VW Sharan is a full size, seven-seat MPV that has a lot going for it...
Large MPVs can never hope to turn heads, but for family buyers big is beautiful. Despite the requirements of the class, Sharan avoids looking like a van and is a smart-looking machine. The VW family face is clearly identifiable, so owners will enjoy the perception of a sensible purchase based on VW's reputation for solid build quality. The main new feature that catches the eye is sliding side doors.
These are a godsend to parents and make access simply brilliant, especially at the supermarket or in car parks where door-room is tight. You may remember the original Sharan was a triplet based on the first Ford Galaxy - along with its siblings (Seat Alhambra and Galaxy) the rear doors were conventional. The new Sharan is a major advance on that car. Sharan is huge inside, quiet on the move and starts at just over €40,000. Forty grand is a lot of cash these days, but when you divide it by the number of seats (seven) Sharan doesn't seem that expensive.
There are three familiar VW specifications available, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, and a host of optional 'Packs' - you can even get specify-powered sliding doors and tailgate. There are two engine options, both tax band 'C' 2-litre diesels. The 140bhp TDi in my test car had plenty of punch. If you need more power there is a 2-litre TDi with 170bhp available in Comfortline and Highline versions. Also, the brilliant six-speed DSG auto gearbox (automated manual) is an option on the 140bhp Comfortline and Highline versions. DSG is costly but very good.
On the road the driver gets a commanding view and a very refined drive. Sharan rides smoothly and there is only a small amount of body roll when cornering. The cabin is whisper quiet (until the kids get in that is!). Levels of NVH are really low and this means driving is a very relaxed affair.
The rear two seats can take adults in reasonable comfort. When folded to the floor the boot is huge, and of course the middle three seats adjust independently and can also fold flat. Versatility is a key feature of any MPV and Sharan doesn't disappoint; it can shift massive loads if needed. The rear two seats are awkward to raise from the boot as you first pull the seat back up into place and then must flip over the seat base - which is a stretch! The best way to raise the last two seats is via the sliding doors. The two outer centre row seats slide and fold up cleverly in one movement to allow for easy access to the last row.
Sharan seems to tick all the boxes but I have some issues with the €41,990 car that spoil it a bit: essential things in a family bus like Bluetooth connectivity for your phone and parking sensors are not standard. Sharan's cabin will at times be a noisy and distracting place. Imagine up to six young passengers demanding attention, or worse still attempting to tear lumps out of each other as the mobile rings from somewhere in the cabin while at the same time you're trying to reverse into a parking space built for a Mini!
VW, fit these as standard please and you'll have a truly brilliant offering.
Michael Sheridan
