Test Drive Ford Galaxy since 2010 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 try out the active cruise control, which allows you to keep the specified speed and distance to ahead of the car. When the distance between the machines begins to shrink, the electronics activates the brakes and slows down, and with increasing distance adds gas. Beauty! However, this idyll can upset the third car, which decided to wed up between the leading and driven by the machines: the electronic brain does not always have time to react in time, and the driver has to be hit on the brakes.
Upon arrival in Peter, the car went hands: to someone to carry furniture to a new apartment, to someone to take old things with giving. Here Galaxy was on top: even a two-meter sofa was placed in it, and in the assembled state. Gradually managed to adversely affect the nature of the Mini Wen, learning to save fuel. If you accelerate smoothly, then in the city you can put in 14 liters, but as soon as you start to light, the flow rate increases sharply: with intensive accelerations, it can reach 19 liters per 100 km.
Driving
The car perfectly listens to the steering wheel. Due to the excellent course stability, the driver is less tired at distant marchs.
Salon
Super accomplice. Many compartments for small things. Two additional seats designed for adult passengers are hidden in the trunk.
Comfort
High-quality finish materials, excellent noise insulation, decent sound of a regular audio system.
Safety
Mini-Ven received the highest pool for the protection of passengers according to the EURO NCAP technique. In the base of seven airbags.
Price
Since the release of the Russian market, Galaxy has risen in price.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent running settings, good dynamics, spacious interior.
No spare, high fuel consumption, price.
Specifications
Brand and Model - Ford Galaxy 2.3
Dimensions - 4820x1885x1723 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2261 cm3, 161 hp / 6500 min-1
Transmission - automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics - MAX 191 km / h; 11.6 s to 100 km / h
Competitors - Mitsubishi Grandis, Renault Espace

Our opinion
Galaxy has a driver's driver that among these class cars is greatly rare. Due to the high level of comfort and the spacious salon, this mini-Ven can be for the owner of the second home. Well, in order to reduce the rent, it is better to order a version with a diesel engine.

Posted by: Maxim Fedorov
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [July 2008]