S-Max or Galaxy
Discussion
With the S8 gone, I'm looking for a replacement. I've owned an S-Max before (2.5T), and loved it. Actually, I never should have traded it in for an S8, but it was an itch I needed to scratch.
Anyway, I've got a couple of choices. First, I've seen a 2011 240PS S-Max Titanium X Sport Powershift - looks great, plenty of bells and whistles, premium navigation, and I expect it to be as enjoyable to drive as my old S-Max was.
Alternatively, I could go for a 2010 Galaxy Titanium X, 200PS Powershift. The spec on this isn't quite as good (the FX navigation system looks pretty crappy, and while it has full leather as opposed to leather/alcantara, the front seats are regular seats rather than the sportier ones you get in the S-Max).
All things being equal, I'd normally make a beeline for the S-Max, but this particular Galaxy has the virtue of being about £4000 cheaper, some of which I could drop on a Bluefin module to bring it up to the same 240PS as the S-Max.
Has anyone owned both S-Max and Galaxy? How do they compare to own and drive? The Galaxy seems to be a fair bit bigger on the inside, with proper legroom for the third row seats, loads of headroom, and lots of good storage bins.
Anyway, I've got a couple of choices. First, I've seen a 2011 240PS S-Max Titanium X Sport Powershift - looks great, plenty of bells and whistles, premium navigation, and I expect it to be as enjoyable to drive as my old S-Max was.
Alternatively, I could go for a 2010 Galaxy Titanium X, 200PS Powershift. The spec on this isn't quite as good (the FX navigation system looks pretty crappy, and while it has full leather as opposed to leather/alcantara, the front seats are regular seats rather than the sportier ones you get in the S-Max).
All things being equal, I'd normally make a beeline for the S-Max, but this particular Galaxy has the virtue of being about £4000 cheaper, some of which I could drop on a Bluefin module to bring it up to the same 240PS as the S-Max.
Has anyone owned both S-Max and Galaxy? How do they compare to own and drive? The Galaxy seems to be a fair bit bigger on the inside, with proper legroom for the third row seats, loads of headroom, and lots of good storage bins.
I guess I don't need the space now, but if I keep the car 4 or 5 years, my sons will be 14 and 17 respectively, plus nipper number three is on the way.
I much prefer the styling of the S-Max, but the roominess of the Galaxy is remarkable. My main question is how similar they are to drive. Does the extra bulk and height, and softer suspension on the Galaxy really show?
I much prefer the styling of the S-Max, but the roominess of the Galaxy is remarkable. My main question is how similar they are to drive. Does the extra bulk and height, and softer suspension on the Galaxy really show?
If you're planning on using the third row regularly I would plump for the Galaxy, but if not then stick with the S-Max as it's definitely more car like to drive, especially the firmer sprung 240 Titanium X version.
You're obviously already familiar with S-Max's but we've had our 2011 240 S-Max for over 4 years now, and put 70K miles on it, so if you have any questions fire away.
You're obviously already familiar with S-Max's but we've had our 2011 240 S-Max for over 4 years now, and put 70K miles on it, so if you have any questions fire away.
Thanks Pablo, I think I've pretty much decided on getting another S-Max. Going to see one tomorrow, unless a really stunning Galaxy comes up at the right price between now and then. Autotrader was awash with 2.0 Ecoboost Galaxies and S-Maxes a couple of weeks ago, but it's pretty slim pickings today. Just my luck.
I went and drove a 2.0 Ecoboost yesterday. It had 240PS and the PowerShift gearbox. I was really, really disappointed at how gutless it felt. It didn't feel like it had any shove. The engine was like a sewing machine. It barely felt like a turbocharged engine at all.
I was really surprised, because the headline torque figure, which I believe is delivered in a pretty flat curve across the rev-range, is actually decent. Indeed, at 360nm it's higher than the official figure for the old 2.5T which is only 320nm, and even higher than the 2.0 TDCi variant.
The PowerShift gearbox was also a little disappointing. It was smooth, but dull-witted, refusing to kick down even when the throttle was floored.
Can anyone tell me if it's possible I just drove a duff car, or are they all like that?
I was really surprised, because the headline torque figure, which I believe is delivered in a pretty flat curve across the rev-range, is actually decent. Indeed, at 360nm it's higher than the official figure for the old 2.5T which is only 320nm, and even higher than the 2.0 TDCi variant.
The PowerShift gearbox was also a little disappointing. It was smooth, but dull-witted, refusing to kick down even when the throttle was floored.
Can anyone tell me if it's possible I just drove a duff car, or are they all like that?
You only need to take a quick look at my car history on my profile to know I'm big on petrol, the bigger the better. But I'm wondering if the 2.0 turbo is just too crummy for a car this size. I'm willing to bet the 2.2, even with the auto, would murder the petrol in most real-world situations.
Witchfinder - A couple of things I can think of....during the test did you take it out of 'D'? If not the car will automatically stay in eco mode, so everything feels a bit dulled down and it only changes gear if it really has to....kick-down is a 'do I really have to' sort of affair, which is fine for pootling about or cruising but not when pressing on. Slot into Sport mode though and it will hold gears and keep the revs up in the power band, which makes a big difference, and you also have manual control when in Sport. Also, the accelerator pedal travel is fairly long and you need to go relatively deep into the travel to access the performance.
I agree with you about the engine being a bit soulless, compared to the 5 pot 2.5t, but it has virtually zero lag, as well as being very well sound proofed so even when you are nipping on it doesn’t sound or feel like you are.
There are tuning options with the likes of Bluefin but I’ve always been happy with the standard car when out on my own, and my wife mainly drives it so there wasn’t much point in upping the power.
I agree with you about the engine being a bit soulless, compared to the 5 pot 2.5t, but it has virtually zero lag, as well as being very well sound proofed so even when you are nipping on it doesn’t sound or feel like you are.
There are tuning options with the likes of Bluefin but I’ve always been happy with the standard car when out on my own, and my wife mainly drives it so there wasn’t much point in upping the power.
Quick update: I've still not bought one. I've had a 2.2 TDCi reserved at a car supermarket for almost two weeks while they pull their fingers out. Apparently it's in preparation, and should be ready early next week. No idea what's taking them so long. Normally, I'd have told them to "go forth and multiply" by now, but the car has a pretty much perfect spec, including Rear Seat Entertainment, Adaptive Cruise, navigation and climate seats.
In the meantime, some very nice 2.0 Ecoboosts have popped up, but I'm still not convinced about that engine. On the test drive, I did have a go in "S" mode, and it still didn't feel gutsy. The Ecoboosts do seem to have the virtue of being a good deal cheaper than equivalent diesels.
Any experience of cars with IVDC? It seems to be a bit of a Marmite thing from what I've read. How reliable is it?
In the meantime, some very nice 2.0 Ecoboosts have popped up, but I'm still not convinced about that engine. On the test drive, I did have a go in "S" mode, and it still didn't feel gutsy. The Ecoboosts do seem to have the virtue of being a good deal cheaper than equivalent diesels.
Any experience of cars with IVDC? It seems to be a bit of a Marmite thing from what I've read. How reliable is it?
Edited by Witchfinder on Thursday 28th July 12:37
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