Ford GALAXY GHIA 2.8 V6
Persuading executives that an MPV is a credible alternative to the prestigious saloon they were considering has never been an easy task. Several popular People Carriers have striven for success in this sector but sales have been few and far between. So what price Fords chances with the 2.8-litre V6 version of their Galaxy?
This model comes only in plush, up-market Ghia form, but is priced competitively at £25,720. Thats around £4,000 less than a V6-powered Renault Espace but about the same as VWs almost identical V6 Sharan. The problem so far has been that most People Carriers are pretty dire to drive a crucial factor for most upwardly mobile executives. And those that arent (like Fords Galaxy) havent so far had the kind of upmarket image thats needed in the boardroom carpark.
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"The Fords tight pricing, sharp styling and excellent packaging could make all the difference"
The Volkswagen-sourced V6 engine has been overhauled too, with power output now boosted from 174 to 204bhp and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) included as standard, a system that will over-ride both brake and throttle to keep you on the tarmac should you enter a corner too fast. Which is maybe just as well, given that this glorious light alloy powerplant is fast enough to make the Galaxy something of a wolf in sheep's clothing, with progress to 60mph in 9.9s seconds accompanied by a satisfying yet muted roar on the way to a maximum of around 135mph. The transmission choice is between a new 6-speed manual gearbox and a SelectShift Tiptronic auto (with the option of manual up-and-down changes) borrowed again from VW. Opt for the auto and fuel consumption suffers even further, falling from 19.
1mpg to 16.6mpg around town and from 26.2mpg to 22.9mpg in normal use.
As before, the biggest surprise for the uninitiated will be its car-like qualities, further refined with more responsive steering and slight suspension tweaks. Handling is exemplary, and the Galaxy doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly. The only real disappointment in the latest range is that the 4x4 version has been dropped. Safety has been a priority for Ford with this car in recent times.
Hence the addition of side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags from Fords acclaimed Intelligent Protection System to give greater protection for all occupants. Drivers benefit from a Mondeo-style Electronic Brake Assist system and new smart indicators, which automatically flash a minimum of three times every time the indicators are activated. These additions complement the ABS, driver and passenger airbags and 3-point seat belts for all occupants' already standard equipment on all models. Inside the smart cabin, its all quite luxurious and very different to the utilitarian feel of the original model. Beautifully textured soft plastics, subtle wood strips and flashes of silver trim combine to create one of the nicest Ford interiors weve seen and certainly the most practical. To complement larger door pockets, two substantial stowage boxes have been built into the dashboard in response to customers who wanted to be able to hide away clutter after a weekend and reclaim their car as a business vehicle for the working week.
Once you were behind the wheel, there wasnt much wrong with the original Galaxy but, as weve suggested, this version goes one step upmarket, in keeping with its intended executive appeal. The first thing you notice is the redesigned leather-bound four-spoke steering wheel and the aluminium-look instrument surround. A Ka-style analogue clock sits in the centre of the dash in traditional contrast to the high gadgetry in the centre console, redesigned to accommodate an optional satellite navigation system. Those used to VW and Audi products will recognise most of the stalks and switchgear which is no bad thing since nobody makes them better.
Fords strengths lie in packaging (hence high equipment levels including air conditioning, ABS, dual front and side airbags, a CD autochanger, heated front seats, a radar parking system etc, etc) and the tight pricing we mentioned earlier. The options list is now vast, including everything from a fridge to a multi-media system capable of entertaining rear passengers with DVD video or computer games via colour screens mounted in the back of the front seat headrests. Befitting its role as large MPV market leader, the Galaxy seats seven people in even greater comfort (though many V6 buyers will prefer to opt for a six-seater version). The redesigned seats are welcome and it continues to be easy to drive, simple to park and no more expensive to run than an average large family hatch or estate.
Of course, you wouldnt be considering the Galaxy as an option in the first place if you werent interested in flexibility and on this front, you shouldn't be disappointed. The two rows of passenger seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely (though theyre so heavy, youd need to be a fitness fanatic to do it too often). The front seats also swivel round to face the rear passengers, facilitating picnics or on-the-spot conferences. It all adds up to a car which could make an awful lot of sense to the right executive.
Of course, Volkswagen provides much the same kind of package with the almost identical Sharan, so youll need to choose between the relative merits of these two makers. However, for many, the Fords tight pricing, sharp styling and excellent packaging could win the day.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Ford Galaxy 2.8 V6
PRICES: £25,720 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 259g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 135mph / 0-60mph 9.9s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 19.1mpg / (extra urban) 33.2mpg/ (combined) 26.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and side curtain airbags / ABS / ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4641/2142/1759mm WHO TO SEE: September 29th 2005
