Auto Driven: Ford Galaxy car review

Model tested:Ford Galaxy 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5-door
Price as tested: £21,495
Price range: £19,495 - £23,995
Insurance group as tested: 10E
Insurance group range: 10 - 11
Tested: May 2006
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

With the publicity surrounding the S-Max's launch you could be forgiven for overlooking the less-heralded arrival of its market-leading stablemate's second incarnation.

The S-Max is the funky, younger, sibling set to secure the hearts of those seeking to balance carting a large family around with the desire for a more responsive drive and contemporary styling.

So is the second generation Galaxy (the first underwent a major facelift six years ago) for young fogies who don't care how their motor handles or looks as long as it gets them and the kids to the seaside and back with minimum fuss?

In a word, no.

The Galaxy and S-Max have more shared features than differences and are underpinned by the same technologies.

And while few MPVs can claim to have won hearts with their looks it has to be said the S-Max is eye-catching with its angled rear and more sporty styling cues.

However, MPV owners tend more towards function than style - and this is where the Galaxy pulls ahead.

It can take a moment to realise which model you're in - but those differences gradually reveal themselves in the Galaxy's favour.

A larger, more vertically positioned windscreen improves the view, while you can keep an eye on what's going on inside with the help of a child-watch mirror, visible to the driver and front seat passenger.

However, the stand-out feature is the one piece panorama roof giving a feeling of space and light.

The three rows of seats offer considerable leg and headroom with the benefits of the model's increased height, length and width over its predecessor.

Ford claim there are 31 different storage areas and it does seem like there's a compartment, cup holder or door bin at every turn while thought has clearly been put into incorporating storage without cluttering the environment.

Whoever was in charge of seating positions went one better.

There are 32 different combinations which can see the Galaxy's luggage capacity balloon from a minimum of 308 litres to a behemoth-like 2335's worth (according to Ford, it can swallow four standard-sized fridges if you kick the passengers out.)

So how's the drive? Well, this is one of the big selling points of the S-Max - it benefits from better handling and is undoubtedly going to appeal to those seeking something more than "getting there" from their journey.

But while the Galaxy may suffer by comparison with its vaguer steering, softer suspension and greater height, it does enjoy a reasonably low driving position making the model feel more car-like. (lower than both the first generation model and it's facelifted incarnation).

Its central console looks neat and is simple to use. And though there is some wind noise when driving at higher speeds, this is not too intrusive.

The models range from the entry-level LX which will see you pocket £505 change from your £20,000, up to the Ghia X Pack which'll see you get less back from £25,000.

The extra spend gets you the full suite of extras including leather seats, 17" Alloy wheels and rear air conditioning.

Extras include a multi-media DVD system with a player under the front passenger's seas, screens in the rear of the front seat headrests and wireless headphones.

All of which should mean even the most demanding family passengers are kept stimulated, safe and quiet for those family days out and holidays.

The S-Max might be looking to secure your heart but the Ford Galaxy makes up for any shortfall on the emotional side with bags of "head-appeal".

Rivals:
You might also want to consider the following

Vauxhall Zafira
Ssangyong Kyron
Mitsubishi Grandis

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