Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium review: For when the S-Max isn’t practical enough

What is it?

First came the sleeker, sportier S-Max, but this is its more practical sister – the third-generation Galaxy.

What’s hot?

• The latest Galaxy might not have the lower roofline, or the curvy rear end of the S-Max – but for a big MPV we still think it’s a bit of a looker. From the front, apart from the taller windscreen, with the same chrome Aston-like grille and slicked back headlights it’s quite hard to tell them apart. The taller more upright profile is more obvious from the side, but the latest Galaxy looks quite slick from the side. While at the back it looks like a taller version of the latest Mondeo. Our test Galaxy also sat on an attractive set of 19-inch alloys that filled the arches particularly well.
• Like the S-Max and the second generation Galaxy before it, this big Ford MPV has plenty of space inside. In fact there’s room for seven, but with this new model’s better package and lower floor, it means access and space in this Ford MPV are much better – adults can actually travel in reasonable comfort in the third row! Our favourite feature has to be the electrically powered third row of seats which fold flat into the floor. With all three rows of seats in place, we think 300 litres of bootspace is pretty good. This can be extended to 1,301 litres with the third row folded and a massive 2,339 litres with just the front two seats in place.
• It is not just the space that impresses in the Galaxy’s interior, there’s also plenty of stowage like the big glovebox and deep bin in the front armrest. Plus, picnic tables for the second row and even cupholders for the third row. Tech-savvy adults and children won’t be short changed as there are two USB plugs, three 12V sockets and even a three-pin plug!
• The driving position and supportive seats are really comfortable and car-like, much like the excellent S-Max. The only giveaway is the taller windscreen. We also liked the optional panoramic roof which succeeds in making the Galaxy’s interior light and airy. Shame it costs a rather expensive £900!
• The 150PS version of this 2.0-litre TDCi engine is probably going to be better suited to the corporate market, but our 180PS version still boasts a 56.5mpg fuel figure, 129g/km of CO2 and 23% company car tax band. This engine isn’t that quick off of the mark, but get it into the mid-range and it soon gets into its stride, feeling both torquey and well-suited to the Galaxy’s sharp dynamics. Acceleration to 62mph takes 9.8 seconds and the top speed is 129mph. Yes, the taller body equals more bodyroll but it’s still grippy and the ride even on optional 19-inch alloys was comfortable.
• Our Titanium isn’t quite at the top of the Galaxy range, but the impressive levels of standard kit includes climate control, touchscreen sat-nav, keyless go, stop/start, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear-view camera – but you pay for it; our test car listed at over £35,000 – but did have plenty of extras.