Viewed from any angle, the Ford Galaxy is an elegant yet dynamic full–size people mover. The front end of the Galaxy is characterised by its distinctively angled nose and dynamic headlamps, which give it a purposeful appearance. Inside, the Galaxy is even more impressive where the interior continues the steps forward in quality and finish, the new dash is attractive and well laid out with particular attention to driver ergonomics. There are controls on the steering wheel for the stereo, navigation system, cruise control and mobile phone. The wheel itself has a pleasant feel, looks good and adjusts for reach and height. There are three basic trim levels, LX, Zetec and Ghia. LX has electric windows and mirrors, climate control and a CD player. Zetec adds a mid-length overhead storage console and a dual zone climate control. The Ghia model has extra chrome detailing to the exterior, cruise control, automatic wipers and headlights (which activate when it starts raining) and puddle lights (these are lights in the doors that illuminate the floor below). A Ghia X pack can ultimately be specified which adds a full-length roof storage unit and full leather interior. Heated and ventilated front seats can be specified as an option.All on board get plenty of space with the two rows of rear seats benefiting from improved space in all directions over the previous Galaxy model. What's more, each chair, including the two in the rearmost row, adjusts for length, while their backrests also recline. The front seats also feature foldaway trays built into the backs for rear passenger use.
If you want to turn the Galaxy into a van you don’t have to break your back lifting seats out and then wondering where to store them, both the second and third rows disappear into the floor at the tug of a handle ooffering a flat load space of 2,325 litres. The cabin is full of neat storage solutions, including two big compartments under the middle row of seats, and one in the boot.
On the road, the Galaxy continues to impress, the steering is responsive and sporty in its feel and there's plenty of grip in corners. An optional adaptive suspension system allows the driver to select from three shock absorber settings (sport, normal and comfort) and continuously adjusts its levels of damping to suit road conditions and driver actions. Offered across LX, Zetec and Ghia trims, Galaxy buyers can choose from 145PS 2.0i 16-valve petrol, two 1.8 TDCI diesels (100 and 125PS) and a 2.0 TDCI diesel producing 130PS in automatic guise or 140PS with the six-speed manual gearbox.
Tough, practical, good to drive and comprehensively specified Ford’s flagship MPV benefits from an array of advanced active and passive safety features. There are seven airbags including window airbags that extend to the very rear protecting even those in the third row of seats. Other safety measures include pedals and a steering wheel designed to cause as little damage to the driver as possible in an accident. A passenger airbag deactivation switch (for use when carrying a child seat) is optional as are ISOFIX anchors for child seats that improve child protection in the event of an accident. There is no doubt Ford certainly have a winner here.
