Car Statistics: Ford - Galaxy Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

Inoffensive design doesn't disguise the Galaxy's boxy proportions - we don't think it looks as good as the lower, sleeker S-Max.

Handling (3 stars)

You'll look in vain for excitement, but the Galaxy delivers composed progress and cruises happily at motorway speeds.

Comfort (4 stars)

Brilliant seats and an excellent driving position make the Galaxy a supremely relaxing place to spend time. Third row only really suited to kids or occasional use.

Quality (4 stars)

Impressively solid-feeling construction for the most part, although we're disappointed by cheap-feeling hard plastics on the lower part of the dashboard.

Performance (3 stars)

Top-spec 143 bhp 2.0 litre TDCI diesel motor provides decent urge, but less powerful units lack much in the way of pace - and the basic 99 bhp 1.8 TDCI takes a yawning 14.3 seconds for 0-62 mph.

Roominess (5 stars)

One of the biggest of the current crop of people carriers, with loads of room for front and middle-row passengers and plenty of neat storage compartments. Luggage space limited with third row seats upright.

Costs (4 stars)

Diesel engines deliver decent economy and cheap Ford servicing helps trim the Galaxy's cost-per-mile - depreciation is likely to be steep, though.

Value (2 stars)

It's disappointing that Ford is determined to extract such a premium for the Galaxy over the very similar S-Max. Like-for-like it's £2,500 more expensive, a supplement it can't justify.

Stereo (4 stars)

Decent stereo system projects good sound throughout the cabin while the optional satnav is clear and reasonably easy to use. Optional rear-seat entertainment system will be popular with young families, although it's expensive compared to aftermarket offerings.