Ford Galaxy 2.3 Ghia (A) Review
18 May 2010|14,225 views
Personally though, I'm not a big fan of MPVs due to my numerous unpleasant encounters with them on the road. It seems that whenever I encounter one, it's always piloted by one of those kamikaze soccer moms who go where they like without ever touching the signal stalk.
Ok™my personal feelings aside, it seems that MPVs are a family necessity these days to bring along everyone for those family activities.
I'm sure the missus wouldn't be too happy with you trying to stuff the little tikes along with the in-laws in a little Golf GTI. So, one would buy a MPV for its space and practicality. Excellent handling and a pliant ride would be great bonuses to have as well.
This was where Ford tried to fill the void with their S-Max. Having not driven one before, I've been told by my colleague that the S-Max handles very much unlike an MPV. If you were put blindfolded in an S-Max and asked to drive around in it (on a closed course obviously), you would've thought it was a low slung family sedan. The steering feels direct and communicative while the ride pliant but not overly so. What the S-Max lacked was space in the rear for cargo when all seven seats are occupied.
Ok™my personal feelings aside, it seems that MPVs are a family necessity these days to bring along everyone for those family activities.
I'm sure the missus wouldn't be too happy with you trying to stuff the little tikes along with the in-laws in a little Golf GTI. So, one would buy a MPV for its space and practicality. Excellent handling and a pliant ride would be great bonuses to have as well.
This was where Ford tried to fill the void with their S-Max. Having not driven one before, I've been told by my colleague that the S-Max handles very much unlike an MPV. If you were put blindfolded in an S-Max and asked to drive around in it (on a closed course obviously), you would've thought it was a low slung family sedan. The steering feels direct and communicative while the ride pliant but not overly so. What the S-Max lacked was space in the rear for cargo when all seven seats are occupied.
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Therein lies the appeal of the Galaxy. Although with its increased girth, it has lost some of the S-Max's sportiness. Externally, the Galaxy mimics the S-Max closely. Both possessing designs inspired by high-speed trains.
The Ford designers have done their best to minimise the awkwardness of the Galaxy's bulk by having a steeply raked windscreen. This cuts down on the MPV's boxy side profile some but still falls short of looking as good as the S-Max's lower stance. The front fascia is dominated by large triangular light clusters with a pair of equally large fog lights supplementing the illumination. The rear too has been lifted from the S-Max though somehow the S-Max's rear looks a tad more taunt than on the Galaxy.
On a whole, the exterior looks better than most of the Korean and Japanese equivalents save for the Honda Odyssey's elegant curves.
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Interior
The Galaxy might not trump the Japanese in exterior design but on the interiors, it has them by their™erm™hair? In any case, the Galaxy offers continental build quality at about the same price as the Japanese counterparts.
Hop into the Blue Oval and you find yourself in an extremely well-equipped interior. An instinctive knock on the front dashboard gives solid feedback. Both front seats are fully electric and adjustable with the driver side possessing the memory function giving drivers fussy about their position a breather.
A perfect driving position can be easily had with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. Excellent as the driving position was, I still found the driving position a tad too high for any spirited driving.
The centre console is dominated by Ford's factory fitted sound system by Sony. The sound system though, deserves some mention. It comes with 10 speakers spread evenly throughout the cabin. Despite having a six-CD changer with MP3 disc capability, an AUX-in jack would've complimented the system well.
Buttons for the system are well laid out though the quality of the buttons mars the interior quality standards slightly. Volume and track skip buttons are replicated on the left side of the steering wheel. Sound reproduction from the 10 speakers wasn't too bad with robust beats from the speakers. It's a Sony afterall.
The Galaxy might not trump the Japanese in exterior design but on the interiors, it has them by their™erm™hair? In any case, the Galaxy offers continental build quality at about the same price as the Japanese counterparts.
Hop into the Blue Oval and you find yourself in an extremely well-equipped interior. An instinctive knock on the front dashboard gives solid feedback. Both front seats are fully electric and adjustable with the driver side possessing the memory function giving drivers fussy about their position a breather.
A perfect driving position can be easily had with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. Excellent as the driving position was, I still found the driving position a tad too high for any spirited driving.
The centre console is dominated by Ford's factory fitted sound system by Sony. The sound system though, deserves some mention. It comes with 10 speakers spread evenly throughout the cabin. Despite having a six-CD changer with MP3 disc capability, an AUX-in jack would've complimented the system well.
Buttons for the system are well laid out though the quality of the buttons mars the interior quality standards slightly. Volume and track skip buttons are replicated on the left side of the steering wheel. Sound reproduction from the 10 speakers wasn't too bad with robust beats from the speakers. It's a Sony afterall.
Lower down from the audio console, you find the climate control panel. Again, the buttons are large and well laid out around the amber lighted LCD screen. Buttons here also reflect the same quality as in the audio controls. Here you can alter the climate for the second and third row of seats as well.
There's one seemingly unintended purpose for the aircon duct in the third row though. Having a cup holder right in front of the duct allows you to keep a beer cold for those long journeys up North. Though I wouldn't recommend passing any liquid bread to the driver.
Legspace in the second row of seats is plenty if not, the seat can be slid further backwards for extra space. However in the third row, the amount of space available limits it to kids or smaller sized adults. For cargo applications, the second and third row of seats can be folded flat to garner 2325 litres of cargo space. An entirely flat floor means that cargo space is maximised further. Even in five seater mode, the cargo space is still respectable at 1260 litres. For maximum occupancy, cargo space is reduced to 308 litres. Folding the second row of seats isn't difficult while getting the third to fold flat can get a little awkward.
The Galaxy comes with numerous cubby holes that are tucked away throughout the cabin. They're mostly useful and well designed except for the roof mounted airline inspired cubby hole. They seem poorly designed and don't fall open as they should when the release button is pressed.
There's one seemingly unintended purpose for the aircon duct in the third row though. Having a cup holder right in front of the duct allows you to keep a beer cold for those long journeys up North. Though I wouldn't recommend passing any liquid bread to the driver.
Legspace in the second row of seats is plenty if not, the seat can be slid further backwards for extra space. However in the third row, the amount of space available limits it to kids or smaller sized adults. For cargo applications, the second and third row of seats can be folded flat to garner 2325 litres of cargo space. An entirely flat floor means that cargo space is maximised further. Even in five seater mode, the cargo space is still respectable at 1260 litres. For maximum occupancy, cargo space is reduced to 308 litres. Folding the second row of seats isn't difficult while getting the third to fold flat can get a little awkward.
The Galaxy comes with numerous cubby holes that are tucked away throughout the cabin. They're mostly useful and well designed except for the roof mounted airline inspired cubby hole. They seem poorly designed and don't fall open as they should when the release button is pressed.
 |
The Drive
Despite the Galaxy not possessing the same sporty looks as the S-Max, it thankfully gets the same handling pedigree. The steering felt direct and constantly fed back info on what the front wheels were up to. The ride in the Galaxy isn't too shabby either. It was comfortable on the expressways at cruising speeds. On the smaller roads, the ride was still comfortable though severe potholes did manage to reverberate through to the passenger.
The car derives power from its 2.3-litre Duratec HE powerplant. The same unit shared on both the Mondeo and S-Max. The car did pull well on its 161 ponies but perhaps a more powerful engine would help elevate the driving pleasure further. Also, due to the added 76kgs, the century sprint has suffered a one second penalty.
Despite the Galaxy not possessing the same sporty looks as the S-Max, it thankfully gets the same handling pedigree. The steering felt direct and constantly fed back info on what the front wheels were up to. The ride in the Galaxy isn't too shabby either. It was comfortable on the expressways at cruising speeds. On the smaller roads, the ride was still comfortable though severe potholes did manage to reverberate through to the passenger.
The car derives power from its 2.3-litre Duratec HE powerplant. The same unit shared on both the Mondeo and S-Max. The car did pull well on its 161 ponies but perhaps a more powerful engine would help elevate the driving pleasure further. Also, due to the added 76kgs, the century sprint has suffered a one second penalty.
Conclusion
The Galaxy brings continental build quality into a Japanese dominated market. And with its more engaging drive, the blue oval's MPV has a good chance of winning some weekend warriors over. For the price, it boasts some impressive equipment like blinds on every door, cruise control, auto rain and light sensors plus a full complement of airbags. Most notably the driver's knee airbag that most manufacturers tend to neglect. The car comes with an excellent Euro NCAP five star rating which ensures your little tots will be safe in this Galaxy.
The Galaxy brings continental build quality into a Japanese dominated market. And with its more engaging drive, the blue oval's MPV has a good chance of winning some weekend warriors over. For the price, it boasts some impressive equipment like blinds on every door, cruise control, auto rain and light sensors plus a full complement of airbags. Most notably the driver's knee airbag that most manufacturers tend to neglect. The car comes with an excellent Euro NCAP five star rating which ensures your little tots will be safe in this Galaxy.
Personally though, I'm not a big fan of MPVs due to my numerous unpleasant encounters with them on the road. It seems that whenever I encounter one, it's always piloted by one of those kamikaze soccer moms who go where they like without ever touching the signal stalk.
Ok™my personal feelings aside, it seems that MPVs are a family necessity these days to bring along everyone for those family activities.
I'm sure the missus wouldn't be too happy with you trying to stuff the little tikes along with the in-laws in a little Golf GTI. So, one would buy a MPV for its space and practicality. Excellent handling and a pliant ride would be great bonuses to have as well.
This was where Ford tried to fill the void with their S-Max. Having not driven one before, I've been told by my colleague that the S-Max handles very much unlike an MPV. If you were put blindfolded in an S-Max and asked to drive around in it (on a closed course obviously), you would've thought it was a low slung family sedan. The steering feels direct and communicative while the ride pliant but not overly so. What the S-Max lacked was space in the rear for cargo when all seven seats are occupied.
Ok™my personal feelings aside, it seems that MPVs are a family necessity these days to bring along everyone for those family activities.
I'm sure the missus wouldn't be too happy with you trying to stuff the little tikes along with the in-laws in a little Golf GTI. So, one would buy a MPV for its space and practicality. Excellent handling and a pliant ride would be great bonuses to have as well.
This was where Ford tried to fill the void with their S-Max. Having not driven one before, I've been told by my colleague that the S-Max handles very much unlike an MPV. If you were put blindfolded in an S-Max and asked to drive around in it (on a closed course obviously), you would've thought it was a low slung family sedan. The steering feels direct and communicative while the ride pliant but not overly so. What the S-Max lacked was space in the rear for cargo when all seven seats are occupied.
|
Therein lies the appeal of the Galaxy. Although with its increased girth, it has lost some of the S-Max's sportiness. Externally, the Galaxy mimics the S-Max closely. Both possessing designs inspired by high-speed trains.
The Ford designers have done their best to minimise the awkwardness of the Galaxy's bulk by having a steeply raked windscreen. This cuts down on the MPV's boxy side profile some but still falls short of looking as good as the S-Max's lower stance. The front fascia is dominated by large triangular light clusters with a pair of equally large fog lights supplementing the illumination. The rear too has been lifted from the S-Max though somehow the S-Max's rear looks a tad more taunt than on the Galaxy.
On a whole, the exterior looks better than most of the Korean and Japanese equivalents save for the Honda Odyssey's elegant curves.
|
Interior
The Galaxy might not trump the Japanese in exterior design but on the interiors, it has them by their™erm™hair? In any case, the Galaxy offers continental build quality at about the same price as the Japanese counterparts.
Hop into the Blue Oval and you find yourself in an extremely well-equipped interior. An instinctive knock on the front dashboard gives solid feedback. Both front seats are fully electric and adjustable with the driver side possessing the memory function giving drivers fussy about their position a breather.
A perfect driving position can be easily had with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. Excellent as the driving position was, I still found the driving position a tad too high for any spirited driving.
The centre console is dominated by Ford's factory fitted sound system by Sony. The sound system though, deserves some mention. It comes with 10 speakers spread evenly throughout the cabin. Despite having a six-CD changer with MP3 disc capability, an AUX-in jack would've complimented the system well.
Buttons for the system are well laid out though the quality of the buttons mars the interior quality standards slightly. Volume and track skip buttons are replicated on the left side of the steering wheel. Sound reproduction from the 10 speakers wasn't too bad with robust beats from the speakers. It's a Sony afterall.
The Galaxy might not trump the Japanese in exterior design but on the interiors, it has them by their™erm™hair? In any case, the Galaxy offers continental build quality at about the same price as the Japanese counterparts.
Hop into the Blue Oval and you find yourself in an extremely well-equipped interior. An instinctive knock on the front dashboard gives solid feedback. Both front seats are fully electric and adjustable with the driver side possessing the memory function giving drivers fussy about their position a breather.
A perfect driving position can be easily had with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. Excellent as the driving position was, I still found the driving position a tad too high for any spirited driving.
The centre console is dominated by Ford's factory fitted sound system by Sony. The sound system though, deserves some mention. It comes with 10 speakers spread evenly throughout the cabin. Despite having a six-CD changer with MP3 disc capability, an AUX-in jack would've complimented the system well.
Buttons for the system are well laid out though the quality of the buttons mars the interior quality standards slightly. Volume and track skip buttons are replicated on the left side of the steering wheel. Sound reproduction from the 10 speakers wasn't too bad with robust beats from the speakers. It's a Sony afterall.
Lower down from the audio console, you find the climate control panel. Again, the buttons are large and well laid out around the amber lighted LCD screen. Buttons here also reflect the same quality as in the audio controls. Here you can alter the climate for the second and third row of seats as well.
There's one seemingly unintended purpose for the aircon duct in the third row though. Having a cup holder right in front of the duct allows you to keep a beer cold for those long journeys up North. Though I wouldn't recommend passing any liquid bread to the driver.
Legspace in the second row of seats is plenty if not, the seat can be slid further backwards for extra space. However in the third row, the amount of space available limits it to kids or smaller sized adults. For cargo applications, the second and third row of seats can be folded flat to garner 2325 litres of cargo space. An entirely flat floor means that cargo space is maximised further. Even in five seater mode, the cargo space is still respectable at 1260 litres. For maximum occupancy, cargo space is reduced to 308 litres. Folding the second row of seats isn't difficult while getting the third to fold flat can get a little awkward.
The Galaxy comes with numerous cubby holes that are tucked away throughout the cabin. They're mostly useful and well designed except for the roof mounted airline inspired cubby hole. They seem poorly designed and don't fall open as they should when the release button is pressed.
There's one seemingly unintended purpose for the aircon duct in the third row though. Having a cup holder right in front of the duct allows you to keep a beer cold for those long journeys up North. Though I wouldn't recommend passing any liquid bread to the driver.
Legspace in the second row of seats is plenty if not, the seat can be slid further backwards for extra space. However in the third row, the amount of space available limits it to kids or smaller sized adults. For cargo applications, the second and third row of seats can be folded flat to garner 2325 litres of cargo space. An entirely flat floor means that cargo space is maximised further. Even in five seater mode, the cargo space is still respectable at 1260 litres. For maximum occupancy, cargo space is reduced to 308 litres. Folding the second row of seats isn't difficult while getting the third to fold flat can get a little awkward.
The Galaxy comes with numerous cubby holes that are tucked away throughout the cabin. They're mostly useful and well designed except for the roof mounted airline inspired cubby hole. They seem poorly designed and don't fall open as they should when the release button is pressed.
|
The Drive
Despite the Galaxy not possessing the same sporty looks as the S-Max, it thankfully gets the same handling pedigree. The steering felt direct and constantly fed back info on what the front wheels were up to. The ride in the Galaxy isn't too shabby either. It was comfortable on the expressways at cruising speeds. On the smaller roads, the ride was still comfortable though severe potholes did manage to reverberate through to the passenger.
The car derives power from its 2.3-litre Duratec HE powerplant. The same unit shared on both the Mondeo and S-Max. The car did pull well on its 161 ponies but perhaps a more powerful engine would help elevate the driving pleasure further. Also, due to the added 76kgs, the century sprint has suffered a one second penalty.
Despite the Galaxy not possessing the same sporty looks as the S-Max, it thankfully gets the same handling pedigree. The steering felt direct and constantly fed back info on what the front wheels were up to. The ride in the Galaxy isn't too shabby either. It was comfortable on the expressways at cruising speeds. On the smaller roads, the ride was still comfortable though severe potholes did manage to reverberate through to the passenger.
The car derives power from its 2.3-litre Duratec HE powerplant. The same unit shared on both the Mondeo and S-Max. The car did pull well on its 161 ponies but perhaps a more powerful engine would help elevate the driving pleasure further. Also, due to the added 76kgs, the century sprint has suffered a one second penalty.
Conclusion
The Galaxy brings continental build quality into a Japanese dominated market. And with its more engaging drive, the blue oval's MPV has a good chance of winning some weekend warriors over. For the price, it boasts some impressive equipment like blinds on every door, cruise control, auto rain and light sensors plus a full complement of airbags. Most notably the driver's knee airbag that most manufacturers tend to neglect. The car comes with an excellent Euro NCAP five star rating which ensures your little tots will be safe in this Galaxy.
The Galaxy brings continental build quality into a Japanese dominated market. And with its more engaging drive, the blue oval's MPV has a good chance of winning some weekend warriors over. For the price, it boasts some impressive equipment like blinds on every door, cruise control, auto rain and light sensors plus a full complement of airbags. Most notably the driver's knee airbag that most manufacturers tend to neglect. The car comes with an excellent Euro NCAP five star rating which ensures your little tots will be safe in this Galaxy.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Ford Galaxy 2.3 Ghia (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.2km/L
Horsepower
120kW (161 bhp)
Torque
208 Nm
Acceleration
11.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ford Galaxy
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