Galaxy wins the space race
FOR a large seven-seat MPV, the Ford Galaxy has a wide range of abilities that make it the best of its kind on the market. Others have large people carriers in their ranges, but the Galaxy handles and holds the road like a much smaller car, with very little roll and a very car-like feel.
This helps make it very safe, but also very easy to drive in all situations, especially with the standard parking sensors in the range built from 2015.
The excellent handling does mean that its ride is firmer than that in some of the opposition, but even so it remains comfortable over long journeys.
Even in the latest model, there has been a wide range of engines so I will rationalise it to the main offerings – almost all of which are likely to be diesel on the second hand market. Those diesels are all 2.0-litres in size and power outputs start with 150bhp, which gives a zero to 60 miles an hour sprint of 10.4 seconds, while also managing 46 miles per gallon. Next up is a 190bhp version that covers the sprint in 9.3 seconds and still reaches 45mpg, and the range topper has a 240bhp version of the same engine with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving 60mph in 8.4 seconds and 42mpg.
By far the majority sold were either the 150 or the 190bhp versions and as well as many being automatic, a few of the 190bhp versions were fitted with all wheel drive.
Petrol versions have either a 1.5 Ecoboost turbo with around 160bhp or a 2.0-litre with 240bhp.
These sprint to 60mph in 9.7 and 8.3 seconds respectively and give 35 or 30 miles per gallon economy.
Petrol models are cheaper second hand, so if you don’t do many miles one could be ideal for many families.
Obviously the diesels are the ones to go for if you cover higher miles each year, since they should better 40 miles per gallon with careful driving. But many of them will have been company cars when new and so could have covered lots of miles.
As with any other used car, do not buy one without full or most service history. It’s a big investment, and you need to know it has been properly cared for.
They are hugely family friendly and of course, most garages can service or fix them.
Inside, they are immensely practical and spacious, with seven independent seats. The rear five all fold easily down into the floor to create a huge load space and there are plenty of stowage compartments all round the cabin.
Ford actually has two large people carriers in its range – the S-MAX and the Galaxy. They’re based on the same underpinnings, but the Galaxy is the more practical of the two.
The inside is huge with loads of room for five and enough for seven without too much luggage.
Most come well-equipped out of the box and they all have a good reputation for reliability. Equipment in the mid-range Titanium includes audio remote, loads of airbags, alarm, alloys, traction control and air conditioning.
It also comes with sports front seats, height adjustable for the driver, lumbar support, cruise control and sat nav.
Pay about £12,500 for a ’15 15-reg Titanium 2.0 TDCI 150bhp, or £17,600 for a ’17 17-reg Zetec 1.5 Ecoboost petrol.