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Weekend roadtest: Ford Galaxy Titanium X 1.6 Ecoboost
publication date: Sep 17, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Hundreds of thousands of people every year fly away on
holidays, but now they are getting a bit greener if they start their trip in a
Ford Galaxy with the latest 1.6 Ecoboost engine.
The Galaxy is the staple of airport transfers and chauffeur
services and you may think that fitting a 1.6 litre engine into what is a
seven-seat MPV would be a mistake, but you'd be wrong. |  | The latest Ford engine made at Bridgend, South Wales, takes
an already wide range of models to over 20 versions in Zetec, Titanium and
Titanium X trim levels between £24,600 and £33,300.
With the new engine pushing out a maximum 160ps and
producing 167gkm, it is a remarkable combination of capability and cleanliness.
The standard six-speed manual gearbox is also a delight to use even in heavy
traffic thanks to its lightness and precision and this is also something all
drivers would appreciate not just the professionals.
|  | The four-cylinder engine is developed from the Sigma series
but has fundamental changes to the head to improve breathing and induction so
it is not only very smooth and quiet but has also been tuned to give a wide
power band.
You have to experience the pulling power to appreciate what a good
unit it is tuned for the Galaxy and its hard working role. |
Precise engine management technology includes the
increasingly familiar stop/start ignition system to save fuel when stationary
and it also reduces fuel consumption when decelerating so that without even
trying to be particularly economical the
1.6 Ecoboost managed on test to give the Galaxy a remarkable 43mpg overall.
That puts it squarely up against mechanically less refined diesels from rival manufacturers,
but more significantly was also above the suggested combined overall economy of
about 39mpg from official tests.
The top Titanium X package includes leather seats and 17in
alloys, advanced Bluetooth with Voice Control, automatic lights and wipers,
cruise control and parking sensors, air conditioning and solar reflecting
windshield as well as privacy side glass and panorama roof.
|  | Ford is pushing its driver technology assistance systems as
well and the test car was equipped with radar protecting blind-spot information
and lane departure warning, touch screen navigation and rear view camera, all
of which can reduce potential minor or serious accidents and protect your NCB
as well as your pride. They all work seamlessly and efficiently and are highly
desirable, particularly as they enhance the trade in and resale value a few
years down the line. |
Not that you'd want to part too soon with this particularly
Galaxy 1.6 Ecoboost. It has good access and room inside, new quick folding
seats and minimum 300 litres boot space which rises to over 2,300 litres, very
good visibility and it's very comfortable. The well padded and shaped leather
covered seats have excellent adjustment range infront and legroom is good for
everyone except those in the rearmost occasional seats. If you need to put in a
lot at the back the floor is low, wide and the fifth door opens very high while
side access to reach items is also good.
Ride quality is generally smooth with some rolling on
tighter turns taken at speed but it stays firmly planted on the road. I liked
the steering, brakes and throttle responses. It was easy to drive in traffic, gobbled up the motorway
miles and had plenty of instant power for quick and safe overtaking on country
roads.
The new 1.6 Ecoboost engine has given the Galaxy a new lease
of life, as refreshing as a holiday in fact. © Robin Roberts |
Fact file:
| Ford Galaxy Titanium X 1.6
Ecoboost £29,045
| | Insurance group:18 | Mechanical: 160ps 4cyl 1600cc, 6sp | | Fuel consumption: 43mpg | Performance: 0-62mph 9.9sec and 124mph
maximum | | Emissions:167gkm | Warranty: 3yrs/ 60K |
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