Seat Alhambra/Ford Galaxy

[Sean_374330272]

Hi All, have been looking to possibly buy an Alhambra 140 b.h.powerr or a new shape Galaxy same b.h.p to tow my series 6 Bailey Pageant Bertagne. Quite like the Alhambra but am thinking the model may change shortly, the fold flat seats in the galaxy seems to be better and more usable system. but the Galaxy has alower towing limit, My van will fall easily within the towing limit of either vehicle does anybody tow a combination such as this, any plus or minus points you can add wil help in my decision. Great forum and always some usefull advice. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

We tow a Mendip Magnum (Compass Corona) 636 TA (MTPLM 1710kg) with a chipped Seat Alhambra 115PD.

Absolutely brilliant tow car I do not think you will get any problems. If possible go for one of the higher spec ones with the lower sports suspension as this is better for towing.

Seats (chairs) can be removed easily but check weight of one at dealers because they are heavy and bulky.

 

[Sean_374330272]

Thanks ,what does the PD stand for after the 115.

Cheers, Sean.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Pumpe Duese or something like that - it is a high pressure diesel injection system and seems to be used on all the VW stable since around 2001 which is the age of my car - very economical with high torque.

They may have dropped the PD in descriptions now as it is no longer as radical as it was then.

 

[GeorgeB]

Sean,

Jeremy is right, PD = Pumpe Deuse, a type of diesel fuel injection whereby the fuel is sent to the injectors (the pumpe deuse unit) under low pressure and the injector increases the pressure to injection pressure, very reliable & very economial.

The 115 denotes the power output of your engine in Kilowatts

other terms used are:-

CDI & CRD = common rail diesel, whereby fuel is delivered under high pressure by a single fuel line (the commom rail) to the injectors.

TDi = Turbo Direct injection (not as commonly though, Turbo Diesel injection), injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber intead of via a "pre combustion chamber"

Kompressor = Supercharger, used to compress & thus increase the volume of air to the engine, more air = more oxygen = more power, advantages, instant responce, disadvantages, bulky uses engine power to drive it.

Turbo = turbocharger, used to compress & thus increase the volume of air to the engine, more air = more oxygen = more power, advantages, uses spent exhaust gasses so no engine power is used to drive it, compact, disadvantages, slower responce.

Both the Galaxy & the Alhambra are made in the same assembly plant in Spain, as is the VW Sharan, they are all derivatives of the same vehicle, but the Seat gives you more for your money.

GeorgeB

 

[Sean_374330272]

Thanks Jeremy and George seems like these vehicles are just what i am looking for.

Just the problem of finding the right one at the right price

Sean.

 

[Mike_5041108]

Sean,

I too recently narrowed my search for a new car to the two models you refer to. After test-driving both I found the Galaxy to be a superior drive to the Alhambra. I thought the fold-flat seats were a great idea as well. Another advantage of the Galaxy is that under the Ford Direct scheme you can have a nearly new model in your choice of colour and accessories for very reasonable money. I got a six month old one and have had it for a month now and have been very pleased so far. First proper tow is this weekend, but all indicators so far is that it should be a great towcar!

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Is the replacement VW/Seat going to be the same as the new Galaxy or are Ford and VW group going their separate ways now?

If they are I suppose a Skoda variant is not unlikely and that could potentially be a really good budget MPV towcar.

 

[Geist]

Sean,

I owned the 140bhp Alhambra and found a couple of probs when towing in the rain.

Even a 75kg nose weight was enough to seriously affect it when the rear seats were used. Pulling of roundabouts wasn't very pleasant as you could really feel the front wheels slipping, even at modest speeds.

It also made overtaking in the wet a bit of a heart in the mouth business.

It also got stuck in what was a very small amount of mud on a rally site. The traction control did absolutely nothing to help (and the mud really wasn't very bad - it was just the weight of the van taking the traction from the front wheels)

I swapped it for a Kia Sportage - which, despite being about a 100kg's lighter, is much better tow car (and not just in rain and mud)

I've noticed that the Kia can maintain 6th gear more easily than the Alhambra did, despite the power & torque figures being very similar - so it's probably down to the gear ratios.

If you need the 7 seats, then your options are a bit limited - but unless they're essential I'd have a look at alternatives.

BTW- forget about good residuals with the Alhambra! - I had several quotes when I sold mine, and a i year old, 18,000 mile 2.0 Tdi 140ps Reference model was worth between

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Sean and everyone else,

With regards to the new Galaxy, this has been developed solely by Ford themselves and therefore there will be no VW/Seat variants produced (for the time being anyway). If this is the first sign of these three companies going the separate ways...who knows

best regards, Martin

 

[JeremyClarksson]

I think the Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra is the only vehicle they have produced together recently - isn't it?

From a quick google the Sharan replacement is due in the next 18 mths and they are not sure if there are going to be any other VW group variants.

 

[Sean_374330272]

Thanks every one for a great response,very interesting to hear what Geist view on owning one was like. Had thought on a 3 year old Toyota Landcruiser but with rising fuel costs and less m.p.g and higher bracket tax will probably stick to the people carrier. Must make my way soon and test drive both Galaxy and Alhambra, from what i see some garages are asking as much for the Alhambra and the model due for a change as they are for the new shape Galaxy.Will keep yous informed as i go. THANKS AGAIN ALL.

 

[WMRussell]

Sean

Have had three Galaxy's and towed Dart 6 berth, which was very similar to what you tow. Then changed and brough a heavier German van. Galaxy was a very good tow car and solo tug. However, the first two I had chewed through tyers in under 10000 miles. the last was fitted with traction contro; and this was better, managed 14000 miles out of a font set. However, as said in previous posts, did not like wet roads or wet fields with caravan on the back, got stuck very easily. After getting stuck last time and nearly missing ferry back from France, came home and test drove a Discovery 3 TD. This is a much better car, better ride, smoother, quiter, more composed and does not get stuck in a field at the first sign of rain.

 

[DevonshireDave]

We tow an Elddis Odyssey 524 with an Alhambra 1.9 130BHP and it is superb. Masses of room, heavy enough at around 1808Kgs and returns around 43 MPG average. Great driving position. Can't praise the car enough!

Dave