The new Volkswagen Sharan has been enhanced in every area. There are only two parts that the new and the old VW Sharan have in common: the sun visors. That’s it! Everything else – every screw, every exterior and interior part and all of the technology, including the TDI and TSI engines (103kW / 140PS to 147kW / 200PS) and transmission systems (DSG optional) – is new.

The Volkswagen Sharan’s four direct injection turbo petrol (TSI) and turbo diesel (TDI) engines are up to 21 percent more fuel-efficient! The two TSI engines deliver 110kW / 150PS and 147kW / 200PS, while the TDIs develop 103kW / 140PS and 125kW / 170PS. With power outputs of up to 170PS the engines use a start-stop system and energy recuperation (recovery of kinetic energy, which gets temporarily stored in the battery). With average consumption of 5.5 litres per 100km (51.4 mpg, 145g/km of CO), the 140PS version of the VW Sharan 2.0 TDI – top speed 194 km/h (119 mph) – sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in this segment of the market! The theoretical driving range is correspondingly impressive: 1,273 kilometres (805 miles) from its 70 litre fuel tank. Both TDIs are also fitted with an SCR catalytic converter (SCR = selective catalytic reduction), which specifically eliminates oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and makes the Volkswagen Sharan, even as a turbo diesel, one of the cleanest MPVs in the world.

The seats in the second row are folded down via an equally easy-to-use folding mechanism. This also produces a continuous luggage space, which – measured up to the backrests of the front seats – is 2.1 metres long. With the luggage area extended to this maximum length the capacity provided when loaded up to the roof is 2,297 litres. Moreover, using a cargo management system that has also been newly developed, the luggage can be securely held in place. The system consists of a net and two movable telescopic rails, which get anchored in the sidewalls. It also provides further retaining elements, allowing items such as bags to be held in place.

The basic layout of the dashboard is a completely new interpretation of that in the previous model, albeit that the key instruments, such as the light switches and air-conditioning controls, are in practically identical positions – only now much easier to see and operate. The entire dashboard area features a strictly horizontal division, with a precision-made décor trim running from side to side between the upper and lower sections. All of the materials are also of a quality unequalled by the competition. This is shown, for example, by the frequent use of metal on the vents and switch surrounds.

The new VW Sharan will be available in three equipment versions: Trendline (base version), Comfortline (mid-level version) and Highline (the most exclusive version). It will be sold in nine different colours. In standard configuration the MPV is initially a five-seater (2:3). In addition to this, there will also be a so-called ’6-seater pack’ and a ’7-seater pack’. As a 6-seater, the Volkswagen Sharan’s second and third rows of seating each get fitted with two seats, including cushioned armrests (2:2:2), with the second row then no longer having a middle seat. Instead, the two remaining seats are positioned more centrally and thus offer even greater comfort. The 6-seater is thus ideal as the business version. Where the customer opts for the 7-seater, the second row again has three seats, as in the 5-seater version (2:3:2). The 6 and 7-seater versions of the Volkswagen Sharan are supplied with several added features across all equipment lines. These include a 3-zone (Climatronic) air conditioning system, incorporating a rear air conditioning unit for separate climate control in the back (the third zone).