New Galaxy Vrs Alhambra

[mk2vr6]

I'm looking frorward to getting the 'van hooked up and giving it a real test!

 

and before you do, check the towing/load capacity of your new plastic mini mpv! you'll find it reduced somewhat!

[carlos fandango]

Like I didn't Already ?? D'oh !! More than enough kerbweight and max tow for my needs, large internal carrying capacity and a great everyday drive. As you are probably aware, a tow car is a succesion of compromises. I think the Galaxy is the best compromise out there at the moment. Certainly would not want to have to drive a 4x4 day-in day-out.

[mk2vr6]

Ah, well as you never really had a Galaxy/Alhambra you wouldnt really be able to say if the new mini mpv is any better? and as for the (reduced)large internal carrying capacity the new mk3 has over the mk1/2 you'll wont miss the space you dont have :16:

[mumof4]

Sorry but the MKIII is crap.its lower, longer, looks like a hearse and IIRC less towing weight whatever it is thingy from what i have read and to be honest its a box on wheels.

 

Large internal carrying capacity...LMAO...deary me..........

 

and how can you say the Bamma didnt come close when you didnt really test drive it? you didnt even put it through its paces........

 

Ah well, when the rattles start and bits start falling of it and it leaks water.......you may wish you hadnt got that lovely shiney new hearse out front :16:

[mk2vr6]

you may wish you hadnt got that lovely shiney new hearse out front :16:

 

hearse? unless snow white kills off her seven little buddies there's no way you could fit a full size casket in the back of a mk3 :16:

[mumof4]

ok, its a hearse wannabe :16:

[big_kev]

Whilst browsing the options for the new galaxy I noticed that the Hazard warning lights automatically come on when you brake hard !

 

Isn't that illegal ? ( Highway code 116 ).

 

I thought you could only use your Hazard warning lights when stationary, or on an unrestricted Dual Carraigeway/Motorway to warn of an obstruction ?

[mk2vr6]

they only come on temporarily as you brake hard then go off, they dont stay on, to make them stay on you have to hit the switch

[Dave-G]

Hi everyone. 1st post - oops sorry didn't introduce myself.

 

Just picked up my new MKIII Galaxy having part ex'd a Renault Espace and thought I'd let you know what I thought of it.

The Espace is similar to the Alhambra/Galaxy2/Sharan in terms of seating arrangement and space. This was the biggest shock (I say shock because I bought without seeing or a test drive) as the seating set up is different as mentioned by AndyBee. I agree with everything he has said.I loved the comfy chairs and feeling of space in my Renault and the fact one could arrange the seats in a 2+2+2 configuration. The kids could walk in between them etc etc. The Galaxy has a more car like feel to it and the seats are physically smaller although all can be shifted on rails and recline.

 

Once you get over that shock it all gets better. I believe there is actually more room in the Galaxy than the Espace - it just doesn't feel as though there is. The middle outer seats slide right forward allowing easy access to the rear (assuming you don't have huge child seats on them like we do...lol). The fold flat seats are pretty neat.

I can see what Ford are trying to do in terms of making a useable boot space and I actually think it's a good compromise in the set up. I use a huge top box when going on holiday so luggage space was never a big issue.The car looks great and drives/handles even better. I'm 6'03" and could happily sit in the 3rd row seats for an extended journey. Bags of room - just doesn't feel like it. 1.8 TDci engine appears great. All in all I'm very happy.

 

We're driving to France next week so look forward to seeing how the Galaxy will fare. I think my wife would have preferred a MkII/Al/Sharan but I'm hoping she'll have changed her mind upon our return. I'll keep you posted

 

Perhaps he's so impressed he kept going :16:

[big_kev]

they only come on temporarily as you brake hard then go off, they dont stay on, to make them stay on you have to hit the switch

 

Still illegal though !

 

Try it next time you have a cop behind you I am sure he will be impressed.

 

What next..rear fog lights that are rain activated ?

Edited November 20, 2007 by big_kev

[insider]

If it is illegal then the major car manufacturers are not aware of it because most new cars now have this feature, not just Fords.

[mumof4]

to be honest, i think it is a good idea, if they only come on temp till you ease off the break then it has to be a good thing, as if you are breaking hard it is to avoid something or you are going too fast and have to brake hard to avoid hitting something.in that split second it can warn the drivers behind you are brakeing quick, as to brake hard and put hazards on means one hand off wheel which i can assume can be dangerous in a hard brakeing situation

[Saif Rehman]

IIRC, the highway code was ammended, the reason being, e.g. on a motorway, travelling at the speed limit and you realise that there is an obstruction or stationary traffic ahead - it was becomming the 'norm' of people whilst braking to put on the hazzard lights to warn drivers behind of the danger, hence the reason why i think the highway code was changed.

 

With regards to 'rain activated' foglights, i would be happy to have them if they were 'fog activated' - it would stop all those dorks who leave them on dazzling other drivers.

Edited November 20, 2007 by Saif Rehman

[big_kev]

With regards to 'rain activated' foglights, i would be happy to have them if they were 'fog activated' - it would stop all those dorks who leave them on dazzling other drivers.

 

Saif, I was being sarcastic.... :D

 

I totally agree with you, its the same half-wits that use Hazard Lights on the motorway that drive with rear fog lights on for the slightest reason.

[buford_t_justice]

The new Galaxy versus any of the older models, Galaxy,Sharan,Alhambra don't even compare!

 

I've had my new MK3 Ghia just over a week now and it's a massive leap in refinement in all aspects from my previous MK2 Ghia.

 

I just wish I had made the switch sooner!!

[tim-spam]

I've had my new MK3 Ghia just over a week now

Quite a long time then...

[buford_t_justice]

I've had my new MK3 Ghia just over a week now

Quite a long time then...

 

 

Longer than your test drive! LOL!!

[pad]

hello all

 

i currently have an alhambra, but am interested in the new galaxy at some point in the future mainly due to its towing capacity for a largeish caravan (1700kg max). people keep saying the max towing capacity of the new galaxy is reduced at 1700kg, but this is rated with the car fully laden so you can at least use it all. the alhambra and mkII galaxy max tow weight of 2000kg is within a train weight of 4000kg, therefore with the car fully laden (2430kg) which isnt hard to do with 6 people, clothes, bikes, etc, the actual max tow weight of the alhambra is only 1570kg, less than the new galaxy.

 

i bought the new caravan based on the high towing capacity of the new alahambra (2000kg) thinking it would be comfortably within this, only to find the restricted train weight figure which is only given on the chassis plate, not in the handbook or brochure, etc. The 2000kg tow weight is only available with the car almost empty (about 3 adults or 2 adults and a bit of luggage)

[mk2vr6]

but isnt there something about the towing capacity figures for the Mk3 only being valid at sea level? with a less than 12% uphill gradient? so unless your presently living and holidaying in east anglia your stuffed :angry2:

[searcher]

East Anglia

Where the fox hat.

I used to have a Ford Anglia if thats the same :angry2:

[gregers]

as that plum goody said on big brother,east aungular thats a foreign country aint it?

[searcher]

God i hate that woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And her

[gregers]

God i hate that woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And her

[martinpaul]

I wasnt a fan of the mk3 at all, until today, I sat in a new one at the ford dealers in dunstable.. it took my breath away.

I had considered going for the s-max, and tbh the ford sales ppl are pushing the s-max more. but when I sat in this gal on a ghia spec ++++ extras (

[bluefluffybunny]

I have a MKIII and love it.

my colleague has a MKIII and hates it.

His wife has A MKII and he loves that.

another colleague has a MKII and wishes he had my MKIII.

i like my MKIII. some niggles, but i hammer the poor baby like hell everyday on the motorway, autoroute, autobahn etc.... Ford service is crap, but is VW / Seat better?

the only car servicing I've had that was any good was subaru.

I do 30k miles a year and at the end of the day, it is a 23K car, I'm happy enough and the seats are far better than taking them out everytime you need boot space. no one has complained yet.

in fact had a full front and second row in there last year for a rugby tour an we all got on fine. bit squashed with an average weight of 18stone.

PS my seat is fine after 40 odd K and me weighing in at a trim 21st