Volkswagen Sharan Review

In a market now crowded with quirky coupé-crossover-SUV-MPVs, the conventional large-box people carrier appears as out of place as a Neanderthal at an art-gallery launch. What, then, is the role of this completely new Volkswagen Sharan?

We will get to that shortly. But first, honestly: you saw the image and assumed some Photoshop genius had created an enlarged, distorted Polo, didn’t you? You are not far off, as the latest Sharan wears Volkswagen’s DNA-led design language, which we generally take to mean ‘Ctrl+C’.

Volkswagen Sharan space and practicality

This MutantPolo comes with sliding rear doors, seating for up to seven and 885 to 2,430 litres of room for Stuff. That matters because it exceeds the Ford Galaxy’s maximum luggage capacity by more than 100 litres, while its broad, flat, van-like load area makes the quoted figures genuinely practical.

The Transformers-style centre-row seats fold flat into the floor, and can also slide and tip forwards far enough to provide exceptionally easy access to the rear. The third row is roomy enough that adults will not be preparing a Human Rights violation claim, while as many as 33 storage spaces are scattered around the interior. As is typical of Volkswagen, it resembles the dashboard of every other model it produces, but the materials seem familiar to NASA engineers.

Engines and Volkswagen Sharan performance

Four VW Group engines are available from launch: the ‘twincharged’ 150bhp 1.4 TSI, the 200bhp Golf GTI four-cylinder petrol, plus 2.0-litre diesel options producing 140bhp and 170bhp.

We tried the two less powerful choices. Although the 1.4 TSI is an impressive little engine in lighter Volkswagens, it has difficulty hauling the Sharan’s substantial bulk with much enthusiasm. Instead, choose the entry-level diesel. Yes, it produces just 140bhp and reaches 62mph in 10.9s, but its 236lb ft of torque and remarkable 51.4mpg economy more than compensate. It is a smooth, willing unit that suits this kind of vehicle perfectly – by which we mean one you are unlikely to take powersliding, donuting or dab-of-oppo-ing.

Ride comfort and handling

The compliant, composed and genuinely pleasant ride is provided by the optional £650 adaptive dampers, an option you should absolutely choose. The Sharan can be hurried along when extra speed is suddenly required, but push it towards Stig territory and you will soon be reminded what happens when gravity takes charge of a large, heavy box. Expect understeer and body roll in bends.

Of course, that is not what an MPV – or the Sharan – is intended for. It is excellent for carrying plenty of people and Stuff in comfort, and almost matches the Galaxy. Yet is it necessary? Falling MPV sales and rising crossover sales indicate, ‘Nein.’ The people have spoken.