FORD

SPACIAL AWARENESS Our long-term stint in Ford’s Galaxy revealed its true colours and they’re none too shabby. Steve Walker reports…

If Ford’s sporty S-MAX is the large MPV for people who want to pretend that they’re not driving a large MPV, then its Galaxy sister vehicle is the large MPV for those who couldn’t give a monkey’s what the world at large thinks. Refreshingly unpretentious in its approach, the Galaxy simply sets out to be as practical as it can for a large family. Over the course of a long term test, we’ve been deciding just how practical it is.

You’ll fit seven people in a fully-loaded Galaxy and that’s seven full-sized people too. Access to the rearmost row of seats isn’t the assault course it is in some models in this class and once you’re there, it’s possible for a six-footer to sit out a long journey in reasonable comfort. In all likelihood, most owners will either use the rear seats exclusively for children or fold them down completely to maximise luggage space so it’s hard to gripe about them on any level. Our test has seen the seating primarily in the stowed position and that frees up a usefully large boot area. The Galaxy’s various berths all split and fold down but they aren’t capable of the acrobatics that can be witnessed in the most flexible large MPVs. There is a flat load floor but the range of seat configurations isn’t that vast. Having said that, a situation has yet to arise where the Galaxy couldn’t take all of the required personnel and luggage on board. Once you’ve positioned the seats and loaded up, there’s a good level of comfort with supportive seating and leg and head room barely an issue except in the case of the very tall. The Galaxy has stood-up well to the pressures of family life with the interior retaining a freshness (beneath a thin layer of grime) that will do its bit to protect the residual value. Many of the more useful storage solutions are optional extras on the Galaxy but our model came fitted with quite a few of them. A big thumbs-up goes to the under seat storage areas which really help to reduce clutter in the cabin floor and the roof-mounted storage console looked pretty desirable in the glossy brochure.

"Diesel is the obvious choice in a full size MPV"

The S-MAX caters for buyers bent on shrugging off the shackles that a big people carrier traditionally puts on their driving enjoyment, leaving the Galaxy free to do the things that a big MPV should do. It’s softer sprung and both you and your passengers will appreciate this during long stints on the bobbly British road network. The steering remains pleasantly direct and the conveniently-positioned gearshifter on our manual car slots between the different ratios with some aplomb. Visibility is another Galaxy strong point with the extra glass area it offers over the S-MAX proving useful when squeezing into a parking bay or pulling out of an angled junction. Our Galaxy is equipped with the 2.0-litre TDCi common-rail diesel engine in 138bhp form. Diesel is the obvious choice in a full size MPV, the fuel economy helping to keep running costs manageable, the surging torque helping to keep progress reasonably peppy in what is a particularly hefty vehicle. The Galaxy is available with 1.8-litre diesel engines of similar architecture but with only 99 and 123bhp in each case, these don’t offer the same verve as our 138bhp car. Anyone who’s tried a spell at the wheel of the firmly sprung S-MAX will find the Galaxy less sharp in feel but what you lose on the turn-in to corners and in body-control at the apex, you gain in smoothness and comfort on the flat. That said, putting the S-MAX to one side, large MPVs that handle better than the Galaxy are a rare breed, if indeed there are any. Considering its height and size, it’s highly accomplished on the road and in no way tarnishes Ford’s reputation in this area. When the prodigious space inside the Galaxy isn’t quite enough, we have been known to hitch up a trailer to increase capacity but the Galaxy’s drivetrain remains unfazed. Pulling a large box trailer full of PA equipment isn’t part of the remit for most MPVs but many owners will pull caravans, or trailers full of bikes, household items or rubbish on its way to the tip. The TDCi diesel engine is well up to the towcar job, offering plenty of power and, more importantly, torque. Experience has shown that the Galaxy’s body control with a trailer hitched up is far better when the Sport mode is engaged. Here, the firmed-up suspension settings reduce the pitch and roll caused by the weight of the trailer bobbing along behind. It also pays to switch off the rear parking sensors when towing, unless of course you like incessant high-pitched bleeping as an accompaniment to your journeys. We’ve all warmed to the Galaxy over the course of this long term test. It may not have the eye-catching looks or headline-grabbing engines of the S-MAX but it does the important MPV stuff better and that will be what matters to most MPV buyers. Over time spent with a car like this, using it as any normal family would, novelties like sporty styling and powerful engines tend to wear off, leaving the vehicle to stand or fall on more practical considerations. That’s why the Galaxy gets our vote.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Ford Galaxy range PRICES: £19,800-£26,000 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 166-197g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi 140] Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi 140] (combined) 43mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & side curtain airbags / ABS / EBA WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4820/1884/1691mm

STAR PERFORMER A long term test has revealed the true colours of Ford’s Galaxy MPV. Steve Walker reports…

In recent times, Ford has become a byword for fun driver’s cars. The Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo have each headed their respective classes when judged on criteria like chassis balance and handling agility but when it comes to large MPVs like the Galaxy, the capacity to slay a set of high-speed corners features less highly in the thinking of prospective buyers. That’s not to say it isn’t desirable to some, and that’s why Ford cleverly split its seven-seater offering between the exuberant S-MAX and the more homely Galaxy. In the presence of the S-MAX, the Galaxy is left free to do the traditional MPV thing, a task not easily reconciled with the need for thrilling dynamics.

We’ve been taking an extended gander at the Galaxy over the course of a long term test, the perfect way to get a feel for a car with the primary function of being easy for families to live with. Ford offers the S-MAX for people who see the big people carrier their family needs as an albatross around the neck of their motoring enjoyment. The Galaxy just stoically gets on with the job of excelling in the big people carrier role. Our Galaxy is equipped with the 2.0-litre TDCi common-rail diesel engine in 138bhp form. Diesel is the obvious choice in a full size MPV, the fuel economy helping to keep running costs manageable, the surging torque helping to keep progress reasonably peppy in what is a particularly hefty vehicle. The Galaxy is available with 1.8-litre diesel engines of similar architecture but with only 99 and 123bhp in each case, these don’t offer the same verve as our 138bhp car. Anyone who’s tried a spell at the wheel of the firmly sprung S-MAX will find the Galaxy less sharp in feel but what you lose on the turn-in to corners and in body-control at the apex, you gain in smoothness and comfort on the flat. That said, putting the S-MAX to one side, large MPVs that handle better than the Galaxy are a rare breed, if indeed there are any. Considering its height and size, it’s highly accomplished on the road and in no way tarnishes Ford’s reputation in this area.

"Buyers who need seven seats will find it hard to look beyond their local Ford dealership"

We’ve tested the Galaxy on trips long and short, laden and unladen, packed with kids and loaded with luggage. It comes across as a very refined and the ride quality is particularly useful when it comes to avoiding car sickness in small passengers. The glass area is huge and when viewed externally, the flanks appear to be split 50/50 between metal and glass. This throws an abundance of light into the cabin and the low waistline means that everyone gets a clear view out. Even as an adult cooped up in the in the back row, there’s little feeling of claustrophobia, with the Galaxy’s designers having made good use of the space available. The cabin floor even slopes up slightly towards the rear so that people in the back can see what’s going on up front. The thought that went into the Galaxy’s interior design has been evident from the word go. It’s the little touches that make all the difference in a car like this and amongst the Galaxy’s highlights are the rear sun blinds that still allow the windows to be operated while they’re down and the clever towing hitch that folds down from under the rear valance when required. Also extremely handy are the flush sills on the rear doors and the tailgate that allow the crumbs and dirt your kids deposit on the floor to be easily swept out. Any large MPV is only as good as its seating system with the folding, sliding, removable seat having evolved into something of an art form over recent years. The Galaxy’s interior is capable of all the usual accommodation acrobatics and it’s relatively straightforward to access the configuration you want without recourse to the owner’s manual. The seats don’t lift out in the manor favoured by some of the Galaxy’s more aged rivals. Instead the rearmost two rows simply drop down flush with the floor to present a vast flat load area that’s almost commercial vehicle in its dimensions. Of course, various combinations of seating and luggage space can be achieved by folding different seats but the main one that most owners will employ, that of both of the seats in the third row folded down to create a big boot behind the middle row, is very handy indeed. There’s very little luggage capacity with all the Galaxy’s seating occupied but the car can easily take five people and a whole lot of luggage when configured in this five-seat manner, the cargo area being easily accessible and uniformly shaped. When you consider the kinds of buyers who actually go out and purchase seven-seat MPVs, their requirements and the requirements of their families, you could easily make a case for the Ford Galaxy being a better car than its S-MAX sister vehicle. Where the S-MAX majors on offering an engaging driving experience and sporty styling coupled with MPV practicality, the Galaxy gets on with the job in hand, that of fulfilling the traditional MPV role. The S-MAX is an MPV for people who don’t really want one and by offering superior practicality along with a driving experience that’s less sporty but will be preferable to many buyers in this sector, the Galaxy could have its measure. One thing’s for certain: buyers who need seven seats will find it hard to look beyond their local Ford dealership.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Ford Galaxy range PRICES: £19,800-£26,000 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 166-197g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi 140] Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi 140] (combined) 43mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & side curtain airbags / ABS / EBA WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4820/1884/1691mm

TICKING ALL THE BOXES Ford’s original Galaxy was always a big seller but one suspected that if Ford was given a clean sheet of paper it would have been even better. This time round there have been no compromises. The diesel versions are the big sellers and Andy Enright gets behind the wheel…

Building a winning full-sized MPV appears easy. Make it drive like a car but feature enough space and clever versatility to wow people in the showrooms. Then just price it competitively. Answer these simple criteria and you’ll take the market by storm. Yet if you look at the people carriers out there, none fit the bill. They all either offer acres of space but drive like buses or handle sportily but cost a fortune to run and don’t give too much over a typical estate car. Here’s one that would seem to tick all of the boxes- the latest diesel Ford Galaxy.

Not so much a car as a range of different models powered by four distinct engines, the Galaxy diesel range has a lot going for it. Let’s take a look at the powerplant options first. The entry-level diesel is the 100bhp Duratorq TDCi 1.8 and there’s also a peppier 125bhp version of this unit on offer. Those looking for the sort of torque that makes short work of hauling seven people up a motorway incline will prefer the 140bhp 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi, an engine that delivers a surge of 340Nm in overboost conditions. With a six-speed manual transmission as standard, this engine offers a decent compromise between power and economy. If you want more, there’s also a 175PS 2.2-litre TDCi variant on offer. Prices have been kept reasonable too, with the entry-level diesel starting at £19,800. That’ll get you a 100bhp Edge model. Move up to a 125bhp version of the same trim level and you’ll be looking at £20,600. Independent figures supplied for Carcost by Emmox have shown that the Galaxy Zetec 1.8TDCi 125PS will cost £2,493 less to run over three years/60,000 miles than the Citroën C8 SX HDi 2.2DT 130. And the Galaxy Ghia 2.0TDCi 140PS will cost £2,533 less over three years/60,000 miles than Renault's Espace Expression 2.2dCi 150. That is a saving of more than £16 a week, every week, for three years. The Carcost comparison also shows that fuel costs and service, maintenance and repair costs are lower over three years/60,000 miles than those of comparable VW Sharan, Renault Espace, Citroen C8 and Toyota Previa models. Additionally, the CAP and Carcost figures both show the new seven-seat Galaxy to offer strong residual values – beating virtually all of the competition and bettering even the current Galaxy by up to seven per cent.

"The Galaxy diesel is a very convincing proposition"

With the diesel line up starting at Edge, running through Zetec and topping out at Ghia level, the range-topping model is the 6-speed 2.2-litre TDCi Ghia, priced at £26,000. Bear in mind that this is a well-equipped full-sized MPV and that it’s easy to specify a compact MPV up to near these prices. The affordability side of things is well covered. What’s the Galaxy like to drive? In a word, sharp. The suspension and steering are both reassuring and all three engines have enough torque to serve up a fun drive. Even the mid range engine will accelerate to 60mph in 11.4 seconds and run on to a 113mph top speed. At the same time this 1.8-litre 125bhp powerplant will return 45mpg on the combined cycle and emit just 125g/km of carbon dioxide. An interesting option available to Galaxy buyers is an active suspension system. Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) provides damper valve control every two tenths of a second in order to guarantee the best balance between comfort and road contact. The heave, roll and pitch of the Galaxy are controlled by the system, improving body control and thus comfort. This gives the Galaxy additional agility and sure-footedness, especially when the vehicle is heavily loaded. Safety is one area in which the Galaxy excels. An ultra-rigid passenger cell is a good start point, but there’s also a recently-developed Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) system that controls all of the other safety systems in a cohesive manner. When those include that Continuously Controlled Damping (CDDC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) and Collision Mitigation By Braking, that’s quite some integration task. Factor in the anti-lock braking system, Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and you have a wide array of available safety functions that Ford predict will easily be enough to net the Galaxy a coveted five-star EuroNCAP safety score. No MPV worth its salt will be without a seriously clever interior and the Galaxy scores well here too. Ford’s designers appear to have become fed up with Vauxhall taking all the plaudits for clever seating solutions and have developed a system of their own. The FFS (Ford FoldFlatSystem before you attribute a baser meaning to that acronym) allows 32 different seating permutations. The second and third rows of seats all fold flat to form a genuinely huge load floor which measures 2.0 by 1.15 metres – that’s about as big as a double bed. Think of this Galaxy as Ford finally getting to take the gloves off. The old Galaxy was developed as far as Ford could push but there was no getting away from the fact that this was a car created on the cheap. Not cheap in terms of global automotive development, but cheap insofar as Ford shared much of the costs with the Volkswagen Group. Ford got the Galaxy while Volkswagen and SEAT got the Sharan and Alhambra models respectively. Of the three clones, the Galaxy was always the biggest seller in this country, helped in no small part by the huge dealer network, the keen pricing incentives and, to this eye at least, the sharpest styling. None of which could disguise the fact that the Galaxy consistently recorded rather sorry scores in customer satisfaction surveys. Quality was tightened up on later models but there persisted the suspicion that, in sales terms at least, the Portuguese-built Galaxy was punching well above its weight. Fed up with a lack of autonomy where quality and design functions were concerned, Ford vowed to design and build the subsequent Galaxy generation entirely in house. So it is that the latest Galaxy model has been funded by Ford, designed by Ford and is bolted together by Ford at the Genk Assembly Plant in Belgium - a factory that is successfully benchmarking Ford’s flagship Saarlouis facility in terms of quality. It feels solid and the materials quality is way higher than its predecessor. The interior is also a good deal more adventurously styled. In a somewhat odd twist of fate, the biggest impediment to the Galaxy diesel’s chances of topping the large MPV sales charts could come from within Ford rather than from any established rivals. The S-MAX model, launched concurrently, is selling strongly and bringing a younger owner profile to larger MPV vehicles. In contrast, the Galaxy diesel is a little more traditional in appeal whilst still sharing the cutting edge technology. Take a look at its constituent parts, however, and it’s hard to argue against it.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Ford Galaxy TDCi range PRICES: £19,800-£26,000 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 125-172g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi 140] Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi 140] (combined) 43mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & side curtain airbags / ABS / EBA WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4820/1884/1691mm

FAMILY FAVOURITE The S-MAX might get the accolades but Ford’s Galaxy gets the family car basics right. Steve Walker reports…

European Car of the Year 2007; it has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? Ford would certainly have been pleased as punch when the 58 automotive journalists from 22 European countries emerged from their smoke-filled room holding the S-MAX MPV aloft as the premier product of the year. Such a prestigious accolade can only raise a vehicle’s profile with the public at large, giving sales a shot in the arm in the process. But wait, with the sporty S-MAX raking-in the plaudits, aren’t we forgetting something? Amidst all the furore, the less extrovert Galaxy - a car built on identical underpinnings - might be in danger of slipping under the radar. This would be a cardinal sin with the S-MAX’s more sensible sibling arguably representing the more complete package for family buyers.

Some months back, we embarked on a long term test at the wheel of a Galaxy TDCi 140 to set the records straight. The Galaxy might be built around more traditional MPV virtues than the thrusting S-MAX but haven’t these qualities become established in the MPV sphere because that’s what most customers want? We set out to find the answers to this question plus a few others and having been with the Galaxy for the long haul, we’re fairly confident we have the answers. The S-MAX is a great concept expertly executed by Ford. It’s a full-size MPV for people who would really rather not own a full-sized MPV at all but are forced to by their expanding families. The spoilers and sporty detailing aren’t just wolf fancy dress for the sheep. The car handles superbly and if you opt for the 2.5-litre turbo engine pinched from the Focus ST, it’s shockingly quick. Inevitably, though, there are compromises. Unlike the S-MAX, the Galaxy is unashamed of what it is – a large MPV – and it gets on with doing that job as efficiently as possible. Where the S-MAX employs firmer springs to produce that sharp drive, the Galaxy is tunes more for comfort. It’s softer sprung and both you and your passengers will appreciate this during long stints on the bobbly British road network. The steering remains pleasantly direct and the conveniently-positioned gearshifter on our manual car slots between the different ratios with some aplomb. Visibility is another Galaxy strong point, with the extra glass area it offers over the sleeker S-MAX proving useful when squeezing into a parking bay or pulling out of an angled junction.

"…the Galaxy is unashamed of what it is"

Our Galaxy is equipped with the 2.0-litre TDCi common-rail diesel engine in 138bhp form. This is the most popular powerplant in the wider Galaxy line-up. Diesel is the obvious choice in a full-size MPV, the fuel economy helping to keep running costs manageable, the surging torque helping to keep progress reasonably peppy in what is a particularly hefty vehicle. The Galaxy is available with 1.8-litre diesel engines of similar architecture but with only 99 and 123bhp in each case, these don’t offer the same verve as our 138bhp car. If that’s what you really want, then there’s a 2.2-litre TDCi unit at the top of the range. Anyone who’s tried a spell at the wheel of the more focused S-MAX will find the Galaxy less urgent in feel but what you lose on the turn-in to corners and in body-control at the apex, you gain in smoothness and comfort on the flat. That said, putting the S-MAX to one side, large MPVs that handle better than the Galaxy are a rare breed, if indeed there are any. Considering its height and size, it’s highly accomplished on the road and in no way tarnishes Ford’s reputation in this area. When the prodigious space inside the Galaxy isn’t quite enough, we have been known to hitch up a trailer to increase capacity but the Galaxy’s drivetrain remains unfazed. Pulling a large box trailer full of PA equipment isn’t part of the remit for most MPVs but many owners will pull caravans, or trailers full of bikes, household items or rubbish on its way to the tip. The TDCi diesel engine is well up to the towcar job, offering plenty of power and, more importantly, torque. Experience has shown that the Galaxy’s body control with a trailer hitched up is far better when the Sport mode is engaged. Here, the firmed-up suspension settings reduce the pitch and roll caused by the weight of the trailer bobbing along behind. It also pays to switch off the rear parking sensors when towing, unless of course you like incessant high-pitched bleeping as an accompaniment to your journeys. Any large MPV is only as good as its seating system with the folding, sliding, removable seat having evolved into something of an art form over recent years. The Galaxy’s interior is capable of all the usual accommodation acrobatics and it’s relatively straightforward to access the configuration you want without recourse to the owner’s manual. The seats don’t lift out in the manor favoured by some of the Galaxy’s more aged rivals. Instead the rearmost two rows simply drop down flush with the floor to present a vast flat load area that’s almost commercial vehicle in its dimensions. Of course, various combinations of seating and luggage space can be achieved by folding different seats but the main one that most owners will employ, that of both of the seats in the third row folded down to create a big boot behind the middle row, is very handy indeed. There’s very little luggage capacity with all the Galaxy’s seating occupied but the car can easily take five people and a whole lot of luggage when configured in this five-seat manner, the cargo area being easily accessible and uniformly shaped. The S-MAX might have the wow factor but the Galaxy does a better job of filling the large MPV role and it’s not without its charm out on the open road. Family buyers who aren’t much interested in performance and panache but want a vehicle that eases the burden of family life will find a perfect partner in the less extrovert of Ford’s large MPVs. If the S-MAX is the enthusiast’s choice, the Galaxy is the Family’s Car of the Year.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Ford Galaxy range PRICES: £19,800-£26,000 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 166-197g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi 140] Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi 140] (combined) 43mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & side curtain airbags / ABS / EBA WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4820/1884/1691mm

FIDLERS ON THE HOOF The Fidler family are a family tailor-made for MPV living, with four children, schools runs, holidays and all the day-to-day demands a spacious people carrier must be able to meet. Having checked the market, the Fidlers opted to try a Ford Galaxy TDCi 140. We tracked them down to find out how they got on with it.

Large MPVs like Ford’s Galaxy are faced with one of the most demanding tasks in the automotive world – providing everyday transport for a large family. There are some very clever motor vehicles out there, from 200mph supercars and all-terrain 4x4s to convertibles with folding metal roofs but in some ways, the multifaceted role taken on by big people carriers tops the lot. The Fidler family have been in the company of their Ford Galaxy TDCi 140 for a good few months now, using it day in and day out, but how has it stood up to this toughest of tests?

After weeks at the wheel, dad Terry Fidler is full of praise for Ford’s large MPV. He loves the punchy diesel engine which copes so well with the Galaxy’s hefty body while still managing to keep running costs down and he loves the interior space that’s made adaptable to all kinds of requirements by the clever seating system. Yes, the Galaxy seems to cover all the major bases so far as the Fidlers are concerned but are there devils in the detail. The seating system is vital to any large MPV it’s through the contortionist chairs in the back that all that space can be put to the best use. The Galaxy’s seats don’t lift out in the manor favoured by many older MPVs and this has huge advantages in terms of on-the-fly versatility. The Fidlers have tried vehicles in which the only way to maximise the available loadspace is to leave some of the seats in the garage at home. Those things aren’t usually light or compact to shift about in the first place and then, what do you do when you’re out and about and you need that seating capacity back again?

"The Galaxy’s TDCi diesel engine is well up to the towcar job"

On the Galaxy, the rearmost two rows simply drop down flush with the floor to present a vast flat load area that’s almost commercial vehicle in its dimensions. Of course, various combinations of seating and luggage space can be achieved by folding different seats but the one that Fidlers employ most regularly, that of both of the seats in the third row folded down to create a big boot behind the middle row, is very handy indeed. There’s very little luggage capacity with all the Galaxy’s seating occupied but the car can easily take five of the six Fidlers and a whole lot of luggage when configured in this five-seat manner. The rear seats fold down very simply but one complaint is that it’s quite complicated to execute the second stage and actually drop the seat flat to the floor. It took Terry a good few minutes to work out the series of movements needed to achieve the fully flat boot and he reports that it’s tricky enough to make him simply make do with the half-folded seats on occasions when he can get away with it. The Fidler family are outdoorsy types and this has put a particular strain on the Galaxy’s interiors. With the best will in the world, when you’ve got four muddy kids on board some of that mud is going to be transferred onto carpets and upholstery. The Galaxy has impressed on this count, proving easy to clean with very few of those little crevices that seem to be magnates for dust, dirt and bits of crisp. The door sills and tailgate are flush with the vehicle’s floor too, so it’s easy to perform a cursory sweep out to keep everything shipshape. The materials used have obviously been chosen for their hard wearing qualities and although the Galaxy is still at the start of its life, it comes up as good as new after each encounter with the Dyson and duster. When the prodigious space inside the Galaxy isn’t quite enough, the Fidlers have been known to hitch up the trailer to increase capacity but the Galaxy’s drivetrain remains unfazed. Pulling a large box trailer full of PA equipment isn’t part of the remit for most MPVs but many owners will pull caravans, or trailers full of bikes, household items or rubbish on its way to the tip. The TDCi diesel engine is well up to the towcar job, offering plenty of power and, more importantly, torque. Terry has found that the Galaxy’s body control with a trailer hitched up is far better when the Sport mode is engaged. Here, the firmed-up suspension settings reduce the pitch and roll caused by the weight of the trailer bobbing along behind. It also pays to switch off the rear parking sensors when towing, unless of course you like incessant high-pitched bleeping as an accompaniment to your journeys. The Fidler family are hard task masters but the Galaxy has proven itself over the course of its stay. It’s the little problems that niggle away at you when you’re using a car everyday and Ford’s effort has turned out to be refreshingly free of them, taking the pressures of family life in its stride.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Ford Galaxy range PRICES: £19,800-£26,000 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 166-197g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi 140] Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi 140] (combined) 43mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & side curtain airbags / ABS / EBA WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4820/1884/1691mm

GALAXY QUEST Ford shared the development of the old Galaxy MPV with other manufacturers. This time round they’re doing better on their own. Andy Enright reports

Pride, it is said, often comes before a fall. The big cheeses at Ford Europe certainly hope not because they’re rather proud of their latest Galaxy model and can’t afford any hiccups in its projected march to the top of the MPV sales charts. This version of the Galaxy marks a change in philosophy for Ford and it’s one that they firmly believe has resulted in a markedly superior offering.

The old Galaxy was a joint design shared with Volkswagen and SEAT, but this latest generation car is all Ford’s own work, sharing components only with its S-MAX stablemate, a car offering a sportier take on the 7-seater large MPV theme. Prices start at £19,800, a couple of thousand more than the cheapest S-MAX – but then you are getting a more spacious vehicle. The Galaxy range has recently been enhanced to counter touch opposition from cars like Renault’s Espace and Chrysler’s Voyager, the main news being the addition of a 175PS 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine to the line-up, along with extra equipment features. Unlike its predecessor, this Galaxy is built entirely in-house by Ford at the company’s Genk Assembly Plant in Belgium. This is a factory that is successfully benchmarking Ford’s flagship Saarlouis facility in terms of quality – and that’s important in view of the build quality issues suffered by some first generation Galaxy models. No sign of anything along those lines so far with the post-2006 generation models. Like the S-MAX, this Galaxy’s design marks a departure from Ford’s previous ‘New Edge’ styling theme which, it appears, is now old hat. Instead, Ford’s latest direction is called ‘kinetic design’ and follows the lead of their iosis concept car. Whereas New Edge was all about sharp edges, rakish planes and boldly intersecting arcs, kinetic design is more organic in its look, and features more voluptuous, muscular curves and sporty, dynamic stances.

"The Galaxy looks set to extend its lease on the No. 1 spot in the MPV sales charts"

That said, you won’t need to clock the badge on the back of the Galaxy to figure out what it is. The front end of the car is immediately recognisable as a Galaxy but put the old and new cars side by side and there is, in fact, very little commonality. The face of the Galaxy also looks broadly similar to that of the S-MAX, due to the fact that the head lights and bonnet are the only body parts the two cars share. The big change with the Galaxy’s styling over its predecessor comes in the glasshouse. The old car featured a low, horizontal waistline whereas the latest car wears its belt a little higher and features a far more rakish wedge shape. You’d even go as far as to say this latest Galaxy is a bit of a looker. Move round to the rear end and the good news continues. Big tail lamp pods nuzzle up against the black surround of the rear window glass and the low rear valance gives the Galaxy a dynamic ‘sucked to the tarmac’ sort of look. Were the S-MAX not to exist, it would be easy to imagine a seriously sporting version of the Galaxy. That the S-MAX is even better looking and more dynamic means that it gets the big horsepower and the sexy accessories. The Galaxy isn’t without its appeal though. Let’s get to the heart of any MPV style vehicle – the seats. Ford’s designers appear to have become fed up with Vauxhall taking all the plaudits for clever seating solutions and have developed a system of their own. FFS (Ford FoldFlatSystem before you attribute a baser meaning to that acronym) allows 32 different seating permutations. The second and third rows of seats all fold flat to form a genuinely huge load floor which measures 2.0 by 1.15 metres – that’s about as big as a double bed. Ford offer a 145PS 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine and a quartet of diesels. The entry-level diesel is the 100PS Duratorq TDCi 1.8 and there’s also a peppier 125PS version of this powerplant on offer. Those looking for the sort of torque that makes short work of hauling seven people up a motorway incline will prefer the 140PS 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi unit, an engine that delivers a seamless surge of power - 340Nm to be exact. Not surprisingly, the 175PS 2.2-litre version of his unit has even more pulling power. Another 2.0-litre variant is a flexifuel version (FFV), capable of running on any mix of bioethanol and petrol in the same fuel tank. An interesting option available to Galaxy buyers is an active suspension system. Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) provides damper valve control every two tenths of a second in order to guarantee the best balance between comfort and road contact. Heave, roll and pitch of the Galaxy are controlled by the system, improving body control and thus comfort. This gives the Galaxy additional agility and sure-footedness, especially when the vehicle is heavily loaded. Safety is one area in which the Galaxy excels. An ultra-rigid passenger cell is a good start point, but there’s also a recently-developed Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) system that controls all of the other safety systems in a cohesive manner. When those include that Continuously Controlled Damping (CDDC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) and Collision Mitigation By Braking, that’s quite some integration task. Factor in the anti-lock braking system, Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and you have a wide array of available safety functions that Ford predict will easily be enough to net the Galaxy a coveted five-star EuroNCAP safety score. It may seem a little strange that Ford are hoping for business as usual from a car so radically improved but this is a market that has developed rapidly. Merely being good is now no longer good enough. Nothing short of excellent will cut it. It seems that with the latest Galaxy, Ford have a genuine reason to be proud.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Ford Galaxy range PRICES: £19,800-£26,000 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-11 CO2 EMISSIONS: 166-197g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDCi 140] Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 9.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDCi 140] (combined) 43mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & side curtain airbags / ABS / EBA WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4820/1884/1691mm

EVERYTHING BUT THE GAL Models Covered: five-door MPV - 2006 to date (2.0, 2.5 petrol, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 diesel [LX, Zetec, Ghia] )

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

* Introduction Sometimes nothing other than a proper large MPV will do. Ford’s original Galaxy used to be a large MPV and then all of a sudden it wasn’t. No, it didn’t shrink in a hot wash or anything like that: rather the market changed and suddenly people wanted bigger and better. Stuck in a relationship with Volkswagen and SEAT, Ford’s hands were tied. With the 2006 model year Galaxy, the gloves came off and Ford showed what its considerable R&D budget was capable of when given free rein. The Galaxy has won over even the most curmudgeonly reviewers and the public have taken to it as well. Here’s what to look for when buying used.

In developing the S-MAX and MK3 Galaxy twins, Ford decided that it needed a greater element of control over the build of its large MPVs than it enjoyed with the previous generation Galaxy. This was built alongside Volkswagen and SEAT products in the Autoeuropa factory in Palmela, Portugal and the mix of Volkswagen and Ford parts was never a happy one, the old Galaxy being plagued by reliability issues that gradually got ironed out as it was developed. With the MK3 ’06 model year Galaxy, Ford took control, moving production to the Genk plant in Belgium and build quality has tightened considerably as a result. As well as being a successful car, the Galaxy is a smart one, sharing most of its DNA with the S-MAX and riding on what is effectively a Mondeo chassis. This means that it drives not unlike a rather taller Mondeo estate which, if you’ve never had the chance to get behind the wheel of one, is high praise indeed. The public certainly thought so and embraced the Galaxy as the default choice among larger MPVs. In May 2007, Ford added the 130bhp TDCi 2.0-litre diesel engine to the Galaxy line up for Durashift automatic models. ESP stability control was also fitted across the range, while the Ghia model received an improved Convers+ driver control system. In mid-2008, flexifuel and 2.2-litre TDCi models were added to the range along with equipment upgrades.

Like the S-MAX, this Galaxy’s design marked a departure from Ford’s previous ‘New Edge’ styling theme which, it appears, is now old hat. Instead, Ford’s later direction was dubbed ‘kinetic design’ and followed the lead of their iosis concept car. Whereas New Edge was all about sharp edges, rakish planes and boldly intersecting arcs, kinetic design was more organic in its look, and featured more voluptuous, muscular curves and sporty, dynamic stances. That said, you won’t need to clock the badge on the back of the Galaxy to figure out what it is. The front end of the car is immediately recognisable as a Galaxy but put the old and new cars side by side and there is, in fact, very little commonality. The face of the Galaxy also looks broadly similar to that of the S-MAX, due to the fact that the head lights and bonnet are the only body parts the two cars share. The big change with the Galaxy’s styling over its predecessor comes in the glasshouse. The old car featured a low, horizontal waistline whereas the latest car wears its belt a little higher and features a far more rakish wedge shape. You’d even go as far as to say this Galaxy is a bit of a looker. Move round to the rear end and the good news continues. Big tail lamp pods nuzzle up against the black surround of the rear window glass and the low rear valance gives the Galaxy a dynamic ‘sucked to the tarmac’ sort of look. Were the S-MAX not to exist, it would be easy to imagine a seriously sporting version of the Galaxy. That the S-MAX is even better looking and more dynamic means that it gets the big horsepower and the sexy accessories. The Galaxy isn’t without its appeal though. Let’s get to the heart of any MPV style vehicle – the seats. Ford’s designers appear to have become fed up with Vauxhall taking all the plaudits for clever seating solutions and have developed a system of their own. FFS (Ford FoldFlatSystem before you attribute a baser meaning to that acronym) allows 32 different seating permutations. The second and third rows of seats all fold flat to form a genuinely huge load floor which measures 2.0 by 1.15 metres – that’s about as big as a double bed.

Prices start from around £14,250 for an entry-level S-MAX 2.0 LX but to be honest, this is the one engine in the range we’d avoid. The diesels are a better bet and even the base 1.8-litre TDCi 125 does a good job of hauling the Galaxy around and these can be had from £14,750. The 2.0-litre diesels really are the plum pick though and these can be found from £15,000 for a Zetec on a 56 plate or £15,300 for a well-specified Ghia model. Insurance opens at Group 10 and tops out at a miserly Group 11, so nothing to get too frightened about there.

The Galaxy has a clean record so far as serious problems are concerned so you can buy with relative confidence. Although Galaxy interiors are well constructed, check for the usual damage wrought by children and negotiate hard. The silver-coated plastics can scratch easily so make sure the previous owner wasn’t too big on the Jimmy Savile jingle-jangle. Mechanically, the Galaxy is tough but clutches can take a beating in lower-powered versions, especially if you can spot evidence of a tow bar being fitted. Front tyre wear is also an issue with the weighty diesel engines.

(Estimated prices, based on a 2.0LX (inc VAT) A clutch assembly is around £130, an exhaust system around £800 (incl. catalytic converter) and an exchange alternator around £320. Front brake pads are around £50, front shock absorbers are about £45 and rears just under £35.

Ford offers a 145PS 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine and a quartet of diesels. The entry-level diesel is the 100PS Duratorq TDCi 1.8 and there’s also a peppier 125PS version of this powerplant on offer. Those looking for the sort of torque that makes short work of hauling seven people up a motorway incline will prefer the 130 or 140PS 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi units, engines that delivers a seamless surge of power - 340Nm in the case of the 140PS powerplant we’d choose. With a six-speed manual transmission as standard, this engine offers a decent compromise between power and economy. An interesting option available to Galaxy buyers is an active suspension system. Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) provides damper valve control every two tenths of a second in order to guarantee the best balance between comfort and road contact. Heave, roll and pitch of the Galaxy are controlled by the system, improving body control and thus comfort. This gives the Galaxy additional agility and sure-footedness, especially when the vehicle is heavily loaded. Safety is one area in which the Galaxy excels. An ultra-rigid passenger cell is a good start point, but there’s also a recently-developed Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) system that controls all of the other safety systems in a cohesive manner. When those include that Continuously Controlled Damping (CDDC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) and Collision Mitigation By Braking, that’s quite some integration task. Factor in the anti-lock braking system, Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and you have a wide array of available safety functions that were easily enough to net the Galaxy a coveted five-star EuroNCAP safety score.

There aren’t too many big MPVs you’d look forward to driving but the Galaxy is part of a select group. Go for a diesel and negotiate hard on option packs.