People carriers, or multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), are all the rage these days. Every major manufacturer offers one, from the pioneering Renault Espace, first launched more than 10 years ago, to the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa and Mazda's eponymous MPV, the bestseller in its class.
The Mazda features a three-litre, 18-valve V6 engine, the largest and most powerful in this category.
Now there is a new model on the market, a curious blend of versatility and value.
The recently launched Ford Galaxy offers acres of space and a full seven seats, and moves the company into the people-carrier market rather later than its rivals. And at only $283,000 it is remarkably good value for money.
Fitted as standard are twin airbags, a roof rack, leather steering wheel, CD player with no fewer than 10 speakers and a sophisticated remote locking system which also operates any windows left open. Variable power steering is standard, as is a four-speed automatic transmission.
Power comes from a four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve 2.3-litre lump which produces an adequate rather than class-leading 145 PS at 5,500 rpm. The torque output is rather better at 203 Nm at an extremely modest 2,500 rpm.
To improve smooth power delivery, twin counter-rotating balance shafts are incorporated in the iron block-aluminium head engine which has received attention from renowned tuners Cosworth. The result is an ultra-smooth, free-revving unit which is quiet and unfussed.