Which Model

[markos69]

Hi All,

 

 

I'm looking to but a Ford Galaxy 7 seater, I was considering the 110 TDI.

 

Is there anything that I should be looking for and any advice on which

model.

 

Cheers

 

 

Mark

[Guest SA Intruder]

The VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy and Seat Alhambra are all basically the same vehicle. The Galaxy variant is currently the most popular in the UK. It tends to differ a little from the other two. As an instance, the Ford uses an ovaloid analogue clock positioned toward the windscreen, where the other two use digital clocks in the instrument pack. The Ford also uses their own brand audio units, and very good they are too. The Ford has its own house-style instruments, whereas the other two are identical apart from the Seat using red panel lighting and VW using blue.

 

Seat is wholly owned by VW, the Sharan and Alhambra share virtually everything. Ford used to have a prescence in Palmela, but recently sold this off to VW. Whether Ford will continue to fit some of their own engines to the range (predominantly the 2.3 petrol unit), is unknown at this time.

 

The diesel range is arguably the most interesting, and has had a fairly continuous development. Initially available as a 1.9 Litre VW 90ps (roughly 90bhp) unit, this developed into a 110ps version. These use conventional distributor type injection technology, although the distributor is electronically controlled. The 1999 onwards engine is also a 1.9 Litre VW unit, first as a 115ps version, and now also a 130ps version both utilising Pumpe Duese ("PD") technology (very high pressure direct injection - not common rail though), found in other VW and VW based vehicles. Although not as smooth or quiet as the PSA equivalents, the unit is generally acclaimed for its efficiency, torque and longevity.

 

The diesel's other ace is in most versions there is an autobox available. And the manual now comes with a 6 speed 'box.

 

To distinguish the various diesel's power outputs, the 90ps has all silver TDi badges, the 110ps has a red i, the 115ps has a red Di, and the 130ps has "130" prefixing TDi on the Seat/VW, and an all red TDi on the Galaxy.

[jakey247]

When SA intruder was saying the 130 has a 130 badge, this must be a VW Seat only thing, my Galaxy 130 has an all Red TDI badge same style as previous versions.

 

Having had all three variants I have to say the 130 is the best.

 

Regards

 

Jason

[KevS]

In the process of choosing a Galaxy, (used) but can't decide between diesel or petrol. Test driven two diesels, both sluggish and seemingly lacking in power. The drive in the petrol (2.3) was better, but I'm put off by fuel consumption figures. Are the diesels really gutless, or have I just come across two bad examples? Any advice would be helpful, or any other thoughts on the diesel/petrol choice.

[Guest simon D]

hi im currently driving a year 2000 V6 giving 174 bhp this is returning an average 25 mpg (this is combined urban and motorway). expensive i hear everyone say.

 

But then lets talk about driving pleasure this is something you cant fault, this beast climbs the steepest hills like a mountain goat without having to stamp on the gas.

 

so my thoughts are wear lead boots in a diesel or buy a petrol and enjoy the driving pleasure.

[grifjl]

Bought a 110 1.9 TDi Sharan and I can't say the lack of power is noticeable. Don't thrash the car anyway, bu tthe torque at low revs is great for overtaking on the motorway.

 

I like the consumption figures and feel better about doing my bit for the environment!!

[jakey247]

Simon, I am not knocking the V6, its is a nice drive, but I'm afraid I have to disagree. I find the TDI Galaxy's very rewarding to drive and have plenty of power. the new 130 is the best yest and leaves many a pertol car behind.

 

All round the cheaper tax, more MPG an higher residuals of TDI models make them most peoples fisrt choice.

 

jakey247

[KevS]

Many thanks to those of you who replied to my post. We are now the proud owners of an X reg