When a family looks for a vehicle to fulfill everything they set out to do, few units are available on the market, or at least few were available. The Volkswagen Sharan It is one of the most recognized models in the segment of large classic MPVs, a market on the verge of extinction due to the appearance of new formats and segments.
The Volkswagen Sharan first appeared on the market in 1995. With its arrival Volkswagen it was introduced in the most familiar segment of all, thus responding to rivals with more accumulated experience. Its name derives from Persian, and means "carriage of the kings". That first generation was on the market until 2010, undergoing two important updates along the way.
Finally, in 2010, the Germans present the world with the second iteration. It is the same that has reached our days, although in 2015 a major update was applied. Despite this, we are talking about a model with excessive longevity. The Sharan is positioned as the largest minivan of the house, above its little brothers, the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan and Volkswagen Touran.
Technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Sharan
The current Volkswagen Sharan is a joint development between Volkswagen and SEAT, which has a twin version of the model in question, the SEAT Alhambra. For the conception of this second generation the well-known MQB scalar architecture of the Volkswagen Group is used. A transverse front-engine multidiscipline platform that is widely used within the conglomerate.
Due to its measurements, the Volkswagen Sharan is perfectly located within the D segment. 4,85 meters long, 1,9 meters wide and 1,72 meters high. To these external dimensions must be added a wheelbase that extends up to 2,92 meters long. Thanks to this the great minivan always enjoy a maximum capacity of seven passengers. The last row is hidden under the boot floor.
One of the most valued qualities in a large family car such as the Sharan is its cargo capacity. In this case it is presented with 300 liters of minimum capacity with all three rows of seats unfolded. 711 liters with two of its rows available, and 2.297 liters of maximum capacity obtained by folding down the second row of seats in its 40:20:40 ratio.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Volkswagen Sharan
The excessive longevity of the Sharan is mainly noticeable in aspects such as mechanics. Although it has always enjoyed a wide offer, is currently limited to a single block of gasoline. The demanding European emission regulations and the low demand for the product do not invite the brand to develop new engines for such a low-production model.
The only engine currently available in the range is a turbocharged four-cylinder block with 1.395 cubic centimeters of displacement. develop 150 horsepower between 5.000 and 6.000 revolutions and has a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1.500 and 3.500 revolutions. Coupled to the block we find a six-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Regardless of the transmission type selected, the Volkswagen Sharan sends all the power out of the 1.4 TSI engine to the front wheels. There are no 4MOTION all-wheel drive solutions. As there are no diesel blocks, consumption is high. Between 8,3 and 8,8 liters per 100 kilometers traveled, varying depending on the type of change selected, whether manual or automatic respectively.
Equipment of the Volkswagen Sharan
When jumping inside the Volkswagen Sharan, it is worth mentioning that we are talking about one of the best finished large minivans on the market, something that raises the final sales bill compared to more general models. The right mix of materials is used. Soft surfaces with a pleasant touch and hard plastic surfaces designed for a more familiar and long-lasting use.
As usual in the house, the Sharan has several lines of equipment that allow the customer to choose different finishes and loads of equipment. The offer is staggered in several levels: Advance, 1Million and Sport. In them, not only the number of elements and systems is altered, the exterior appearance is also modified, going from a more sober finish to a more attractive or sporty one.
As far as equipment is concerned, the Sharan blames a clear and excessive longevity. It is mainly noted in sections such as driving aids and assistants, which is why it does not end up exposing the best safety data. Even so, it is worth highlighting elements such as: Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, electric front seats, reversing camera, navigator and multimedia system with a seven-inch screen.
The Volkswagen Sharan according to Euro NCAP
As is mandatory, the Volkswagen Sharan has undergone the demanding tests of Euro NCAP. The evaluating body in charge of measuring the safety of automobiles certifies it as a four-star vehicle. A somewhat disappointing note for a family model. If the results yield the following scores: 89 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 78 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 59 out of 100 in pedestrian protection and 62 out of 100 in driving assistants.
The Volkswagen Sharan of Km 0 and second hand
Although they were a reasonably popular segment at the time, today the market for large minivans like the Sharan is very limited. Despite this, in these 20 years of commercialization, the German has earned a well-deserved reputation for durability and reliability. Secondary sales markets show a high percentage of depreciation, accelerated in recent years where few buyers opt for this type of solution.
If we take a look at the used or second-hand market, we see how the cheapest units date from the first generation (1995 – 2000). The starting price is around 1.000 euros for models with more than 250 thousand kilometers and diesel mechanics. As they are not commercially successful, dealers do not accumulate stock in their warehouses, and therefore the Km 0 channel is practically non-existent.
Volkswagen Sharan rivals
Little by little the Volkswagen Sharan has been running out of commercial rivals. As we have already said, the market prefers full-size SUVs or larger MPVs to solve the same problems that the Sharan solved. It can be clearly said that he has run out of most of his opponents. Today, a few figures stand out, such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Active Tourer, Renault Espace, Ford Galaxy, and of course his twin brother, the Seat Alhambra. All of them are rivals for familiar concept, form and similar selling price.
Highlight
- internal modularity
- Loading capacity
- equipment options
To improve
- High price
- short mechanical range
- Model Longevity
Volkswagen Sharan Price
One of the decisive factors for the low commercialization of the Sharan is its high price. A higher cost than its most immediate rivals and very similar to that of larger, more capable and modern units. In the most affordable of cases, the starting price of the Volkswagen Sharan is 45.785 euros, without offers or promotions. That value corresponds to a unit with Edition finish and 1.4-horsepower 150 TSI engine with manual transmission. The most expensive version is the Sharan 1Million with a gasoline engine and DSG transmission with a minimum cost of 54.945 euros.
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