Ford GALAXY SILVER SPECIAL EDITION RANGE
The Latest Special Edition Galaxy From
Ford Claims To Offer First Class Travel At Economy Class Prices. Steve Ghosley Checks It Out
Ford have successfully differentiated the Galaxy from its sister models, the VW Sharan and the
SEAT Alhambra, by offering a more upmarket image. Their current marketing slogan claims that it enables you to "Travel First Class at Economy Class Prices". The latest Galaxy Silver Special Edition we look at here provides added creature comforts based on the current LX trim level, the overall package giving the customer a saving of £1,930 compared to the current LX list price.
The Galaxy Silver Special Edition comes with a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel. The oil burner is a
Volkswagen-sourced turbo diesel unit developing 115bhp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The popular petrol 2.3-litre unit that most Galaxy buyers choose is homegrown and comes with Fords trusty five-speed set of manual cogs.
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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, however, lie in packaging so the standard LX comes with high equipment levels that include air conditioning, ABS brakes and dual airbags. In addition to these goodies,the Silver Special Edition features privacy class, curtain airbags, a volume sensing alarm, 16-inch alloy wheels, a useful tonneau cover and metallic paint. The options list also includes child seats, park assist and front fog lights.
Inside the carefully styled cabin, its all surprisingly luxurious and very different to the utilitarian feel of the first generation Galaxy. Contoured 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 large 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. The first thing you notice once seated inside is the chunky 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, designed to accommodate an optional satellite navigation system.
"Handling is exemplary and the Galaxy doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts."
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 great comfort. The supportive 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. As ever, the biggest surprise for the uninitiated will be its car-like qualities, further refined in recent years 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. On paper, the turbo diesel version appears significantly slower, with the 115bhp model delivering 13.7seconds to 60mph and a 113mph top speed, but in practice, due to lighter weight and impressive through-the-gears pulling power, it should feel just as fast in real road terms as its petrol-powered sibling.
The 2.3-litre petrol version, however, shifts the Galaxy from zero to 60mph in 12.3 seconds and tops out at a healthy 123mph. The new 6-speed manual gearbox is standard on the diesel model and customers can expect a return of 43mpg.
What you gain in speed you lose in economy, so it is that the 2.3-litre petrol model delivers 28mpg on an equivalent cycle. Whichever version you choose, you'll be looking for flexibility and 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 Galaxy continues to be the front runner in the large MPV stakes and for good reason too. Its good looks and stylish modern interior set it apart from the other offerings in this class.
The Galaxy Silver Special Edition just adds another string to the bow as it were by offering greater value for money than the LX entry-level model. If you have a growing family but dont want to give up some of the luxuries still left in life, then the Ford Galaxy Silver Special Edition might well be the only way to travel.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Ford Galaxy Silver Special Edition range
PRICES: £16,360-£17,365 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 178-242g/km
PERFORMANCE: [TDi] Max Speed 113mph / 0-60mph 13.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDi] (urban) 32.8mpg / (extra urban) 51.4mpg/ (combined) 42.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and side curtain airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4641/2142/1759mm
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