I understand from HJ that the VW Sharan is replaced by the Touran. Does anyobne know if their 'sisters', Alhamra and Galaxy are now at the end of their run too?
Diem
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I thought the Sharan replacement was going to be based on the T5 chassis as used in the Transporter/Caravelle/Multivan range and that Ford were going their own way with a Galaxy replacement.
JohnL
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Auto Express a couple of weeks ago said the Sharan was actually continuing with a minor facelift, and had a photo of a new 'funky' rear light cluster as well as mentioning some other minor bodywork changes and a redesigned bonnet. This would make sense because I guess in Renault terms the Touran is aimed at the Scenic market whereas the Sharan/Alhambra/Galaxy compete with the Espace. Don't know about the Galaxy though.
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Mike,
Thanks for your heldful response - see my comments above to Mike. If you hear more I would appreciate an update!
Thanks again.
Dick
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John
Thanks, I appreciate your interest - if you hear anything could you let me know? I am in the market for a new one about Christmas and obviously I don't want to but one that is going out if another is close! If you hear of dates I would be glad to know.
Dick
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According to various websites, Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra will be in production as current models until mid-late 2005.
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LongDriver,
You are a star! You have begun to put my mind at rest. Can you point me to a website(s) on this - possibly the Galaxy is my fony runner (based on discount prices - I don't lknow anbout quality - it seems so much lighter than the VW vwersion).
Dick
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LongDriver,
You are a star! You have begun to put my mind at rest. Can you point me to a website(s) on this - possibly the Galaxy is my front runner (based on discount prices - I don't know about quality - it seems so much lighter than the VW version).
Dick
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The contract for VW to build the Galaxy at their plant in Portugal runs out at the end of 2004.
There are a few industry webistes suggesting that Ford will then start manufacturing a Galaxy replacement at Genk during 2005, based on the Mondeo floorpan.
The contract may be extended, as the tripartate vehicle is allegedly profitable and continues to sell well.
If you bought a Galaxy today, it would probably have been built approximately 8-9 months ago (not unusual for most cars!), judging by a quick check on VIN numbers of some recently registered Galaxies (this can be done on www.autobaza.pl), hence cessation of manufacture in 12/2004 would probably result in new Galaxies being on sale until late 2005 anyway.
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LongDriver,
Thank You - I really appreciate that you have responded to my plea! It makes it very clear for me. Thanks again.
If you are really keen on this trio of vehicles do you know what acounts for the soignificant difference in unladen weights between the VW and Galaxy (I didn't know VW built the Galaxy!).
Similarly does the SEAT Alambra come off the ame line and do your comments apply to that one too?
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As VW owns SEAT, whatever VW replace the Sharan with will probably appear in SEAT guise.
Regarding the unladen weights, as the vehicles are identical mechanically in diesel form and only the petrol engined models have different engines (VW and SEAT have all VW petrol engines, Ford have Ford 2.3 and VW 2.8, all the diesels have VW engines and gearboxes), I assume that it is the petrol engined models which have different unladen weights.
The difference in trim can't account for much weight-wise.
I'm sure HJ won't mind me plugging a specialist forum for Galaxies (and to some extent Alhambras and Sharans), so try here for more info:
www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/Forum/
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LongDriver,
Thanks again for a swift and helpful response.
What fools me is that the respective brochures show the weights as follows:
Galaxy 1.9 PD TDI 115PS 6 speed manual ULW 1683kgs
Sharan 1.9 TDI PD 115PS 6 speed manual ULW l1945kgs
Alhambra 1.9 TDi (115) 6 speed manual ULW 1760kgs
As I tow a caravan this is obviously of interest to me.
Perhaps I am just sad!
Thanks also for the Galaxy Forum-site. I will follow it up with interest.
Dick
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Not sure where you got the ULW data from, however checking a few sites indicates that the "Ford" figure is the correct one for all three variants. The other figures seem well adrift.
Correct ULW for the 1.9 Diesel 115 PS manual appears to be 1683kg (assumes only occupant is driver plus all fluids full).
Perhaps the other figures assume different occupancy levels?
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LongDriver,
Thanks ONCE AGAIN!
The figures I quoted come straight out of the sales brochures provided to me by the main dealers. When questioned they are singularly evasive and suggest using a weighbridge!! I am not inclined to but three just to verify their brochures!
If I feel liverish one day soon perhaps I should challenge the companies direct - perhaps VW are trying to look 'heavier' and therefore 'better'.
But I do appreciate your interest and support.
Dick
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If you're looking to buy a Galaxy in December, it will receive a minor facelift in that month - new chrome grille, foglamp surrounds and other detail changes, plus interior trim will be revise.
Again I also point you to www.fordgalaxy.org.uk.
Also note despite other postings on this thread, if you order one specially, there will be a 2-3 month wait - few vehicles are in stock or in transit, demand almost exceeds supply. I bought a secondhand one in May this year - first reg in Jan 2001 but VIN number code reveals Oct 2000 build date. Biggest lapse between build date and first reg date is likely to be due to bulk buy by an importer, for instance, who then has one or two dozen vehicles in stock that take a while to shift.
Hope this helps.
Ivor.
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Ivor,
Many thanks - useful info!
I appreciate your support.
Dick
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