Higher Quality
by Jim McCauley (25 Apr 06)

Ford's new Galaxy is now the top stepping stone in a three-vehicle range that also includes the five-seater C-MAX and seven-seater S-MAX. But whereas the S-MAX is seen as a five-seater with the potential to carry seven when the rear seats are raised, the Galaxy is being marketed as a full seven-seater with maximum comfort for all occupants.

Launched alongside the S-MAX (see separate report), the Galaxy is bigger than the outgoing model and its 127mm increase in length and 60mm in width makes it top the Chrysler Voyager. The additional size is reflected in the interior, where there is more room on all seats, and the luggage area is increased by 30% to swallow up to 435 litres of baggage.

Billed by Ford as its new European flagship, it is obvious that this is the company's alternative to the large saloon. Along with the S-MAX it features sharper styling than the current model, reflecting Ford's new Kinetic Design language. Pronounced wheelarches, bolder body creases and angular light borders give the Galaxy a more assertive look, while the interior offers a quality cabin that reflects the external stature of the vehicle.

While the S-MAX has a sporting edge in its chassis set-up and engine choice, the Galaxy is biased towards luxury and comfort with an open-plan cabin and a choice of refined and economical power units. On offer are one petrol and three diesel engines with power outputs ranging from 99bhp to 217bhp.

The 1.8 TDCi diesel is available in a choice of outputs - 99bhp and 124bhp - with the higher-output engine mated to either a five- or six-speed manual transmission. The two-litre petrol unit produces 143bhp and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox only.

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