Ford Galaxy

Ford has decided that the latest version of the Galaxy needs a bit more than mere practicality. Jonathan Crouch reports

Ten Second Review

Ford brings us an improved version of its fourth-generation Galaxy seven-seater, a model that's more efficient thanks to a hi-tech pair of EcoBlue diesel engines. Plus it's better connected and continues with practical virtues that include an innovative third seat folding system. With a wide range of options and pleasing interior quality, this one's going to be at the top of quite a few family shortlists.

Background

On the face of it, building a large MPV ought to be easy. After all, isn't something like this just a big box on wheels? It always used to be. Not so long ago, all you really needed with a car like this was a set of fancy flippy-folding seats and a few clever interior storage solutions. That and the ability for the model in question not to fall over when presented with a corner. These days, things are a lot tougher for those brands looking to create a design of this kind. Buyers are more demanding. They want the interior build quality of a luxury saloon. They want exciting styling. And the last thing they're looking for is the kind of handling you'd expect from a big box on wheels. The game has changed.

These objectives are inevitably difficult to achieve. It's hard to give an MPV sharp handling and even more difficult to make such a car grab your attention from a visual perspective. Still, Ford managed to do both of these things with the first generation version of their sporty S-MAX People Carrier. Buoyed by the success of that vehicle, the Blue Oval brand carried forward what it learnt from that project into the S-MAX's squarer showroom stablemate, this fourth generation Galaxy, here usefully improved.

Driving Experience

Ford is offering this car with its latest 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine in two forms. At the top of the range, there's a 190PS version of this unit mated to 8-speed auto transmission and putting out a lusty 400Nm of torque, but most versions of this car will be sold in 150PS form where there's a choice of manual or auto transmission. With the 190PS variant, there's also the option of the brand's 'Intelligent All-Wheel Drive' system - which will be a welcome boon for towers who in this form can pull up to 2,000kgs. The AWD system continually measures how the car's wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds; can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds; and can send 100 per cent of available engine torque to the rear wheels.

Copious use of sound-deadening materials and thick door seals contribute to a particularly quiet cabin. Self-levelling rear suspension is also available. Adaptive electronic steering is a standard fitment and includes the intriguingly-named 'Active Nibble Compensation' system that cancels out unwanted feedback, forces and vibration at the helm. The rear suspension is the same integral link set-up as seen on the current Mondeo. It's good, in other words.

Design and Build

A bit of extra chrome embellishes the front end of this improved Galaxy model, but otherwise, it's as before. Ford has endowed the Galaxy with a very S-MAX-style front end, so you get that car's Aston Martin-style front grille, along with plenty of shape in the flanks to avoid that slab-sided look that makes so many large MPVs look like panel vans with windows.

The interior might surprise you in terms of perceived quality, with Ford offering a big 10-inch digital display and the excellent SYNC3 infotainment system. This revised model can be ordered with 18-way adjustable front seats that can help provide relief for back pain-sufferers on the road, having achieved recognition from the AGR's independent testing committee of medical experts. There's certainly no shortage of space inside, with up to 32 seating and load-space combinations, as well as innovative Easy Fold Seats for the second and third rows. The system enables each rear seat to be folded flat from a push-button control panel in the bootspace. A Power Raise function is also available for Galaxy third row seats.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £33,000 for a base variant with the entry-level 2.0 EcoBlue 150PS diesel engine, with a premium of around £1,600 to pay if you want an 8-speed auto gearbox. There are two main trim levels - Zetec and Titanium. AWD is an option with the top 190PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. It's interesting that the styling of this fourth generation Galaxy borrows so much from the Blue Oval brand's S-MAX large MPV (which costs slightly less). Ford has tried to position these two People carriers quite differently, giving the Galaxy a more practically-orientated family feel.

All Galaxy models can now feature the 'FordPass Connect' media system. In addition to enabling WiFi hotspot capability, this technology allows for a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including a Vehicle Locator; a 'Vehicle Status' feature that checks fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more; and a remote Door Lock/Unlock system. Local Hazard Information functionality - enabled by the FordPass Connect on-board modem - can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles. Local Hazard Information notifications are delivered independent of sat-nav, based on up-to-the minute data provided by HERE Technologies - sourced from local authorities, emergency services, and driving data from other vehicles.

Cost of Ownership

The entire of the Galaxy range meets stringent Euro6d emissions regulations and Ford claims to have improved the fuel economy of every version across the range. Both the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines return decent economy. In the 150PS variant with manual transmission, you'll see up to 52.3mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 132g/km of carbon dioxide. At the top of the range, the 190PS version of this unit (which has to be mated with 8-speed auto transmission) manages up to 49.6mpg in 2WD form with 134g/km emissions. Or up to 45.6mpg and 156g/km in AWD form.

The warranty is a 3 year/60,000 mile deal with Ford Assistance for 1 year, providing roadside assistance in the UK and throughout Europe. In addition, buyers should get healthier residual values that they might expect from a Ford. Low-ish depreciation has long been a Galaxy staple, used buyers recognising its safety, durability and low ongoing running costs.

Summary

This model's always been one of the very strongest contenders in the large MPV segment and this improved version of the MK4 model still is. All of the key areas for improvement that were identified with earlier Galaxys seem to have been given a good ticking, with better economy, sharp looks, improved interior quality, slicker technological integration and a richer array of high-tech safety features. All of these things are present and correct. In short, the Galaxy looks as if it's going to continue to set a very high bar.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Ford Galaxy range

PRICES: £29,960-£41,220 - on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-24 TBC

CO2 EMISSIONS: 132-168 g/km TBC

PERFORMANCE: [EcoBoost SCTi 160] Max Speed 124mph / 0-62mph 10s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [EcoBoost SCTi 160] (combined) 43.5mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side, passenger side, driver's knee & curtain airbags / ABS / EBA / Curve Control / Roll Stability Control

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4848/1916/1747mm