Actually the time of the big vans seemed like the time of the VW Sharan expired long ago. The SUV hype and the smaller space miracles such as Opel Zafira or VW Touran have hit the sales figures of the once so trendy family vehicles in recent years, as has the sober population statistics, which are showing fewer and fewer households with more than two children. VW is still firmly committed to the Sharan and brings a refreshed version for the 20th anniversary of the series. With prices slightly higher than 32.000, almost nothing has changed externally. In contrast, new are up to 15 percent more economical engines, modern assistance systems and better networking with the smartphone.
In order to recognize the optical innovations, the consulting expertise of a VW engineer is indispensable. Project manager Uwe Kaufmann points to the rear and points to the tapered rear lights: "We are now using LED technology, the design of which is significantly more concise than before". But that's it with the changes when you neglect two additional metallic colors and a redesigned aluminum rim called "Jakarta". Kaufmann: "The customers are so satisfied with the design of the current Sharan that there was no need for action."
The second generation of the MPV, formerly ridiculed as Mama-Mobil, has been sold a good 2010 times since its introduction in 200.000, is a profitable pillar in the Wolfsburg model range and has a loyal following. "Not only families with many children, but also business people with frequent cross-country trips or amateur athletes with space requirements are part of the Sharan community," says Kaufmann. The Sharan continues to score with its unchanged, versatile seating concept. It can be ordered as a five-seater (885-liter trunk), a six-seater (two seats in three rows) or a seven-seater. So it can be used as a giant station wagon as well as a business shuttle or just as a family friend. In two-person operation, it even becomes a transporter suitable for the hardware store, offering 2.430 liters of storage space on the two-meter-long loading area. Up to 33 storage options, two integrated child seats or the huge panoramic glass roof make it a loyal companion in many situations.
In order to get fit for the next section of his long car life according to the latest VW plans, the new Sharan can make generous use of the parts shelf of the group. All five deliverable engines now meet the EU-6 standard, some increased their performance and at the same time became more frugal. Since well over 80 percent of all Sharan buyers have so far opted for a diesel, the version with the 110 kW / 150 hp diesel was available for the first tests, in which the switching work is left to a six-speed dual clutch automatic. The ten more horsepower compared to the predecessor can be experienced when pulling out of curves and when overtaking on a country road.
According to the norm, this Sharan with a consumption of 5,2 liters per 100 kilometers can count among the food scarers given its considerable size. Even if it is a good two liters more in practice. The "sailing function" also helps to save diesel. When the accelerator is removed, the engine is uncoupled and turned off and thus put on a zero diet for a short time. Unfortunately, this only works if the aforementioned one is also quite expensive automatic with an additional charge of 2.225 euros. The base price thus rises to an impressive 37.150 euros.
In the Equipment section, the newcomer really got going. Electronic helpers such as Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist are now available as well as a distance radar or a city emergency braking function. Smartphone users can look forward to the now possible networking of the Sharan with iPhone, Samsung cell phone and Co. The mobile phone has a pause in the center console, and all of its functions can also be controlled via voice input on the central screen. Whether SMS, navigation system programming or phone commands ("I want to phone my wife"). All of this, of course, costs extra and can make the Sharan really valuable.
All in all, the improvements are not sensational or surprising, but a good basis for the most spacious VW after the famous “Bulli”. The Sharan 2015 will not storm the car hit parades, but will solidly do its part to aim for the top of the world.
Author: Peter Maahn / SP-X
