VOLKSWAGEN

QUALITY WITHOUT THE COST The Entry-Level S-Specification Volkswagen Sharan Models Enable the Brand To Compete Against Bargain Basement-Priced Large People Carriers. Jonathan Crouch Reports

With all the current fuss surrounding various manufacturers’ mini-MPV models, it’s easy to forget that for about the same money as a decently specified example of the breed, you could get the real thing. That of course, is a large People Carrier. Something with proper room for seven rather than a squashed-up extra bench seat option. Something perhaps like a Volkswagen Sharan in entry-level S guise.

The Sharan S is Volkswagen’s effort to gain a foothold in the bargain basement part of the large MPV sector, an area of the market dominated in recent years by cars like Kia’s Sedona and Hyundai’s Trajet. SEAT’s Alhambra has also done pretty well here too, offered in entry-level 2.0 Reference form for just over £16,000, an asking figure that, were it not for the Sharan S-specification models we look at here, would make the Volkswagen look something of an expensive indulgence. The Sharan and the Alhambra do, after all, share the same design, the same engine and the same Iberian production line. True, the Sharan still is more expensive – but it’s also better equipped and holds its value better, making it still worth considering even if you don’t care about the badge on the bonnet. Sharan S prices start at £18,140 (though dealers have a range of special offers which could well reduce that figure further). Standard features include remote control central locking, air conditioning which extends to the glovebox (for keeping drinks and snacks cool), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, front and side airbags with a curtain airbag system and three-point seatbelts for all passengers

"This is Volkswagen’s effort to gain a foothold in the bargain basement part of the large MPV sector…"

Of course, people buying on a budget often prefer the option of diesel power, even if there’s an initial price premium up front to do so. Hence the availability of S specification with both diesel Sharan engines, the 1.9-litre 115PS unit and the superb 140PS 2.0-litre TDI. These retail at £19,695 and £20,445 respectively, though curiously, only the 115PS unit can be ordered with automatic transmission, this Volkswagen’s 5-speed tiptronic ‘box. Both of these diesels are suitably parsimonious. Even the 140bhp unit returns 41.5mpg on the combined cycle, giving it a theoretical range of 670miles; that’s Penzance to Penrith – and halfway back again. Neither of the Volkswagen’s diesel engines have common rail technology and one of the bi-products of this is that the 115PS option isn’t the quietest unit of its kind. The more advanced 2.0-litre is significantly better but still not quite as hushed as the best common-rail offerings. The figures say that sixty shows up from rest in 12.2s in the 140bhp unit, but it feels quicker than that, a legacy of the impressive reserves of mid-range torque on offer. In practice, this means ready pulling power in almost any gear, something which is a real boon, both on the open road (where you often don’t have to drop a gear to overtake) and around town (which you don’t have to row the thing along with the gearstick). Seven seats are standard on all models and as far as their layout is concerned, things are pretty familiar – though early Sharan buyers should find that the removable chairs themselves should feel a lot more comfortable in this current model. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys. The Sharan's roadgoing behaviour was already unsurpassed in its class and a series of suspension tweaks for the second generation models have improved things still further. The German engineers concentrated particularly on improving the ride over poor surfaces - the kind of thing you notice around town - and they've largely succeeded without compromising the higher speed handling that makes this car the rewarding drive it is. Although there are newer designs and cheaper rivals, the appeal of the Sharan remains undiminished, especially in these entry-level S models. If you’re looking for a top quality MPV with the right badge and a decent level of standard equipment, the Sharan answers the call. The fact that it now costs not much more than a South Korean cheapie is just an extra bonus.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volkswagen Sharan S range PRICES: £18,140 -£20,445 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 176-233g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 115PS] Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 15.0s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 115PS] (urban) 23.7mpg / (constant 56mph) 41.5mpg/ (constant 75mph) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 182/84/69"

SHARAN'S FAMILY VALUES Volkswagen’s Second Generation Sharan Claims To Add A Touch Of Quality To Full-Sized Family MPV Motoring. Jonathan Crouch Checks It Out…

Volkswagen's Sharan People Carrier continues on little changed, but can still take on newer large MPV rivals at their own game if you value quality, strong handling and versatility. It shares its design with SEAT's Alhambra but offers a wider range of engines and stronger residual values in return for slightly more expensive pricing.

Early Sharan owners who haven’t yet tried this second generation version will find a package that smacks of much greater quality, crammed with features to please family users. The first and most obvious improvement that buyers of the original Sharan will notice is the higher quality dashboard, which could have been lifted from a Volkswagen Passat. This includes lovely touches like silver-ringed instruments, backlit at light with the familiar Volkswagen blue glow. There's also a smart centre console with space for the optional satellite navigation system and a chunky four-spoke steering wheel. More practical touches include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash.

"A package that smacks of much greater quality, crammed with features to please family users…"

These days, all models feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. If that doesn't suit, there's the option of a 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic override that allows you flip manually between the cogs if you're in the mood. Which might often be the case thanks to the range of engines on offer. Many buyers opt for the entry-level 115bhp 2.0-litre petrol, or the base 115hp 1.9-litre turbodiesel variants. Better than either, however, is the 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel option. This engine is a step on from the 1.9-litre units of old with a more advanced injection system, smoother performance and greater refinement. It will get to 62mph from a standing start in 12.2s and average over 41mpg. There’s also a potent 150bhp 1.8-litre 20v petrol turbo for those seeking extra performance. Seven seats are standard on all models and as far as their layout is concerned, things are pretty familiar – though early Sharan buyers should find that the removable chairs themselves should feel a lot more comfortable in this current model. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys. The Sharan's roadgoing behaviour has always been at the forefront of its class and a series of suspension tweaks for the second generation models improved things still further. The German engineers concentrated particularly on improving the ride over poor surfaces - the kind of thing you notice around town - and they've largely succeeded without compromising the higher speed handling that makes this car the surprisingly rewarding drive it is. Despite the most recent improvement in standard specifications (curtain airbags, 16" alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors), prices remain competitive, ranging from £18,140 to £24,150 across three trim levels – S, SE and Sport. As before, air-conditioning and the reassurance of a three-year warranty is standard across the range. As for other items of equipment, even the entry-level model gets security remote central locking, roof rails, an alarm, a trip computer, four airbags, ABS, an electronic engine immobiliser, electric front windows, power steering and a good quality radio cassette player. The second generation Sharan corrected most of what was wrong with the original and continual enhancements since then have made the whole package more competitive. Yes, there are newer large people carriers you could consider but don’t ignore this one if you get offered the right deal. It’s well sorted. It’s well designed. And it’s a Volkswagen. Which has to count for something.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volkswagen Sharan range PRICES: £18,140 -£24,150 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 184-264g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 115bhp] Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 15.0s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 115bhp] (urban) 23.7mpg / (constant 56mph) 41.5mpg/ (constant 75mph) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 182/84/69"

SHARAN SHARE ALIKE Models Covered: 5dr MPV, 1.8 turbo, 2.0, 2.8 V6, 2.8 V6 4WD, 1.9TD 115,130bhp PD [SL, SE, Sport, Carat, 4Motion Carat]

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

MPV buyers tend to be a conservative bunch. Rarely interested in way out styling or ridiculous engines, the key demands are practicality, reliability, and quality all underlined by manageable costs. Perhaps that’s why the Volkswagen Sharan has been such a consistently high performer in the UK sales charts. Although buyers know that under the skin the mechanicals are much the same as a SEAT Alhambra or a Ford Galaxy, the badge on the bonnet tends to plump up the Sharan’s resale values to such an extent that it usually overcomes the premium you’d have paid for the Wolfsburg product from new. All of which is great news for the smugly smiling vendor but not such a happy story for the used buyer out to shave a few pounds off the deal. Demand for good, late Sharans runs high so although there may not be many outrageous bargains out there, at least you know you’ll be driving home a quality MPV.

Sharan history dates back to the early nineties when Volkswagen and Ford jointly funded the design programme and built a new factory in Portugal to handle production. The Sharan, Alhambra and Galaxy carved the market up nicely between them, giving Renault’s fat and complacent Espace a good kick in the pants. By 2000, however, the MPV landscape had changed significantly. Cars like the Renault Scenic and the Citroen Xsara Picasso had proved that many customers really did think that good things came in small packages. Volkswagen responded by improving the Sharan, giving it more of its own identity with an all-new nose and tail styling. More importantly in the face of clever-clogs upstarts such as the Vauxhall Zafira, the Sharan featured seven seats as standard. A 115bhp ‘Pump Duse’ turbo diesel engine was introduced which was mated to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system in late 2001 although this model was deleted shortly thereafter. Value-packed Sharan SL entry-level models appeared in 2002, and in early 2003 the powerful 130bhp Pump Duse diesel engine was plumbed into Volkswagen’s MPV. 2004 then saw a restyle to the rear end and wing mirror-mounted side indicators added. Front and rear parking sensors also became standard across the range.

Early Sharan owners who haven’t yet tried the second-generation version will find a package that smacks of much greater quality, crammed with features to please family users. The first and most obvious improvement that buyers of the original Sharan will notice is the smarter dashboard, which could have been lifted from a Volkswagen Passat. This includes lovely touches like silver-ringed instruments, backlit at light with the familiar Volkswagen blue glow. There's also a restyled centre console with space for the optional satellite navigation system and a chunky four-spoke steering wheel. More practical improvements include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash. Since they were going to all this trouble, the German designers couldn't resist also tinkering with the exterior to create a more distinctive look that would distance the Sharan from its Ford and SEAT clones. Hence a new set of Golf-style clear-lens headlamps and a Bora-look bonnet and front grille. At the back, there's a slightly bigger rear window and restyled light clusters. Seven seats are standard on all models and as far as their layout is concerned, things are pretty familiar – though early Sharan buyers should find that the removable chairs themselves should feel a lot more comfortable in this current model. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys. Air conditioning and the reassurance of a three-year warranty is standard across the range. As for other items of equipment, even the entry-level model gets security remote central locking, roof rails, an alarm, a trip computer, four airbags, ABS, an electronic engine immobiliser, electric front windows, power steering and a good quality radio cassette player. This current Sharan corrects most of what was wrong with the original. If the Spanish factory can now continue to produce cars as well screwed together as those from Volkswagen’s base in Wolfsburg, then this car should also continue to lead its class.

Although there are 1.8-litre turbo models in the Sharan line up, the entry-level model is the normally aspirated 2.0-litre version which opens in S trim on a 2000W plate at £5,850. SE specification punches that asking price up by £200. Opt instead for the turbocharged 1.8T and prices kick off on the same 2000W plate at £6,625 for SE guise.

Check for faulty trim and excessive transmission noise caused by the specially lengthened gear linkages. On the popular 2.0-litre, listen for clattery camshafts and make sure that the drive belt has been replaced on schedule. Bear in mind too that most Sharans will have been used by people not used to cars of this size. It’s worth checking, therefore, for body scrapes and scuffed mirrors. Finally, check the condition of the rear seats; their frames may have been damaged by ill-judged removal attempts.

(Estimated prices ex VAT) A clutch assembly is around £110, an exhaust system around £200, a catalytic converter around £360 and an exchange alternator around £165. Front brake pads are around £60 and a headlamp unit should set you back just under £85.

This car (along with its Galaxy and Alhambra stablemates) is the best handling full-sized people carrier you can buy. The Sharan doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive. A series of suspension tweaks for the second generation models have improved things still further. The German engineers concentrated particularly on improving the ride over poor surfaces - the kind of thing you notice around town - and they've largely succeeded without compromising the higher speed handling that makes this car the rewarding drive it is. These days, all models feature a six-speed manual gearbox. If that doesn't suit, there's the option of a 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic override that allows you flip manually between the cogs if you're in the mood. Which might often be the case thanks to the revised range of engines on offer. Many buyers opt for the entry-level 115bhp 2.0-litre petrol, or the base 115hp 1.9-litre turbodiesel variants now reduced in price following the introduction of 130bhp turbo diesel models. There’s also a potent 150bhp 1.8-litre 20v petrol turbo. Above these sits a 204bhp petrol VR6, good for 135mph. There’s also a relatively rare 4Motion all-wheel drive option.

All too often taking the safe option lands you with a car that’s grey, boring and predictable. The Sharan proves the exception to the rule, offering a surprising sideline of fun alongside the more usual MPV staples. It’s easy to see why it’s so well regarded and tracking down a decent used example shouldn’t be difficult. Just don’t expect rock bottom prices. In this market, as in so many others, you get what you pay for.