Sharan

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  Volkswagen Sharan

  September 2010

• FleetNews

  First drive Volkswagen Sharan

  2 September 2010

Volkswagen Sharan

This latest version, however, is much more car-like than the previous generation: the only parts that carry over from the last vehicle are the sun blinds - every other part on the car is brand new. The exterior and the interior look much more upmarket and the Sharan receives electrically operated sliding side doors to make entering and exiting the vehicle even easier than before. The Sharan has grown in both length and width and it sits 12mm lower giving it a more sporty look.

The new Sharan is a far cry from its original boxy shape. It has a sleeker look because it sits 12mm lower on the road than its predecessor. This lower stance and shedding 30kg of weight helps when cornering making it feel less like a van and more like a car. On the motorway it's smooth and unflustered and even though it's 92mm wider and 220mm longer than its predecessor it feels more agile It really is 'so quiet' in the new Sharan. Road roar from the tyres and wind noise is minimal because the cabin is so well insulated: the engine is barely audible at cruising speeds. The cabin is spacious and flagship and the standard-fit panoramic roof in the SEL adds to the bright and airy feel. The centre row features three individual seats and can be moved up to 160mm back and forth. Six of the seven seats can be folded flat which gives a cavernous load space - especially helpful when needing to move those larger items of furniture. Access to the rear seats is via a pair of sliding doors: this is the first time this feature has been available on the Sharan.

As you would expect, the interior is of good quality. The plastics are soft to touch and the layout is just like any other VW passenger car - very logical. The controls are within easy reach of the driver and although the dials may not be overly stylish, they are easy to navigate. The driving position is good and the steering column adjusts for reach and height.