hp) 2.0-liter TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, as well as with the 180PS (178hp) 2.0-litre TDCi engine with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
The all-new Ford Galaxy is available to order as of now in Ambiente, Trend and Titanium trim levels in Europe (Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X in the UK). Prices start from €32,810 in Germany and £26,445 in the UK, both corresponding to base FWD models equipped with the 160PS (158hp) 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine.
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