Insurance Group: 18
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 149
0-62 Mph: 10.9 secs
BHP: 138 BHP
Range: 764 miles
PROS: It drives well and has nicely balanced chassis, it has smart looks and the cabin has a quality feel to it. The turbocharged engine is smooth and it’s respectably frugal. It offers comfortable seating for four and can be converted into a useful load area.
CONS: It’s not exactly cheap or exciting to look at. Other models have seven seats.
The 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine produces maximum figures of 137 bhp at 4200 rpm and 236 lb-ft at 1750-2500 rpm, which is just about enough in a car of this size, but because maximum torque is available so low in the rev range it feels surprisingly gutsy. The Sharan has a 0-62 mph time of 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 119 mph.
This Volkswagen Sharan’s ride is smooth and nicely refined when cruising on motorways with only a minimum of wind noise from the door mirrors. Get onto a more interesting road and it maintains its composure surprisingly well for such a hefty MPV and body roll is kept reasonably well in check, while the steering is nicely accurate too. The 6 speed DSG double-clutch gearbox works very well the majority of the time delivering almost seamless shifts, but it can be unintuitive at certain times such as roundabouts.
The driver’s seat has height adjustment and the steering can be adjusted for both rake and reach so most drivers should be able to find a decent position. The dashboard is laid out very well, has easy to read instruments and overall it is good to the touch and made of quality materials. Forward visibility is good through the wide screen, although the little side quarter lights can obstruct your view going into corners.
The Volkswagen Sharan Executive 2.0 TDI (140ps) DSG 5dr is a rather luxurious people carrier, but the smooth lines struggle to disguise its bulk. Inside, you get climate control, electric windows front and rear, electric door mirrors, rear parking sensors, leather seats, cruise control, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a CD as standard. It also comes with alloy wheels, remote central locking and immobiliser and alarm.
Among the available options are metallic paint at £495 and Satnav at £380.
There is enough space in the cabin for six adults to travel comfortably. Boot space is reasonable with all seats in use – 375 litres – but with all seats folded flat (the third row being a bit of a fuss) the loading capacity rises to a warehouse-like 2297 litres. There are numerous compartments around the cabin for handy stowage of smaller items as well. The sliding rear doors offer excellent access to the rear seats as well as being very useful in tighter spaces.
This Volkswagen Sharan comes a five star Euro NCAP rating and many other safety features including seven airbags, ABS, Isofix child seat mountings and stability control.
Volkswagens have above average reliability, but for peace of mind this car comes with a three year 60,000 mile warranty.
At £31,860, the Volkswagen Sharan Executive 2.0 TDI (140ps) DSG 5dr is priced at the higher end of this sector, but for a very luxurious and practical people carrier it comes with plenty of kit. It has a spacious, comfortable cabin and with the seats folded it has a cavernous luggage space. It has a reasonably powerful, yet frugal engine which will keep running costs low and its ride is generally capable. It feels sturdy and well bolted together too.
A combined cycle of 49.6 mpg helped in part by a Stop/Start feature is a reasonable figure for a large family car and with a CO2 emissions figure of 149 g/km the taxes and running costs won’t break the bank.
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