Ford Galaxy Titanium X

The Ford Galaxy Titanium X is the top-of-the-range edition of the brand's biggest MPV. Because of that, the Titanium X comes with luxuries like an electrically operated panoramic roof and a reversing camera. Other equipment includes Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system with satellite navigation and DAB radio, climate control and power foldable door mirrors.

The Galaxy Titanium X is available with a 237bhp EcoBoost petrol engine, or three power variants of a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine. Whether you pick the 148bhp, 177bhp or 207bhp version, each will be a better choice than the petrol, thanks to the low-down pulling power available. You can also specify a PowerShift automatic or Ford's 'Intelligent AWD' four-wheel-drive system on certain models.

There's no denying the fact that the Galaxy is a pretty big car. Its size means it has avery flexible interior and one that can carry your family, your bits and bobs or even both with relative ease. There are three ISOFIX child seat points in the middle row and there are loads of storage spaces, too. It's worth adding the hands-free tailgate and 230V plug socket to your final options list, simply because they're relatively inexpensive and add some bonus practicality points.

One of the Galaxy's main rivals is the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. The Galaxy offers more space and flexibility, when compared to the Citroen, but the most expensive model, the Grand Picasso Exclusive+, is around £6,000 cheaper than the Galaxy Titanium X. The Citroen is more economical on fuel too.

Good points

The Galaxy's practicality is enough to rival almost any of its competitors. It helps that the Titanium X has some appealing family features like a panoramic sunroof as standard.The Galaxy certainly looks upmarket. Its design both inside and out is modern and clean.There is a decent choice of engines available, so you shouldn't feel hard done by when it comes to choosing your model. The fact that you can specify four-wheel-drive on an MPV is quite rare.

Bad points

This, the latest version of the Galaxy has lost a little of the road handling charm that its predecessors offered. It's still decent to drive, but it's focused more on being comfortable than sharp behind the wheel.A Citroen Grand C4 Picasso in top-of-the-range Exclusive+ spec is both cheaper to buy and run than a Galaxy Titanium X.The interior might look tidy and easy to use, but some of the plastics used are a little scratchy.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Panoramic roof
• Electric folding wing mirrors
• Alarm
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Full leather seats
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Electric driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Reversing camera
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Hands-free tailgate
• Titanium Family Pack

Our choice

Our pick is the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine. It'll be all most buyers will really need, with the more powerful versions only really being useful if you regularly fill the car to the brim with your stuff or your family. The 148bhp diesel engine is capable of up to 58.5mpg, while emissions of 129 grams per kilometre means £110 per year in road tax.