Ford Galaxy (06 on) - Review

Thanks to the tall shape, there's plenty of space in the Galaxy and even those relegated to the rearmost seats get good headroom and adequate legroom - although they are only ideal for children in terms of long distance travel. All the seats in the back slide and tilt individually, but they are quite firm and there seems to be a lack of padding and support. The firm ride also takes the edge of overall comfort levels, although this is less noticeable on the motorway. The 2010 facelifted models were fitted with thicker windscreens meaning wind and road noise drops to a minimum, making the Galaxy extremely quite at high speeds. All on board get plenty of space with the two rows of rear seats benefiting from improved space in all directions over the previous Galaxy model. Additionally all seats, even those in the third row, can slide backwards and forwards and the seatbacks can be tilted to give better occupant comfort. An optional glass roof lightens the interior for rear passengers too. The front seats adjust for all shapes and eight-way electrically adjustable seats can be specified.

With all seven seats in place there's not much boot space, just 308 litres - certainly not enough for seven people's luggage. However dropping the two extra seats increases this to a much more useable 435 litres. Folding the chairs themselves is simple and they all fold down thanks to Ford's FFS (Fold Flat System) with just the pull of one handle on each - with all the seats down total load space increases to a van-like 2,325 litres. Access to the rear seats is good, simply pull the handle on the middle chair and it tilts and slides forward in one go. There's also excellent stowage with 31 separate compartments. In 2010 Ford fitted new sliding roof bars that offer the option of further storage outside of the Galaxy. The Galaxy has 30 per cent more luggage space than the previous model. The seats also fold more simply, making light work of changing the interior for load carrying. The seats cannot be removed (easily) but can be folded to form a virtually flat load area or one of 32 possible layouts. There are plenty of storage bins and receptacles, while a roof-mounted storage console, fitted on some models, runs centrally the length of the interior with multiple drop-down boxes. The front seats also feature fold-away trays built into the backs for rear passenger use.

Thanks to a car-like driving position the Galaxy is comfortable to drive and the thin windscreen pillars mean visibility, especially at junctions, is good. The layout is neat, if not particularly adventurous, while the silver centre console adds a touch of finesse. The stereo and air conditioning controls are all easy to use, although it's a little less intuitive on cars with the optional sat nav and touchscreen fitted. There's plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seat plus the gear lever is positioned high up, giving an almost sporty feel. We're less convinced by the quirky handbrake handle that resembles the throttle in an aircraft, however, an electronic handbrake is available as an option. Facelifted cars from 2010 get LED interior lights that offer brighter illumination.