Volkswagen Sharan SEL 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Car Review - March 2012

This Volkswagen Sharan’s ride is smooth and well refined when cruising on motorways, with only a minimum of wind noise. Overtaking is not a problem with this engine either. With a more interesting road, it maintains its composure surprisingly well for such a hefty weight and body roll is kept reasonably well in check with accurate steering too. The 6 speed DSG double-clutch gearbox works the majority of the time, delivering almost seamless shifts, although it can be unintuitive in situations such as roundabouts.

The 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces maximum figures of 197 bhp at 6000 rpm and 207 lb-ft at 1800 rpm, which is quite adequate, even in a car of this size and because maximum torque is available so low in the rev range it feels surprisingly grunty. A 0-62 mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph are terrific figures in this sector.

The driver’s seat has height adjustment and the steering can be altered so most drivers should be able to find a decent position. The dashboard is well laid out and has straight forward instruments, with good overall quality. Forward visibility is good through the wide screen, but the little side quarter lights can obstruct your view into corners.

The Volkswagen Sharan SEL 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr is a smart and stylish 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, Alcantara seats, cruise control, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a CD player 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 for £380.

This Volkswagen Sharan comes with 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 and this car comes with a three year 60,000 mile warranty.

Seven adults can travel in comfort and boot space is reasonable at 375 litres with all seats in use, but with all seats folded flat (the third row being a bit of a fuss) the loading capacity rises to a huge 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 tight spaces.

At £32,150, the Volkswagen Sharan SEL 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr is priced at the higher end of this range, but for a very practical family car it comes with plenty of kit. It has a spacious, comfortable cabin and with the seats folded it has a cavernous luggage space. It feels sturdy and good quality and its ride is generally capable.

It has an adequately gutsy yet reasonably frugal engine, which will keep running costs low. A combined cycle of 33.2 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 198 g/km the taxes and running costs won’t break the bank.