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Ford Galaxy 1.6T

Is EcoBoost turbo a good match for MPV? We find out

Ford Galaxy 1.6T front cornering

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: Nathan Morgan

September 2011

The biggest car Ford builds now comes fitted with one of the brand’s smallest engines. 

But while some buyers might baulk at the idea of driving a car the size of the Galaxy with a 1.6-litre petrol unit, the firm’s EcoBoost turbo technology means this seven-seater is cleaner and noticeably more powerful than the standard 2.0-litre petrol version.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Ford Galaxy

 

Once you’re on the move, the powerplant is smooth and quiet. But even though it serves up 240Nm of torque, there’s a real lack of urgency at lower revs which may catch drivers off guard around town.

This does mean you have to work a little harder to hustle the car along, but the light controls and slick gearchange make it easy to drive, even on longer journeys. 

A huge cabin and cosseting ride comfort are the Galaxy’s biggest assets, and it can seat seven adults – or swallow 2,325 litres of luggage – with ease.

Yet despite the practicality, it’s surprisingly fun on the road, if not as sharp as the smaller S-MAX. Unfortunately, there’s a price to pay for the engaging dynamics, as even the stop-start can’t bring emissions and economy close to those of diesel versions. We hit a mere 33mpg – a figure that will worsen once fully loaded.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Galaxy visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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1 Comment

When will they learn

A big car with a small engine might be great "advertised economy and emissions", however back in the real world it just doesn't work and it really is a false economy, they would have been better off, using a detuned 2.0T with a more usable spread of torque.

By Shaun34 on 16 September, 2011, 6:00pm

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Pictures

Ford Galaxy 1.6T front cornering
Ford Galaxy 1.6T rear cornering
Ford Galaxy 1.6Tdash
Ford Galaxy 1.6T rear cornering
Ford Galaxy 1.6T Ecoboost engine
Ford Galaxy 1.6T dash
Ford Galaxy 1.6T front cornering
Ford Galaxy 1.6T rear seats

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FIRST OPINION

    The Galaxy is still one of the best full-size MPVs around. It ticks all the important boxes for space and comfort, without losing Ford’s handling poise. Plus, the new petrol engine is surprisingly flexible. But 
    the excellent diesels are still a better choice than this new EcoBoost unit if you do lots of motorway miles. And this Titanium X model is pricey; family buyers would be better off with a mid-level Zetec. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £29,045
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
    Power/torque: 158bhp/240Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-60/top spd: 9.9 secs/124mph
    Economy/CO2: 39.2mpg/167g/km
    Equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, air-con, cruise control, Bluetooth, bi-xenon headlights, privacy glass, ESP, parking sensors, CD player with MP3, leather interior, Sony stereo, stop-start
    On sale: Now 
     
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