Test Drive Ford Galaxy since 2006 Minivan

House with amenities

Ford Galaxy. Price: from 892700 rub. On sale: since 2006
Ford Galaxy hit our two-month test. We share the first impressions received during the run from Moscow to St. Petersburg, as well as in daily trips along the northern capital and its surroundings
The long-term test time Volvo XC70 approached the end: the car had to return to Moscow, and on the way back to pick up the next experimental mini-Venne Ford Galaxy. After the seam equipped with a 238-strong gasoline gear, I wanted to try something more economical, so we were incredibly happy when Ford representation agreed to give us a diesel galaxy. And only having arrived in the capital and receiving documents for the car, we realized that joy was premature: it turned out that our mini-Ven was equipped with a 2.3-liter gasoline engine, and even with a machine gun.
The readings of the onboard computer did not please: the previous owner has almost 17 liters as a more powerful all-wheel drive Volvo XC70! However, it was worth a break out of Moscow, as expenses began to rapidly decrease: 15 liters, 13, 11. Well, and somewhere in the middle of the highway Moscow Petersburg computer has already shown 9 liters per 100 km. At the same time, we drove in a good pace, accelerating to 140 km / h and constantly making overtakes. When overtaking, the engine and transmission showed themselves from the best side: like most machine guns with a sharp press of gas ACP Galaxy thinks a little, but after that the car shoots, allowing you to quickly complete the maneuver.
The road between two capitals in general is quite decent quality, although there are still a lot of sites with broken asphalt. In such places, the Volvo XC70 was noticeably shook, Galaxy behaved much more worthy. And on good coating, Mini-Ven turned into a real land liner, providing the highest level of comfort to passengers. Despite the impressive size and greater mass, the car is sensitive to the steering wheel, and its course stability is simply unmatched: at speeds for a hundred steering wheel, you can get out of the hands, and Galaxy will go straight.
On the track managed to test the active cruise control, which allows to keep the set speed and distance to the car in front. When the distance between the machine begins to decline, the electronics activates the brakes and slows down, and the increasing distance adds gas. The beauty! However, this idyll might upset the third car, who decided to drive a wedge between the master and slave machines: electronic brain does not always have time to react in time, and the driver has to hit the brakes.
Upon arrival, the car went to Peter's hands: some furniture to move to a new apartment, someone to take out the old stuff from the country. Here Galaxy rose to the occasion: it will fit even a six-foot sofa, and in the assembled state. Gradually managed to adapt himself to the character of the van, to learn to save fuel. If you accelerate smoothly, then the city can meet the 14 liters, but once you start to light, consumption increases dramatically: under heavy acceleration, he can make 19 liters per 100 km.
Driving
The car is great helm. Due to excellent directional stability driver fatigue on long forced marches.
Salon
Supervmestitelny. Many compartments under melochovki. two additional seats hidden in the trunk, designed for adult passengers.
Comfort
Quality finishing materials, excellent sound insulation, sound decent standard audio system.
Security
Minivan received the highest score for occupant protection by Euro NCAP procedure. At the base of seven airbags.
Price
Since entering the Russian market significantly rose Galaxy.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent chassis tuning, good dynamics, a spacious interior.
The lack of a spare wheel, high fuel consumption, price.
Specifications
Make and model - Ford Galaxy 2.3
Dimensions - 4820x1885x1723 mm
Engine - petrol, 2261 cm3, 161 HP / 6500 min-1
Transmission - automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics - max 191 km / h; 11.6 to 100 km / h
Competitors - Mitsubishi Grandis, Renault Espace

our opinion
Galaxy has drayverskogo character that among the machines of this class is a rarity. Due to the high level of comfort and the spacious interior that a minivan can be for the owner of a second home. Well, in order to reduce the rent, it is better to order a version with a diesel engine.

Author: Maksim Fyodorov
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [July 2008]