Ford Galaxy test drive since 2006 minivan

Brother of the best

Ford in the past year can be safely called the manufacturer of minivans #1. S-Max is recognized as a car of the year, and Galaxy is essentially a copy of it.
 
A copy in fact, but there are a number of changes aimed at developing cargo -passenger qualities. S-Max was visiting us recently and even in an average configuration with a two-liter engine and a standard suspension made a very good impression. Now the turn of a calmer car has come. If the S-MAX buyer, remembering the family,, together with the necessary practicality, nevertheless receives a certain share of the desired sports, then the person who acquires Galaxy, in theory, in theory, should not think at all, Galaxy for him is exclusively utilitarian for him. Let's check this consideration.
 
After the S-Max in Galaxy, it is like a sky above the head: the roof is higher by 69 mm. The first look up makes it freeze for a moment, it’s very interesting. In the center, the console consisting of folding drawers of different sizes. He pressed the round key, and the chest slowly opens. On the sides of these bins, glass inserts, from a driver's seat to the second row. The solar roof can be handed out of a manually with a curtain. Convenient, practical, unusual.
 
There are four more curtains. Two on the windows of the rear side doors, two more on the windows of the third row, which open. Those who find themselves in the back also receive at their disposal the nozzles of personal blowing and armrests on the sides, covered with velor, with folding lids, small containers and cup holders. But if the legs presses the back in front of the seated, then the joy of the presence of velor and blowing will be overshadowed. Therefore, without thinking twice, I open the trunk (the huge fifth door leaning back entirely at a close parking lot with loading problems) and put the third row chairs in two accounts. Then I move the seat behind the driver's and crawl to the gallery. The operation was relatively easily given. Having set the chair in the previous position, I note that above the head and legs a sufficient supply of space. It is clear that you won’t go on a trip, but on city trips discomfort is unlikely. It is safe to say that a person of medium height will be convenient here. Thus, Galaxy is quite suitable for the role of a transported corporate car.
 
Galaxy has a slightly different tunnel between the front seats. The S-MAX had a large central armrest, and here is just a tunnel that ends with two cup holders. The armrests are small, both chairs. The finish of the front panel and doors is more calm. Unlike the s-max trying to be fashionable, there is less pseudo-metal in Galaxy, instead of it imitating the tree inserts. In general, it became somehow more comfortable. And the steering wheel, which has acquired additional plastic control keys, looks more harmonious. As on the S-MAX, the on-board computer menu is Russified.
 
Planting is quite Minivani sitting high, I look far away. The chairs have a slight support support, but velor has a good friction. You can’t imagine your sight back better. The car is equipped with a 2-liter atmospheric engine and a five-speed mechanical checkpoint.
The machine added 50 mm in length, and in the mass of 92 kg (for basic configurations; depending on the filling with options and the configuration of the motor/checkpoint, the indicator can grow). Despite the increased dimensions, the behavior of a large minivan on the road liked.
 
In the city, there are always enough engine capabilities. Only at the very bottom is weakness felt, however, slightly promoting the motor, then you go without problems. At first, you will have to get used to uninformative adhesion and small delay in responses to press the gas pedal. Even on the studded rubber, Galaxy obeys the steering wheel well and confidently holds the straight line. Restoring at high speed of the suspension settings are easily given, but not to the detriment of controllability. But on the highway, the motor begins to pass more often to twist it almost to the limiter and slip reduced gears.
I remember that after meeting S-Max, I was in some bewilderment, who needs a new Galaxy if the 2006 car is offered, because the S-Max is good and as a mini-van, and as a driver for a driver. I take the words back. Galaxy is little inferior to its closest relative except in the image. In general, a very interesting car, and also much more spacious.
Ford Galaxy prices and configurations
The most affordable Galaxy costs $ 25,900 is a car with 2 liters of engine and a 5-speed manual transmission in the Core configuration. Two diesel modifications with motors of 1.8 liters and 2 liters are also proposed. With the first Core it costs $ 26,400, with the second $ 28 050. The Trend equipment is more expensive than $ 880, Ghia by $ 2450.

Nikolai Ilyin

Source: Motor magazine [December 2006]