It may have been Renault that invented the people carrier, but it was Ford that struck a chord with UK families. The original Galaxy was introduced in 1995 and jumped straight to the top of the UK’s seven-seater sales charts. It was a good car but in 2006 Ford went one better when it launched an entirely new one — the best seven-seat people carrier to date.

Two things made the new Galaxy special. First, it shared its platform with the new Ford Mondeo, which offered the best driving experience in its class. Second, it had acres of space inside.

The new Galaxy was longer, wider and taller than the previous generation, and seems to have been designed from the inside out, starting with the seven adult-sized seats and a boot that can carry all of life’s luggage, even when every seat is taken. Head and legroom in the second or third row of seats is generous enough for six-footers, and that’s rare. Even cleverer is the Ford Fold Flat System, where the second and third rows fold flush into the floor, leaving an area a Glastonbury-goer could sleep in.

Together with the new platform and body, the Galaxy also offered a range of new engines: three diesels and one petrol. Producing 145bhp, the 2-litre petrol engine is only just about up to the job. More popular among buyers are the two diesels — a 1.8-litre with either 100bhp or 125bhp, and a 2-litre producing 140bhp. Barely cheaper and with no benefit to fuel economy, potential buyers should forget about the least powerful model. The pick of the crop is the 140bhp diesel, which is a match for the Galaxy’s generous dimensions.

The summer of 2007 saw the Galaxy’s appeal extended with the option of an automatic gearbox. On diesel models the new six-speed auto is married to a detuned version of the 2 litre, producing 130bhp, while the petrol auto comes with a new 2.3-litre 160bhp engine. In either case, the results are impressive.

Inside, the extra space, soft-touch plastics and sleek audio controls give a sophisticated feel. Options include adaptive cruise control, DVD entertainment, pre-crash safety systems and bi-xenon lights. While few used examples boast all these goodies, buyers can be sure their Galaxy will come with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a CD player and myriad airbags, including one for the driver’s knees. This focus on safety pays off with a Euro NCAP maximum score of five stars for adult occupants and four for child occupants.

The latest Galaxy has set new standards for large MPVs with more space, better safety and a much improved driving experience over its predecessor. With three-year-old cars costing half the amount they did when new, it could be just what your family needs.

OWNER’S VIEW

I use my Galaxy 2.3 Ghia for business during the week, and for the family at weekends. It’s quiet, comfortable and practical. David Carter, Billericay, Essex

Vital statistics

MODEL Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Zetec
ENGINE 1997cc, four cylinders, diesel
POWER 140bhp
TRA N S M I SS I O N Six-speed manual
FUEL 43.5mpg (combined)
CO2 172g/km
ACCELERATION 0-60mph: 9.9sec
TOP SPEED 121mph
COST NEW (2005) £22,772
TAX BAND E (£170 a year)

Values