Large MPVs like Ford's Galaxy are faced with one of the most demanding tasks in the automotive world - providing everyday transport for a large family. There are some very clever motor vehicles out there, from 200mph supercars and all-terrain 4x4s to convertibles with folding metal roofs but in some ways, the multifaceted role taken on by big people carriers tops the lot. The Fidler family have been in the company of their Ford Galaxy TDCi 140 for a good few months now, using it day in and day out, but how has it stood up to this toughest of tests?

After weeks at the wheel, dad Terry Fidler is full of praise for Ford's large MPV. He loves the punchy diesel engine which copes so well with the Galaxy's hefty body while still managing to keep running costs down and he loves the interior space that's made adaptable to all kinds of requirements by the clever seating system. Yes, the Galaxy seems to cover all the major bases so far as the Fidlers are concerned but are there devils in the detail.

The seating system is vital to any large MPV it's through the contortionist chairs in the back that all that space can be put to the best use. The Galaxy's seats don't lift out in the manor favoured by many older MPVs and this has huge advantages in terms of on-the-fly versatility. The Fidlers have tried vehicles in which the only way to maximise the available loadspace is to leave some of the seats in the garage at home. Those things aren't usually light or compact to shift about in the first place and then, what do you do when you're out and about and you need that seating capacity back again?

"The Galaxy's TDCi diesel engine is well up to the towcar job"

On the Galaxy, the rearmost two rows simply drop down flush with the floor to present a vast flat load area that's almost commercial vehicle in its dimensions. Of course, various combinations of seating and luggage space can be achieved by folding different seats but the one that Fidlers employ most regularly, that of both of the seats in the third row folded down to create a big boot behind the middle row, is very handy indeed. There's very little luggage capacity with all the Galaxy's seating occupied but the car can easily take five of the six Fidlers and a whole lot of luggage when configured in this five-seat manner. The rear seats fold down very simply but one complaint is that it's quite complicated to execute the second stage and actually drop the seat flat to the floor. It took Terry a good few minutes to work out the series of movements needed to achieve the fully flat boot and he reports that it's tricky enough to make him simply make do with the half-folded seats on occasions when he can get away with it.

The Fidler family are outdoorsy types and this has put a particular strain on the Galaxy's interiors. With the best will in the world, when you've got four muddy kids on board some of that mud is going to be transferred onto carpets and upholstery. The Galaxy has impressed on this count, proving easy to clean with very few of those little crevices that seem to be magnates for dust, dirt and bits of crisp. The door sills and tailgate are flush with the vehicle's floor too, so it's easy to perform a cursory sweep out to keep everything shipshape. The materials used have obviously been chosen for their hard wearing qualities and although the Galaxy is still at the start of its life, it comes up as good as new after each encounter with the Dyson and duster.

When the prodigious space inside the Galaxy isn't quite enough, the Fidlers have been known to hitch up the trailer to increase capacity but the Galaxy's drivetrain remains unfazed. Pulling a large box trailer full of PA equipment isn't part of the remit for most MPVs but many owners will pull caravans, or trailers full of bikes, household items or rubbish on its way to the tip. The TDCi diesel engine is well up to the towcar job, offering plenty of power and, more importantly, torque. Terry has found that the Galaxy's body control with a trailer hitched up is far better when the Sport mode is engaged. Here, the firmed-up suspension settings reduce the pitch and roll caused by the weight of the trailer bobbing along behind. It also pays to switch off the rear parking sensors when towing, unless of course you like incessant high-pitched bleeping as an accompaniment to your journeys.

The Fidler family are hard task masters but the Galaxy has proven itself over the course of its stay. It's the little problems that niggle away at you when you're using a car everyday and Ford's effort has turned out to be refreshingly free of them, taking the pressures of family life in its stride.

TOP 5 GALAXY DEALS

The results below show the top GALAXY deals on buyacar

	Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Ghia 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £352	Saving £4,759	Price £20,806
	Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £325	Saving £4,471	Price £19,594
	Ford Galaxy 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £315	Saving £4,269	Price £18,746
	Ford Galaxy 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5dr [6] People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £318	Saving £4,303	Price £18,887
	Ford Galaxy 1.8 TDCi Ghia 5dr [6] People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £344	Saving £4,591	Price £20,099

typical 10.13% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000