Volkswagen Sharan review

In a market now full of quirky coupé-crossover-SUV-MPV hybrids, the conventional big-box people carrier seems as out of place as a Neanderthal at an art gallery launch. That raises an obvious question: where does the completely new Volkswagen Sharan fit in?

We will get to that shortly. But first, be honest: on seeing the photo, did you assume a Photoshop wizard had created a distorted Polo? You would not be far wrong. The latest Sharan adopts Volkswagen’s family styling language, which we generally interpret as ‘Ctrl+C’.

Volkswagen Sharan space and practicality

This MutantPolo comes with sliding rear doors, seating for as many as seven and 885 to 2,430 litres of room for Stuff. That matters because it beats the Ford Galaxy’s maximum luggage capacity by more than 100 litres. Better still, its square, van-like load area makes the quoted figures genuinely useful.

The middle-row seats have a Transformers-style trick: they fold flat into the floor. They also slide and tip forwards far enough to make getting into the back notably straightforward. The third row provides enough space to stop adults lodging a Human Rights violation claim, while the cabin contains as many as 33 storage spaces. In typical Volkswagen fashion, the layout resembles every other dashboard it makes, although the materials appear familiar to NASA engineers.

Volkswagen Sharan engines and performance

At launch, Volkswagen offers four group engines: the ‘twincharged’ 150bhp 1.4 TSI, the 200bhp Golf GTI four-cylinder unit, and a pair of 2.0-litre diesels producing 140bhp and 170bhp.

We tried the two less powerful options. Although the 1.4 TSI may be an impressive little engine in lighter Volkswagens, it cannot shift the Sharan’s hefty body with much enthusiasm. Instead, choose the entry-level diesel. It may have just 140bhp and reach 62mph in 10.9s, but its 236lb ft of torque and impressive 51.4mpg return make up for that. It is a willing, torquey unit that suits this kind of vehicle perfectly - which is to say, one you are unlikely to take powersliding, donuting or dab-of-oppo-ing.

Ride comfort and handling

The smooth, well-controlled and genuinely pleasing ride is provided by the optional £650 adaptive dampers, an option you should absolutely tick. If a sudden burst of speed is required, the Sharan can make progress briskly, but push it too hard and physics soon takes over: a large, heavy box is still at the mercy of gravity. In corners, expect understeer and body roll.

Of course, neither an MPV nor the Sharan is intended for that. As a way of transporting plenty of people and Stuff in comfort, it is excellent - and almost as capable as a Galaxy. The question is whether you actually need one. Falling MPV sales and rising crossover sales answer with, ‘Nein.’ The people have spoken.