Motors
Ford Galaxy – larger Titanium version is worth every penny
By Gerry Murphy
Among the big seven-seat MPVs on the market and even within Ford’s own catalogue, the Galaxy is a shining star. Here is a car that provides practical space for larger families, and in its Titanium form, it is a chariot that is loaded with goodies that makes motoring both entertaining and safe for the whole family.
Structurally, this is a big car and while it is not easy to make the shape look great, Ford designers have made a good fist of it by adding clever streamlining and subtle creases that make it one of the sharper on the eye of any MPV around. The Titanium version, the car on test, has a few additional detais, and attractive alloy wheels that give it the more premium look that you would expect for the price.
Inside, there is little to complain about. The layout and adjustments of all seven seats means that all on board can have a comfortable journey, even in the third row which is not often the case in such cars. Of course, Ford offer two cars in the realm, the S-Max being the other, but I have always enjoyed the Galaxy more than it, and with the new version, that view has not changed. It is bigger and more expensive but, to me, it is worth the extra money and is more practical.
From the inside looking out, the Galaxy offers all passenger exceptional visibility. The windscreen is huge and the positioning of the A pillars give the driver a good field of view. All round, there is larger glazed areas, giving passengers more visibility too and adding to the brightness of the cabin.
As with all MPVs, the Galaxy’s seating set-up allow you to manipulate the space in the car by folding either or all rows of seats to create van-like space for the carrying vast amounts of cargo. This is easily done in this car and in different formations to make space available for bulky or long items, where the need arises.
The five-door Ford Galaxy Titanium on test was fitted with the 2.0 TDCi, 180PS engine, a six-speed manual gearbox providing all the power needed to pull the car whether loaded with passengers or not. Fuel consumption came in at a very reasonable 6.2L/100 and with CO2 emissions of 129g/km the annual road tax bill comes in at €270.
Standard features includes: Ford Sync Generation 2 with 8” Touchscreen, Keyless Start, Electric Handbrake and Hill Launch Assist. You also get Automatic Lights and Wipers, a Quick Clear Heated windscreen, Lane Keeping Aid and Traffic Sign Recognition. Air conditioning is available to all rows of seats and the car is fitted with Cruise Control with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Front & Rear Parking Sensor and 18” Alloy Wheels.
What makes the Galaxy one of the most competent in the sector is the handling of this big car. Ford’s reputation for drivability across all their car range continues here. Despite its size, there is a defined sense of confidence when driving it on all sorts of roads.
Entry price for Ford Galaxy start from €38,860. The Titanium model in its basic form starts at €47,010, while the model on test including additional options would set you back €57,930.
Demand for big MPVs has diminished in recent years, mostly because of the growing desire for SUVs, but for those who require the extra seating and those who want the flexibility offered by an MPV, then the Galaxy is one of the champions of the segment.
Recent registration figures released at the end of last month show that the Volkswagen’s ID.4 is the best-selling electric car in Ireland. Since it arrived in 2021 there has been nearly 6,000 registered and it now leads the charge to electrification here making it officially Ireland’s number one electric EV.
Even more exciting for the brand is the arrival of their new ID.7, the brand’s first global electric model for the upper mid-size class. It was launched globally last month, and Volkswagen chiefs are promising a battery range of 700km. This is massive step up for Volkswagen and will be a game changer for the brand.
Volkswagen Ireland are saying that it will arrive here later this year, and prices will be announced closer to that Irish launch date.
“With the ID.7 we are taking the next step in our electric offensive,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
“The saloon offers a high level of comfort and long ranges. Already by 2026, we will offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe. Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80% in Europe by 2030. As from 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe.”
Galway Volkswagen dealers, Western Motors are holding an electric vehicles information event on Thursday May 25 where they will have information on hand for potential buyers of any of the Volkswagen EV range.
The Western Motors sales team and service team will be able to provide information on along with additional information on the grants available and application for same and electrician to talk about the EV Charging Boxes and so forth.
For more information, call Western Motors on (091) 709970.
Following the success of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, we now have the IONIQ 6, a completely different kettle of fish with the same running gear but a completely different design.
Both have been lauded at world level as the IONIQ 6 follows the 5 by winning the 2023 World Car of the Year title.
Not only did it pick up this gong, but it also won the 2023 World Electric Vehicle as well as the 2023 World Car Design of the Year awards.
This is the second consecutive triple win for the Hyundai Motor Group – the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was last year’s winner in the same three categories. A jury of 100 international automotive journalists from 32 countries selected the winners by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work.
Up to now, the majority of electric vehicles have been SUVs. It’s the most popular shape of our times as buyers go for taller features and practical family characteristics. It might be strange that Hyundai would bring out the IONIQ 6 which is more like a coupe styled sedan with a lower, striking silhouette that they describe as a ‘streamliner’.
It certainly looks pretty special and while it uses the same battery, motors and platform. There are indications however that it is somewhat offers better range than the IONIQ 5. It is lower to the ground and has a lower drag co efficiency meaning reduced resistance and hence, better distance from a charge.
Under WLPT measurement the car has been tested to return 614km on a full charge. And, it can be charged at a much faster speed than other cars on the market; 315km in just 15 minutes.
There’s also a host of clever technology on board. Of course, a lot of what’s on offer these day are just toys and are not needed for everyday driving but, it is what the customer wants and he/she is always right! You can even opt to have the door mirrors on screens inside the car with cameras outside taking the pictures.
Prices for the Signature version with a 53kW battery starts at €48,295 rising toe €71,250 for the top-of-the-range Finesse all-wheel drive model with a 77kW battery.
By Gerry Murphy
There is always a flutter of expectancy when a car company like Alfa Romeo brings out a completely new car. Since the heady days of the Alfa 156, the fortunes of the manufacturer have been slowly eroding and they now need their new Tonale to be loved more than ever.
Launched a couple of weeks ago, the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 is truly a landmark for the Italian brand. In what they call the Alfa Romeo’s “zero to zero” process, which will take it from being a 0% electrified brand at the start of 2022 to being a zero-emissions, 100% electric brand by 2027 it will start off a complete conversion in just five years.
Indeed Alfa Romeo has positioned itself to be one of the fastest automotive brands to reach carbon neutrality.
Alfa bosses tell us that the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 combines maximum efficiency and Italian sportiness; the all-electric range (AER) is 56km, up to 80km all-electric range city, 600km in the total cycle and emissions reduced from 29g/km.
I have had the pleasure of taking the new Tonale for an extended test drive on the day of its official launch recently. The best compliment that I can give the car is that it is a ‘proper’ Alfa. Those who have history with the brand will fully understand what that means and why it is important that it lives up to its heritage.
The interior especially wraps itself around the driver just as in the days of old. It is a wonderful place to be, and you are completely at one with the vehicle. The quality is right up the in the premier league; dark and moody with clever details and the right amount of new technology.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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