Is improved Ford Galaxy MPV now a world-beater?

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Friday, August 13, 2010

While it might be wide of the mark to say the Ford Galaxy is my favourite MPV, it would be a lot closer to the truth to say maintain that I have watched with admired Ford’s development of this machine from an OK to a top contender to one which is very close to the top of the pile.

Originally, it was a commodious machine, but neither very pleasing to look at nor to drive. It has since gestated into a very commodious machine that is a very smart looker and fun to drive.

The only thing wrong with the Galaxy is that its smaller sibling, the S-Max, is such a brilliant machine, it takes some of the gloss off its bigger brother, and particularly so when you compare the two on price.

But, if you have between 40,000 to 50,000 to spend on your family car, then the Galaxy has to be close to the top of your shopping list.

Costing so much, you would have to say that the Galaxy would want to have a lot to offer — and it does. It is a true seven-seater and even when the rearmost seats are in use, there is still a reasonable amount of baggage space, which is not something you can complain of in so many MPVs.

The Galaxy and the S-Max have just received an overhaul, something of a facelift and most of the changes have been cosmetic, although the two-litre ECOboost engine has been upgraded received a make-over and now produces some 200 bhp, which makes this a lively beast, indeed.

In fact, for a machine its size, the Galaxy is really good fun to drive and a very willing and capable partner, indeed.

It is an excellent road-holder, the steering is positive and very much driver-oriented, and the level of body roll is surprisingly muted. The suspension, too, is supple enough to provide decent comfort levels, even on crap surfaces.

We tested the Titanium spec. model and it does not want for much in terms of creature comforts — it doesn’t want at all.
From the driver’s point of view, the seating position is excellent and there is plenty of adjustment for both seat and steering wheel. The passengers are pretty spoilt, too, in comfort terms and access to all seats is very good.

Safety issues are thoroughly addressed, what with bags of airbags and stability control, and ABS, all coming as standard.
This is a really top drawer machine, and one which will not disappoint even the most demanding families.

This is a car that has matured wonderfully, and one which now has Ford competing comfortably at the premium end of the market.