Ford Galaxy v VW Sharan v Renault Espace

The Renault Espace is credited with defining the first purpose built people carrier car. It was followed by Ford who teamed up with VW to make the Galaxy and Sharan. Peugeot/Citroen with Fiat also entered this market. Other manufacturers have entered this market, usually with what they sell in the US. I think it's safe to say after a couple of decades the Galaxy, Sharan and Espace are the winners. Today they're the only large 7-seaters with any presence in this market niche. Most buyers opt for the more medium size MPV 7-seaters

When you compare the three a quick look tells you they have very similar price ranges and are similar in size. Renault offer a more compact medium size version and have discontinued their top end engines and trims. Here's an interesting fact. Did you know the original Espace was only the length of today's 5-seat Scenic. These cars have grown near 2-foot in length over the decades.

 

There are differences when you examine the detail.

Renault Espace Review
Engines now limited to one diesel engine, 150 manual 175 auto with limited trim options.

Ford Galaxy Review
2.0 diesel engine 115, 140, 163 power outputs. 2.0 203 petrol engine. 2 trim levels.

VW Sharan Review
1.4 petrol engine. 2.0 diesel engine 140 and 170. 3 trims levels.

 

• Like for like the VW diesel engine is only slightly more efficient than the Ford on paper but as they rank so closely in lab' tests there may be no significant difference on the road.
• VW offer a small advanced technology petrol engine.
• Both Ford and VW offer a high performance petrol engine but it depends on how closely you think they're matched in overall efficiency by both Ford and VW diesel engines.
• Renault's old dCi diesel although state of the art a decade ago is not up to the mark today. You should watch out for huge steps forward from Renault, Peugeot/Citroen in the near future as they change technologies. 

Although there may no significant differences in the engine efficiency of the Galaxy and Sharan, the Espace highlights the issue. Car manufacturers have made really significant improvements in fuel consumption and emissions. Although little differences may not amount to much for a buyer it's the improvements that matter when they're multiplied by the millions of cars made and the total impact on our environment.

Engine and trim options maybe limited by comparison to past offers. However Renault, Ford and VW have been in this market for a long time and know what sells and where to cut unwanted production saving them and hopefully the buyer - money.

 

You can see Ford, VW and Renault have been successful because they've remained committed to this sector and the ideas behind it. The Espace needs to catch up but we'll have to wait because the replacement model cycle in this market is longer than others.

I haven't mentioned space or versatility. Just to say these cars are as good as it gets and much better than SUVs. When it comes to comfort and stability the Galaxy, Sharan and Espace are often considered as alternatives to large luxury cars.

One of the pleasures of running a large people carrier is family and friends can do more together. Years after the old motor's gone you still get to keep some very happy memories.

Regards

Ralph