The media was invited to Volkswagen’s showroom for the launch of the new Sharan, and the spotlight was most definitely on the latest full-size people carrier to hit the local markets. With seven individual seats, twin sliding doors, a panoramic sunroof, and up to 2,297 litres of cargo capacity, the new Sharan promises to be the ultimate MPV.
Exterior
At 4,850mm metres long and 1,900mm wide, the Sharan has a dynamic interplay of proportions and a powerful overall appearance. The front end features the typical latest Volkswagen DNA, with is strong emphasis on horizontal elements and a clearly defined geometry, and a very elegant look is created by the gloss black bars across the radiator grille, and the chrome trim and olkswagen logo.
The Sharan’s rear is just as clearly structured as the front, with the concise roof-edge spoiler, deep tailgate and large rear lights that mirror the front headlamps. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically by a button on the tailgate handle, a switch on the centre console, or by remote control. It can also be made to move by itself by pressing a button in the tailgate.
The new Sharan also features electronically-controlled twin sliding doors, which can be operated via two buttons on the centre console, or from the button in the B-pillar. The electric sliding doors can also be opened with a remote control. The sliding doors also come with safety pinch protection, which prevents the doors from opening or closing further should an obstacle be in the way.
Interior
The highlight of the Sharan’s interior is the EasyFold seating concept. The individual seats in the second and third row need not be removed should extra space and versatility is needed. Instead, they simply fold down into the floor using a very simple-to-use folding mechanism.
With the third row of seats folded down, the Sharan features a cargo capacity of 711 litres, which can be extended to 1,167 litres if loaded up to the roof, using an easily fitted mesh partition. Fold down the second row of seats, and a 2.1 metre long cargo space is available, offering a capacity of up to 2,297 litres.
A cargo management system located behind the second and third seating rows securely holds luggage in place. The system consists of two movable telescopic rails anchored in the sidewalls that are extremely easy to unlock and lock by turning, and a net stretched between them. In addition, the system provides further lashing points for securing items such as bags on the side walls.
Under the Hood
The Sharan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine with 200bhp and 280Nm of torque, which delivers maximum power with minimum fuel consumption, at 8.4 litres per 100km. Top speed is rated at 221km/h, and the Sharan 2.0 TSI can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds, which are impressive figures for a full-sized people carrier.
Volkswagen’s breakthrough six-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox is fitted as standard on the Sharan, with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel providing full manual control of the system. Electronic Stability Programme is also a standard feature on the new Sharan, for optimum safety.
Technical Specifications
Volkswagen Sharan 2.0 TSI (A)
EngineÂ
Type: 4 cylinders in-line petrol engine 16 valvesÂ
Displacement: 1,984ccÂ
Max Power (bhp): 200 @ 5100 rpmÂ
Max Torque (Nm): 280 @ 1700 – 5000 rpm
DimensionsÂ
Length (mm): 4,854
Width (mm): 1,904
Height (mm): 1,740
Wheelbase (mm): 2,919
PerformanceÂ
Max Speed (km/h): 221
Acceleration 0 - 100km/h (s): 8.3
Exterior
At 4,850mm metres long and 1,900mm wide, the Sharan has a dynamic interplay of proportions and a powerful overall appearance. The front end features the typical latest Volkswagen DNA, with is strong emphasis on horizontal elements and a clearly defined geometry, and a very elegant look is created by the gloss black bars across the radiator grille, and the chrome trim and olkswagen logo.
The Sharan’s rear is just as clearly structured as the front, with the concise roof-edge spoiler, deep tailgate and large rear lights that mirror the front headlamps. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically by a button on the tailgate handle, a switch on the centre console, or by remote control. It can also be made to move by itself by pressing a button in the tailgate.
The new Sharan also features electronically-controlled twin sliding doors, which can be operated via two buttons on the centre console, or from the button in the B-pillar. The electric sliding doors can also be opened with a remote control. The sliding doors also come with safety pinch protection, which prevents the doors from opening or closing further should an obstacle be in the way.
Interior
The highlight of the Sharan’s interior is the EasyFold seating concept. The individual seats in the second and third row need not be removed should extra space and versatility is needed. Instead, they simply fold down into the floor using a very simple-to-use folding mechanism.
With the third row of seats folded down, the Sharan features a cargo capacity of 711 litres, which can be extended to 1,167 litres if loaded up to the roof, using an easily fitted mesh partition. Fold down the second row of seats, and a 2.1 metre long cargo space is available, offering a capacity of up to 2,297 litres.
A cargo management system located behind the second and third seating rows securely holds luggage in place. The system consists of two movable telescopic rails anchored in the sidewalls that are extremely easy to unlock and lock by turning, and a net stretched between them. In addition, the system provides further lashing points for securing items such as bags on the side walls.
Under the Hood
The Sharan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine with 200bhp and 280Nm of torque, which delivers maximum power with minimum fuel consumption, at 8.4 litres per 100km. Top speed is rated at 221km/h, and the Sharan 2.0 TSI can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds, which are impressive figures for a full-sized people carrier.
Volkswagen’s breakthrough six-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox is fitted as standard on the Sharan, with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel providing full manual control of the system. Electronic Stability Programme is also a standard feature on the new Sharan, for optimum safety.
Technical Specifications
Volkswagen Sharan 2.0 TSI (A)
EngineÂ
Type: 4 cylinders in-line petrol engine 16 valvesÂ
Displacement: 1,984ccÂ
Max Power (bhp): 200 @ 5100 rpmÂ
Max Torque (Nm): 280 @ 1700 – 5000 rpm
DimensionsÂ
Length (mm): 4,854
Width (mm): 1,904
Height (mm): 1,740
Wheelbase (mm): 2,919
PerformanceÂ
Max Speed (km/h): 221
Acceleration 0 - 100km/h (s): 8.3
