VW Sharan, 2011
The Volkswagen Sharan is the favourite vehicle of countless families all over Europe. Coming now, with a world premiere at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show (4th to 14th March), is a completely new generation of this best seller. Equipped for the first time with sliding doors in the back, the new Volkswagen Sharan has been enhanced in every area. There are only two parts that the new and the old VW Sharan have in common: the sun visors. That's it! Everything else - every screw, every exterior and interior part and all of the technology, including the TDI and TSI engines (103kW / 140PS to 147kW / 200PS) and transmission systems (DSG optional) - is new. Volkswagen Sharan 3.0, as it were, offering world-record performance in fuel efficiency: at 5.5 litres per 100km (51,4 mpg), the 140PS Volkswagen Sharan 2.0 TDI achieves lower fuel consumption than any other MPV in this class.
Four frugal engines
The Volkswagen Sharan's four direct injection turbo petrol (TSI) and turbo diesel (TDI) engines are up to 21 percent more fuel-efficient! The two TSI engines deliver 110kW / 150PS and 147kW / 200PS, while the TDIs develop 103kW / 140PS and 125kW / 170PS. With power outputs of up to 170PS the engines use a start-stop system and energy recuperation (recovery of kinetic energy, which gets temporarily stored in the battery). With average consumption of 5.5 litres per 100km (51.4 mpg, 145g/km of CO), the 140PS version of the VW Sharan 2.0 TDI - top speed 194 km/h (119 mph) - sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in this segment of the market! The theoretical driving range is correspondingly impressive: 1,273 kilometres (805 miles) from its 70 litre fuel tank. Both TDIs are also fitted with an SCR catalytic converter (SCR = selective catalytic reduction), which specifically eliminates oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and makes the Volkswagen Sharan, even as a turbo diesel, one of the cleanest MPVs in the world.
For the first time, all of these Euro-5 engines will be available in combination with Volkswagen's agile and efficient direct shift gearbox (DSG) systems - the automatics of the new age! In the case of the 200PS TSI, DSG comes as standard.
Design and dimensions
Thanks to the turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, every version of the new Sharan has gained significant extra agility. Completely new styling reinforces this. Its concise front and rear contours, in particular, plus its prominent wheel arches, create a totally new street presence. The vehicle's relative proportions also has a more dynamic effect, with the new model - at 4.85 metres in length - being 22 centimetres longer than the old VW Sharan. Its width has also grown, adding 9.2 centimetres (measured from door handle to door handle at the front) to now measure 1.9 metres. At the same time its height is now 1.2 centimetres lower, at 1.72 metres. The result is a fascinating interplay of proportions and a very powerful overall impression. The reduced height, however, does not come at the expense of interior headroom.
The third generation Volkswagen Sharan is the company's first MPV range to be designed by Walter de Silva (Group Chief Designer) and Klaus Bischoff (Brand's Chief Designer) based totally on the new Volkswagen design DNA matrix. The design of the vehicle body, which is both appealing and functional, is thus epitomised by clear, horizontal lines. It is fresh, yet certainly not dictated by any transient fashion. The aim of the design is rather to create with its balanced proportions and minimal lines an ideal basis for giving the body an extremely energetic look.
Front end
Following the new DNA, the Volkswagen Sharan unmistakably reflects the new era Volkswagen design, especially in the typical VW front end with its strong emphasis on horizontal planes and a clearly defined shape. A very elegant look is created by the gloss black bars across the radiator grille, the integrated chrome clips and the VW logo, also in chrome. The double headlights (with daytime running lights) incorporated into the V-contour of the bonnet can be ordered both in the standard and bi-xenon versions. In addition, as a new feature on the VW Sharan, there will also be a further headlight version with automatic main beam control (Light Assist). Based on a camera system, this dynamic main beam regulator detects both oncoming traffic and the vehicles in front and adjusts the beam such that nobody gets blinded (the headlight is partially masked) and the best possible illumination of the carriageway can also be achieved for the driver. If the Volkswagen Sharan is ordered with bi-xenon headlights, a newly designed LED daytime running and position light is also included within the headlamp module. It is made up of 15 individual LEDs that are positioned inside the module in a concise pattern.
Rear end
The rear look of the VW Sharan is just as clearly structured as that of the front. The visually dominant elements here are the concise roof-edge spoiler, the very deep tailgate (sill height: 0.67 metres) and the very large rear lights, which match the headlamps and also create an unmistakable appearance at night. The tailgate itself can optionally be opened and closed electrically.
Interior
Volkswagen has developed a totally new configuration of the interior for the Volkswagen Sharan. It includes a choice of three base version interiors with five, six or seven seats. Thanks to the new EasyFold seating concept, the individual seats of the second and third row no longer need to be taken out in order to make use of the vehicle's full flexibility, but instead get stowed away in the floor using an easy-to-operate folding mechanism. Like the front seats, the ones in the second row can also be moved forwards and backwards, while their tilt can be adjusted by 20 degrees. The redesigned rear seat headrests are both highly practical and safe. Not only can they can be fully extended in order to provide optimum protection even for tall passengers, but also pushed down almost flush with the top of the seat backs when not in use.
Four frugal engines
The Volkswagen Sharan's four direct injection turbo petrol (TSI) and turbo diesel (TDI) engines are up to 21 percent more fuel-efficient! The two TSI engines deliver 110kW / 150PS and 147kW / 200PS, while the TDIs develop 103kW / 140PS and 125kW / 170PS. With power outputs of up to 170PS the engines use a start-stop system and energy recuperation (recovery of kinetic energy, which gets temporarily stored in the battery). With average consumption of 5.5 litres per 100km (51.4 mpg, 145g/km of CO), the 140PS version of the VW Sharan 2.0 TDI - top speed 194 km/h (119 mph) - sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in this segment of the market! The theoretical driving range is correspondingly impressive: 1,273 kilometres (805 miles) from its 70 litre fuel tank. Both TDIs are also fitted with an SCR catalytic converter (SCR = selective catalytic reduction), which specifically eliminates oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and makes the Volkswagen Sharan, even as a turbo diesel, one of the cleanest MPVs in the world.
For the first time, all of these Euro-5 engines will be available in combination with Volkswagen's agile and efficient direct shift gearbox (DSG) systems - the automatics of the new age! In the case of the 200PS TSI, DSG comes as standard.
Design and dimensions
Thanks to the turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, every version of the new Sharan has gained significant extra agility. Completely new styling reinforces this. Its concise front and rear contours, in particular, plus its prominent wheel arches, create a totally new street presence. The vehicle's relative proportions also has a more dynamic effect, with the new model - at 4.85 metres in length - being 22 centimetres longer than the old VW Sharan. Its width has also grown, adding 9.2 centimetres (measured from door handle to door handle at the front) to now measure 1.9 metres. At the same time its height is now 1.2 centimetres lower, at 1.72 metres. The result is a fascinating interplay of proportions and a very powerful overall impression. The reduced height, however, does not come at the expense of interior headroom.
The third generation Volkswagen Sharan is the company's first MPV range to be designed by Walter de Silva (Group Chief Designer) and Klaus Bischoff (Brand's Chief Designer) based totally on the new Volkswagen design DNA matrix. The design of the vehicle body, which is both appealing and functional, is thus epitomised by clear, horizontal lines. It is fresh, yet certainly not dictated by any transient fashion. The aim of the design is rather to create with its balanced proportions and minimal lines an ideal basis for giving the body an extremely energetic look.
Front end
Following the new DNA, the Volkswagen Sharan unmistakably reflects the new era Volkswagen design, especially in the typical VW front end with its strong emphasis on horizontal planes and a clearly defined shape. A very elegant look is created by the gloss black bars across the radiator grille, the integrated chrome clips and the VW logo, also in chrome. The double headlights (with daytime running lights) incorporated into the V-contour of the bonnet can be ordered both in the standard and bi-xenon versions. In addition, as a new feature on the VW Sharan, there will also be a further headlight version with automatic main beam control (Light Assist). Based on a camera system, this dynamic main beam regulator detects both oncoming traffic and the vehicles in front and adjusts the beam such that nobody gets blinded (the headlight is partially masked) and the best possible illumination of the carriageway can also be achieved for the driver. If the Volkswagen Sharan is ordered with bi-xenon headlights, a newly designed LED daytime running and position light is also included within the headlamp module. It is made up of 15 individual LEDs that are positioned inside the module in a concise pattern.
Rear end
The rear look of the VW Sharan is just as clearly structured as that of the front. The visually dominant elements here are the concise roof-edge spoiler, the very deep tailgate (sill height: 0.67 metres) and the very large rear lights, which match the headlamps and also create an unmistakable appearance at night. The tailgate itself can optionally be opened and closed electrically.
Interior
Volkswagen has developed a totally new configuration of the interior for the Volkswagen Sharan. It includes a choice of three base version interiors with five, six or seven seats. Thanks to the new EasyFold seating concept, the individual seats of the second and third row no longer need to be taken out in order to make use of the vehicle's full flexibility, but instead get stowed away in the floor using an easy-to-operate folding mechanism. Like the front seats, the ones in the second row can also be moved forwards and backwards, while their tilt can be adjusted by 20 degrees. The redesigned rear seat headrests are both highly practical and safe. Not only can they can be fully extended in order to provide optimum protection even for tall passengers, but also pushed down almost flush with the top of the seat backs when not in use.
