Model tested: VW Sharan
Date tested: July 2010
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Despite having grown in size, the all-new VW Sharan is sleeker than ever before. Integral to this is the switch from hinged to sliding doors, which make sense for families trying to herd younger members into the car in tight spaces.

The useful, manually-operated sliding doors are a standard feature on the new Sharan but can also be specified as an electrically-powered option.

Step inside and the car features the robust, quality interior expected of Volkswagen but with more space than the outgoing model.

The tough plastics give the impression the Sharan will stand up well to the attentions of inquisitive little fingers while looking smart to boot.

In some seven-seaters the limit of the third row of seats' capability is to transport little ones over short distances. But, thanks in part to the additional 220mm length of the new Sharan, VW claims its rearmost two seats are fit for adult use, and having had the opportunity to put that to the test it's hard to disagree.

Another useful development for those intending to exploit the car for load-lugging is that both the rear row and the middle row of three seats can now be folded flat into the floor. And while it is primarily aimed at families there is a six-seater option offering greater space in the middle row for business users.

The all-new VW Sharan will be available with a choice of four familiar TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines:
•    1.4-litre TSI 150bhp
•    2.0-litre TSI 200bhp
•    2.0-litre TDI 140bhp
•    2.0-litre TDI 170bhp

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Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual (not available on the 2.0-litre TDI 170bhp) or automatic DSG gearboxes, while the diesels and 1.4-litre petrol version both feature stop and start technology which cuts the engine power at rest to conserve fuel.

Impressively, the 1.4 is more than capable of coping with high-speed motorway cruising - although I was the sole occupant. Naturally the two diesels have a lot more pulling power, but we'd advise driving the petrol to determine whether you really need what is likely to be the more expensive car.

The Sharan will be available in three trim levels which are, in ascending order, S, SE and SEL. The SE is expected to be the big-seller and for this mid-range option buyers will get alloy wheels, multi-functional steering wheel and chrome trim. Standard safety equipment includes Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Stability Programme and seven airbags.

The first Volkswagen  Sharans are due to go on sale in the UK in November with more engine configurations becoming available in 2011.