I REMEMBER driving the present Ford Galaxy some years ago and being hugely impressed by its great range of abilities.

This is Ford's full-size seven seat people carried but it handles and holds the road like a much smaller car, with very little roll.

However, this does mean that its ride is firmer than that in some of the opposition.

Petrol engines are a 2.0-litre with 145bhp and a thirsty 2.3 with 161bhp, which is to be avoided.

Diesels are 1.8 with 100 or 125bhp, 2.0-litre with 140bhp and 2.2 with 175bhp. Obviously these are the ones to go for unless your mileage is small, since they should better 40 miles per gallon with careful driving.

Best bets are the 125bhp 1.8 or the 2.0-litre, which have enough power for the weight along with great economy.

All are really family friendly and, of course, most garages can service them.

Inside they are big. There is loads of room for five and enough for seven without too much luggage. There is a massive amount of storage all over the place and the rear five seats all fold to give a gargantuan load area.

Most come well-equipped out of the box and they all have a good reputation for reliability.