28 May 08
Ford S-Max/Galaxy
4Car rating: 5 stars
Price: from £18,995
For: Great to drive; cheap to buy and run; sporty feel.
Against: Firm ride and not much rear space in S-Max.
Two very different cars on shared underpinnings. The Ford Galaxy is an unpretentious large seven-seater, which scores on practicality, comfort and sheer space, while the 'five-plus-two'-seater Ford S-Max is the MPV that thinks it's a sports car. Lower-riding and sharper-handling, the S-Max may not have as much rear-seat space (the third row of seats really is just for small kids) but it's a real blast to drive.
Engine choices include the 2.5-litre turbo (220bhp) as in the Focus ST - well-suited to the S-Max as well - or more economical 1.8 and 2.0 TDCi diesels, the best options in the Galaxy. Either way, Ford has done a good job with both cars to create proper multi-purpose vehicles.
