Ford Galaxy

Our verdict

This is very much 21st Century Ford. The new Ford Galaxy looks great from inside and out, drives well and is impressively spacious as a full-blown seven-seater. If the MPV really is dying out, this is the shot of adrenaline the breed needs.

Comfort

With all that space, a high ride height and a suspension set-up geared towards comfort rather than handling, this is just the sort of car you'd want for long, lazy journeys.

Performance

The new Galaxy is a big old thing, depriving it of much in the way of outright acceleration or top speed. But stick to the bigger TDCi diesels and it'll pull with confidence on the motorway, which is all you really need.

Cool

Can an MPV ever be cool? No, but within its own odd little niche at least this one looks good from the outside.

Quality

Upfront the Galaxy looks and feels superb. There's less care and attention given as you head aft, but still no tangible dip in the quality of fit and finish. You can hear the Renault Espace's knees knocking.

Handling

The old Galaxy was the most car-like of the mumsy MPV brigade, and while the new one isn't quite so lithe and involving, it's still an enjoyable thing to sit at the helm of. Lean on it a bit and it will meet your demands, but it's best at making sedate progress.

Practicality

Where do you start? It has seven seats, the last two in row three still reclining and sliding for maximum space and comfort. They also fold flat into the floor where the old ones used to have to be removed. Top stuff.

Running costs

Priced on a par with the Renault Espace, it's not cheap, but then a car of this size isn't going to be. It should hold its value well too, and it's worth haggling on the initial price.