Day 1 'general impressions' Day 2 'Children's Verdict' Day 3 'school gate' Day 4 Night out with the Girls Day 5 'FINAL VERDICT'
There comes a time in most families when the issue of transport becomes significant. Particularly for Mums and Dads who participate in the School Run.
As your children blossom and start school you will find that the demand on your parental taxi service increases way beyond your worst fears and that your car will become a second home to you.
Getting by with the standard family saloon or second car hatchback is not really an option for families with two or more children.
For the next few weeks we'll be putting two popular cars to the test - and I mean test. Both cars offer seating for seven and are among the most popular in their class - the Ford Galaxy and the Vauxhall Zafira. Two cars to suit two budget groups.
We'll be looking at every practical aspect of these cars - from comfort and child-friendliness to safety and economy. But we won't be getting technical - we can click you onto the best sites for that kind of review. We're going to present a real-life diary of a working week in the life of each car. They'll do the school runs, the shopping, trips out to the zoo and a few parties.
Day one of our School Runners Diary starts below with the Ford Galaxy.
The Ford Galaxy
Day 1 'general impressions' Day 2 'Children's Verdict' Day 3 'school gate' Day 4 Night out with the Girls Day 5 'FINAL VERDICT'
Day One
Leaping into the driver's seat, the first feeling I had was of being outside again. The visibility is amazing - a combination of glass everywhere and the height of the car.
This open view is ideal for spotting small children around home time.
Now you have to realise that I am driving the top-end Galaxy 1.9 Ghia TDi with everything included. Which means everything feels solid and safe and bleeps like a German washing machine - telling you when you're in reverse, when the lights are on, when you're too close to something and when you're listening to a naff radio station (not really).
Parking, people and pillar sensor! Galaxy has clean, subtle styling
And I love the bleeping - because it's helpful for a rushed-off-her-feet Mum. And the Parking Distance Sensor is something I'm going to really miss it tells you when you're too close to something, like a child or another car or a pillar in a car park (I have been the victim of several pillars in my driving experience).
And just as requested, I have the two booster seats in the middle row and the entertainment package - more of that later! The booster seats are such a great idea - with one level for 3-7 year-olds and even a baby booster on top of that.
This is the luxury end of the MPV market at just under ?30,000 (although the Galaxy starts at ?18,290 for a Galaxy Silver) and I am comparing it to my own ancient Mercedes and my husband's newer Mercedes estate (both have 7 seats). Plus the 20 or so other cars I have driven in my career as 'working singleton', 'married with no kids' and now 'Mum's Taxi Service unlimited'.
The drive is smooth and powerful and I feel in control - once I master manual gears again after three months in automatics. I'm not qualified to talk torque so I will just say it goes when you need it and it stops beautifully. Steering is easy and the whole driver's area is beautifully designed. The displays are clear and there are lots of controls on the steering wheel and column. All in logical places so I haven't had to consult the handbook yet! Arm rests are a bonus and the clock is cleverly placed in the centre of the huge dashboard (although I'd prefer a digital) - I could run my business from the front of this car.
So far so good. Time to prepare it for the arrival of a nine, seven and three year old....
Now I do have to refer to the book - getting the left middle row seat out to suit the configuration I wanted is a bit tricky the first time but easy once you know how. I now have two rear seats, two middle seats and a table - plus access space to get the kids in and out easily and fast. The removed seat is now in my other car so I hope I don't need it later...
What I do need is some shopping. And Galaxy does Sainsbury's in style. There's a net across the boot for carrying things - it all looks quite small with the rear seats in place but to my surprise it takes ?79 worth of groceries and a couple of coats. I am very happy - especially with the stylish aluminium coat hangers at the back.
Tomorrow the children will have their say......
to find the in-flight DVD players in the middle row. And a further 5 seconds to get it working.
So the children are happy. Their biggest dilemma is choosing which seat to sit in because they are all good no more squeezing into the middle with a lap belt.
The school run becomes much less stressful because I can get four children (not all mine!) in and out without getting wet once we're in the car there's room to move about, put bags away and fasten seatbelts. And as all school-gate parents know, the rain always comes at 3.15pm.
No more arguments about who sits in the front ,results in a calm and enjoyable trip home. Even without the DVD player on, the children are happy to be in their new 'room' and to enjoy the improved visibility from all seats.
My one complaint so far (apart from the analogue clock) is that I can't get Billy out of the car when we reach his house. Because the film hasn't finished.
Day 3 -
With three schools to visit each day, anything which makes life easier is welcome. And the Galaxy improved the school run 100% for me. Parking was easier for a start, with my bleeping sensor friend and also the high-up visibility.
Now I'm not sure that this next point is a plus or not, but I was able to squeeze one more in and bring him home for tea! And then take him to Beavers and bring them all home.
So at last I have joined the unofficial Proper Mums Club. We make cakes, drive mpv's and move house to get our kids into the right school. Well, it's no more strategic and competitive than being at work, is it?
Day Four -
Always in need of an excuse to hit the town with some ageing friends, I took full advantage of the 7 adult seats at my disposal and became cabbie for the night. Not only did my friends travel in style, but I didn't have to buy a thing all night and I didn't have a hangover (these days, they take at least a day to get over!)
The girls (280 years between us!) arrived uncreased and unruffled, ready to take Windsor by storm. George wasn't amused by the melted chocolate button design on her coat, but hey, small price to pay for comfort!
Seven full adult seats make it a comfy ride.
So Galaxy gets the vote from the grown-ups too.
(no pictures of this event - sorry!!!)
DAY 5 -
How many times have you heard "I want it! I want it! I want it!" - but this time it's from me!
I know it's the first car we've tested, but it scores on all fronts. And here are my scores:
- safety (visibility, protection etc) 9/10
- comfort 9/10
- child-friendliness 8/10
- suitability for school run 9/10
- storage/seating practicality 7/10
- value for money 8/10
- Overall - 8/10
Highlights: visibility, in-car entertainment, big seats, in-built boosters
Lowlights: heavy seats when removed, analogue clock (small thing but it annoyed me!)
YES!
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