SECOND-HAND SENSE: IF you find yourself confused about the similarity between the Ford Galaxy, the Volkswagen Sharan and the Seat Alhambra you're not alone. If you look at all three closely you will discover they are, with certain small differences, the same car, or rather MPV.
The success of Renault in expanding into the MPV market with the original Scenic was a wake-up call to every other car manufacturer - they suddenly realised that family motoring could be a lot more attractive when packaged as a high-sided car with lots of glass and up to seven seats.
Thus companies such as Ford, VW and its group partner, Seat, were happy to get involved in a joint project that would allow them to quickly exploit this new niche market. And a steadily growing niche market it turned out to be too. MPVs are, for those who can afford them, a practical and more comfortable alternative to a saloon car. You can pack kids, dogs, sports gear and the kitchen sink with the right kind of seat configuration.
The seat configuration is, after all, at the heart of the MPV concept. You can usually seat up to seven people at one time or you can adjust the seating (the Galaxy has over eighty configurations) to accommodate pretty much anyone or anything. However, there is one basic flaw with a lot of MPV's - the seats are bulky and not easy to remove and re-install.
The group into which the Galaxy belongs suffers from this flaw to a degree. The seats are relatively easy to move but they are bulky and it can be quite a chore for one person, children and a dog in tow.
Another problem is that when the seven seats are in there is little or no boot space. You will find a shallow and narrow space when you open the boot. It is hardly an ideal situation when you have to remove seats before you got to do the family shopping.
The Galaxy is a nice car to drive but it is built for practicality not excitement. There is a range of engines but by far the best is the 1.9 turbo diesel (the advanced engine comes from VW), which is economical, relatively quiet and is good for long distance driving. Poor visibility at the front is another problem with some MPV's and it is for the Galaxy too.
It has a low and rounded bonnet and can be tricky to negotiate in tight spots.
The car did reasonably well in the EuroNCAP crash tests (although the Seat and VW were the versions tested) and scored three out of a possible five stars.
However, the front crash test showed significant damage and structural instability in the cabin. The area around the driver's body - the survival space - was "severely reduced", leaving the driver liable to suffer chest, right leg and foot injuries. The side impact was better but even allowing for the higher seating position there was still some risk of chest injuries.
There have been a number of Galaxy recalls by Ford, although not every car is affected. Some have had problems with braking systems, alternator wiring air conditioning compressors, fuel lines, door locks and some fitted with integral child seats have also been recalled.
Expect to pay about €28,000 for a Galaxy 1.9 TDi with 25,000 on the clock and with plenty of extras (air conditioning , multiple air bags) and about €20,000 for a four year-old one with about 80,000 on the clock. These are asking prices, by they way.
All in all, the Galaxy 1.9 TDi is a good buy. It solid, easy to drive, roomy and hard wearing.
FOR: Good economy, plenty of space and well-built.
AGAINST: Seats are not as easy to configure as those found on an Opel and Toyota car, for instance. Limited luggage space when all seats are up.