Used Ford Galaxy Zetec

A Family Car With A Sporty Image -

The Galaxy, provides a strong base for this unlikely market niche. Its the best-handling large people carrier you can buy. To be fair, the Ford marketeers are going easy on the sporting spin for the Galaxy Zetec in its latest form so there are no spoilers or loud alloy wheels (though there is an optional Sports Pack with sports suspension, performance bumpers and side skirts if you must make a point to the neighbours). For most however, Zetec trim is these days a more mainstream option, which is why you can order it with either of the two engines expected to account for most customers of the latest model.

Petrol or Diesel? - These include Fords own 2.3-litre petrol unit and the VW-sourced 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine (offered in 115, 130 or 150bhp form) Opt for the petrol 2.

You might imagine that the petrol 2.3 would be the quicker of the, Zetec models, which is why you need to take a test drive. In real world terms, the diesel options are decisively faster, even the 115bhp model is a whole four seconds quicker in the typical 35-60mph overtaking increment in fifth gear. Around town, its greater torque means fewer gear changes, whilst on the open road, it simply feels more responsive in almost every situation.

If you like things to get more rapid still, the 130bhp TDI should suffice it reaches 60mph in 12.8 seconds with even greater pulling power and in-gear acceleration. The range topping 150bhp car turns in an 11.9s 0-60mph time.

Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI Zetec (130 PS) 5-Door MPV

Galaxy Qualities - As with previous Galaxy models, the biggest surprise for the uninitiated will be its car-like qualities, further refined with more responsive steering and slight suspension tweaks. Handling is exemplary, and the Ford doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly. Inside, its all rather luxurious and very different to the utilitarian feel of the old model.

Beautifully textured soft plastics and flashes of silver trim combine to create one of the nicest Ford interiors we've seen and certainly the most practical. To complement larger door pockets, two substantial stowage boxes have been built into the dashboard in response to customers who wanted to be able to hide away clutter after a weekend and reclaim their car as a business vehicle for the working week. Once you were behind the wheel, there wasn't much wrong with the original Galaxy but, as we've suggested, this current version goes one step upmarket, in keeping with its intended executive appeal. The first thing you notice is the redesigned leather-bound four-spoke steering wheel and the aluminium-look instrument surround.

A Ka-style analogue clock sits in the centre of the dash in traditional contrast to the high gadgetry in the centre console, redesigned to accommodate an optional satellite navigation system. Fords strengths lie in packaging (hence high equipment levels including air conditioning, ABS, dual front and side airbags, a radar parking system etc, etc) and the tight pricing we mentioned earlier. The options list is now vast, including everything from a fridge to a multi-media system capable of entertaining rear passengers with DVD video or computer games via colour screens mounted in the back of the front seat headrests.

Ford Galaxy 2.3 Zetec 5-Door MPV

>Anti lock brakes >Driver seat height adjustment >Driver passenger and front side airbags >Air-conditioning >Perimetric alarm >16in alloy wheels >Remote central door locking >Electric/heated door mirrors >Front electric windows >More than five head restraints >Power-assisted steering >Radio/CD >Driver seat lumbar support >Rake/reach adjustable steering column/wheel >Immobilser >Front fog lights >Front/rear parking aid

Galaxy Safety - Safety has been a priority for Ford with this car in recent times. Hence the addition of side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags from Fords acclaimed Intelligent Protection System to give greater protection for all occupants. Drivers benefit from a Mondeo-style Electronic Brake Assist system and new smart indicators, which automatically flash a minimum of three times every time the indicators are activated. These additions complement the ABS, driver and passenger airbags and 3-point seat belts for all occupants' already standard equipment on all models. Befitting its role as large MPV market leader, the Galaxy seats seven people in even greater comfort. The redesigned seats are welcome and it continues to be easy to drive, simple to park and no more expensive to run than an average large family hatch or estate. Of course, you wouldn't be considering the Galaxy as an option in the first place if you weren't interested in flexibility and on this front, you shouldn't be disappointed.

The two rows of passenger seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely, the front seats also swivel round to face the rear passengers, facilitating picnics or on-the-spot conferences. It all adds up to a car which could make an awful lot of sense to the right executive.

However, for many, the Fords tight pricing, sharp styling and excellent packaging could win the day, particularly in Zetec guise. This wont be the sporting family car you dreamt about but it could very well be the one you wont mind ending up with.

Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI Zetec (115 PS) 5-Door MPV

Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI Zetec (115 PS) 5-Door MPV