Car group tests

Ford Galaxy vs Citroen Grand C4 Picasso & SEAT Alhambra - pictures

by: Auto Express team

25 Aug 2015

Go to: Ford Galaxy vs Citroen Grand C4 Picasso & SEAT Alhambra

The new Ford Galaxy is the latest car to receive the firm's latest raft of styling and technical revisions. Here we pit it against our current MPV of the Year, the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, and our previous champion - the SEAT Alhambra
All cars offer huge practicality and seven seats - so we find out which is best in this comparison.
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The Galaxy in this test is a 2.0 TDCi Titanium with an auto gearbox. It produces 178bhp and costs £32,345 as standard. 
Take it easy in the big Ford and the driving experience is reasonably comfortable, but the soft suspension isn't as well controlled as it could be.
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Inside, the cabin features the same TFT screens as the S-MAX and Mondeo, plus the layout is simple and easy to get along with. 
Space is generous throughout the cabin, but cabin storage isn't as good as the other cars in this test.
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Access to the rearmost seats is aided by middle seats that tilt and slide forwards.
Legroom in the rearmost seats is better than the Citroen.
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Big exterior dimensions mean the Galaxy is spacious, and has the largest boot of this trio in all three seating layouts. You can specify a £400 powered tailgate to aid access, but it doesn't lift as high as the other cars, so watch you
For £375 you can add the Titanium Family Pack which adds electrically-folding rear seats, controlled via buttons in the boot. This option also brings a reversible boot carpet, rear sunblinds and a cargo net.
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Despite the sharp new look, the Galaxy just isn't as sharp as its predecessor on the road. 
There's plenty of understeer in the big Ford, plus the steering is vague and imprecise. 
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The biggest change over the previous model is the sharp new chrome grille, but the Galaxy also gets some sharper features elsewhere.
Overall, the Galaxy looks upmarket, but you'll have to add a few hundred pounds to the price if you want anything other than the standard dull dark blue colour. The metallic grey in our pictures costs £545. 
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The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is our reigning MPV of the Year, and here we test the top-spec 2.0 BlueHDi Exclusive+ model.
As you would expect from a big Citroen, the Picasso floats over surface imperfections and absorbs big bumps with composure that makes it a relaxed ride for all seven passengers.
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The unique dash feels fresh, helped by splashes of cream trim on our test car. Not only is the cabin practical and spacious, but it also has an upmarket, design-led layout that will appeal to style-conscious buyers.
The Picasso is smaller than the Ford, but clever design makes it feel bigger inside.
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In a similar style to the Galaxy, middle row seats tilt and slide to let passengers into the rearmost seats.
Panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel incredibly airy.
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There's a 2,181-litre capacity with all the seats folded.
While body control in corners could be better, the Citroen's ride is comfortable.
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For a car of this size, the Picasso is surprisingly cheap to run.
The Citroen stands out in the MPV class thanks to distinctive, stylish design.
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The design at the rear is more concervative than the front, but there are still touches to keep you interested, like the boomerang lights.
We're big fans of the SEAT Alhambra at Auto Express as it held the title of Best MPV until the Grand C4 Picasso arrived. 
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Here we test the pre-facelift SE Lux model, powered by a 175bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. 
The logical dash in the Alhambra is easy to use, plus the two-tone seats add a bit of interest.
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The middle row of seats has plenty of head and legroom.
Integrated booster seats are a £425 extra.
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Extended head restraints for small children come as part of the booster seat pack.
Similar folding mechanisms to the other two cars to access the rear seats.
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Middle row passengers get their own air-con controls.
There's enough room for two in comfort in the rearmost seats.
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There's a maximum of 2,297 litres of boot space on offer with all the seats folded - just 42 litres less than the Galaxy.
The SEAT range has built a reputation for delivering sporty handling, so it should come as no surprise that the Alhambra felt the sportiest in this test. 
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The agile chassis is boosted by an XDS electronic diff control, which helps this MPV deliver sharp handling that belies its size and kerbweight.
Sliding rear doors give the Alhambra a practical advantage over its rivals here, and the fact they can be operated by the driver or passenger is a real bonus. The standard power tailgate is equally useful, too. 
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The Alhambra isn't the most striking MPV, but the lines in the body add detail and roof rails are stylish.
The Alhambra is all nicely proportioned, if a little unexciting.
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