Based on the new Mondeo floor-plan, the Galaxy takes a leap forward from the old model. For starters, all seven seats can remain in the car when you need more space thanks to Ford's new fold flat system (FFS). The chairs fold flat in a few seconds into the new stepped floor. In the old Galaxy the seats were so heavy and awkward that only weightlifters could get them out of the car!
The new exterior is very smart; well, in as much as a one-box car can be. All the panels are new and nice design touches can be found everywhere, making the premium over the best-selling Hyundai Trajet more bearable. The rear is classier than ever with the Ford badge now mounted on the blackened tailgate glass.
My only regret is that Ford did not switch to sliding side doors, which any parent will tell you are brilliant for loading the kids, especially when wedged in to tight car park spaces. Kids can do untold damage when they excitedly open conventional doors in confined spaces!
The boot, with all seven seats in use, remains a useful 308 litres; in fact, cargo space is up by 30% plus there are over 30 different cubbyholes! The tailgate is huge and tricky to close without having to touch the exterior paintwork and, as tailgates are dirt magnets, grubby hands are hard to avoid.
Inside the cabin is modern and well put together. Good quality plastics and switchgear abound. The driver's seat has an electric height adjuster that is surprisingly handy. As with virtually all Fords, the driving position is perfect. My only niggle concerns the heated front screen and, as Ford knows only too well, I dislike being able to see the heating filaments embedded in the windscreen glass (I'm sure with age I'll care less!)
Galaxy has a couple of optional party tricks with the best being the 'adaptive headlights' (Ford calls the system AFS). The lights not only follow your steering input but feature additional static bending lamps that light up at slow speed when turning corners. While there are excellent steering wheel stereo controls on my test car, the 'Bluetooth' stereo with voice control would be another option to think strongly about. My test car has cruise control and parking sensors front and rear that are absolutely vital in any big MPV.
Powered by the best-value engine in the range, namely the 125bhp/320nm 1.8-litre turbo diesel, the Galaxy is a refined cruiser. The four-cylinder engine has enough poke to keep most happy with a 0-100 time of 11.5 seconds. The 1.8 delivers super fuel economy for a big yoke! Other engines include a less powerful 1.8 diesel (100bhp) and a 2-litre petrol (145bhp), but the 2-litre 140bhp diesel would be the preferred engine if VRT wasn't such an unfair tax! LX, Zetec and Ghia make up the trim levels. Prices start at €35,345.
Galaxy is a class act that can seat seven adults in comfort.
Michael Sheridan
