New Ford Galaxy gets top score for safety

Posted on 09/27/2006 under: Safety, Ford

The new Ford Galaxy has achieved a class-leading five-star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol. Together with Focus and the recently tested S-MAX, Ford now offers three vehicles with the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP. The Galaxy's five-star result was almost identical to that of its sister vehicle, the S-MAX, despite being tested in right-hand-drive configuration.

"When developing the Galaxy and S-MAX body structures we took full account of the differences between left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles for front impact safety," said Gisbert Gäb, Manager Vehicle Safety, Ford of Europe. "Our target was to ensure that the same high level of protection would be available to occupants of vehicles in both configurations, and as this five-star result confirms, we have succeeded. The Galaxy result is in fact the best score for any right-hand-drive vehicle tested by Euro NCAP to date."
Holistic Approach to Safety

Ford's Intelligent Protection System (IPS) is a holistic approach towards safety. It combines a body structure optimised for strength and crashworthiness with state-of-the-art restraint equipment, driver aids that help avoid an accident, and features that lessen the likelihood of injuries in an impact.

The new Galaxy's safety package includes the latest technology – front airbags and a new driver's knee airbag as well as side-mounted thorax airbags for the front seats plus window curtain airbags which protect all seat rows. As a family car with a comprehensive safety package, new Galaxy also features a three-anchor ISOFIX system for the outer seats of the second row.

Ford dealers offer special seats for children of all sizes and ages, which in combination with ISOFIX made a four-star child protection rating possible. With two stars and 15 points, Galaxy also achieved a very competitive result for pedestrian protection.

Also included is an advanced neck injury protection system. Combined with three-point seat belts, optimised pre-tensioners and load limiters, anti-submarining seat subframes, a horizontal stroking steering system and safety pedals, these features provide the occupants with a highly comprehensive safety system.
Accident Avoidance

In terms of active safety, a number of significant new technologies are targeted at providing new levels of control and accident avoidance for the new Ford Galaxy.

In addition to standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and an optional enhanced Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system, Ford also offers a host of technologies that significantly help improve safety.

All-new driver support systems available on new Galaxy and S-MAX include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA), Collision Mitigation by Braking (CMbB) and a new active suspension system - with continuously controlled damping.

Galaxy Euro NCAP results:

Test Ratings
Galaxy (right hand drive)

Adult occupant protection
5 stars

- Front impact
15 points

- Side impact
16 points

- Pole impact
2 points

- Belt reminder
2 points

- Total
35 points

Child occupant protection
4 stars

Pedestrian protection
2 stars

Source: Ford