Ford GALAXY ZETEC
The idea of a sporty MPV is one thats difficult to stomach. After all, theres nothing very sporty about a car thats shaped like a van and handles like a Channel ferry in a choppy sea. Still, if anyone is going to sell ice to the Eskimos, it has to be Ford, the masters of packaging and marketing spin.
Fortunately, the car in question, their latest Galaxy, featured here in mid-range Zetec form, provides a strong base for this unlikely market niche. Along with its VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra clones (recently updated like the big Ford), its the best-handling large people carrier you can buy. To be fair, the Ford marketeers are going easy on the sporting spin for the Galaxy Zetec in its latest form so there are no spoilers or loud alloy wheels (though theres an optional Sports Pack with sports suspension, performance bumpers and side skirts if you must make a point to the neighbours). For most however, Zetec trim is these days a more mainstream option, which is why you can order it with either of the two engines expected to account for most customers of the latest model.
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3 and manual buyers have only a 5-speed gearbox to use. Only because the VW TDI units offer a 6-speeder that allows for more relaxed cruising. Even here, theres a VW link the Tiptronic style gearbox (re-christened SelectShift by Ford) that allows you to flip up and down the box manually yourself should you wish to.
"This wont be the sporting family car you dreamt about but it could very well be the one you wont mind ending up with."
You might imagine that the petrol 2.3 would be the quicker of the, Zetec models, which is why you need to take a test drive. In real world terms, the diesel options are decisively faster, even the 115bhp model is a whole four seconds quicker in the typical 35-60mph overtaking increment in fifth gear. Around town, its greater torque means fewer gearchanges, whilst on the open road, it simply feels more responsive in almost every situation.
If you like things to get more rapid still, the 130bhp TDI should suffice it reaches 60mph in 12.8 seconds with even greater pulling power and in-gear acceleration. The range topping 150bhp car turns in an 11.9s 0-60mph time.
As with previous Galaxy models, 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 Ford doesnt roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly. Inside, its all rather luxurious and very different to the utilitarian feel of the old model.
Beautifully textured soft plastics 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 current 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 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.
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. 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 shouldnt 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, particularly in Zetec guise. This wont be the sporting family car you dreamt about but it could very well be the one you wont mind ending up with.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Ford Galaxy Zetec range
PRICES: £21,220-£23,260 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-12
CO2 EMISSIONS: 176-242g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.3] Max Speed 123mph / 0-60mph 12.3s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.3] (urban) 20.2mpg / (extra urban) 36.2mpg/ (combined) 28.0mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and side curtain airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4617/1798/1727mm
