The new Sharan features the Volkswagen family look at the front, with sharp lines and a wide, horizontal front grille. The interior has been completely revamped, with the use of better quality materials and a more modern design over its predecessor.

The new Sharan is also bigger than the car it replaces, being longer by a massive 220mm, now measuring 4850mm long. It is also wider by 92mm, now measuring 1902mm wide, while wheelbase has also been increased by 75mm, to 2920mm. This translates to better interior space for passengers and luggage.

The Sharan also features a pair of large sliding doors for better access to the rear, and buyers can specify for them to be electronically-operated, along with the rear tailgate. The centre row of seats are three individual chairs that can be moved by up to 160 mm back and forth if required, or can be folded down to create a flat load space when not in use. Volkswagen says due to the increase in size, the third row can now accommodate adults comfortably, and can also fold flat when not needed. The boot of the Sharan offers 711 litres of capacity with the seats up, and a whopping 2297 litres when the second and third rows of seats are folded down.

The engine range of the Sharan has been completely revamped, with a choice of Volkswagen’s latest turbocharged petrol and diesel engines available, including the 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TSI petrol units offering 140bhp and 200bhp, as well as the 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit with either 140bhp or 170bhp.