Verdict
The Volkswagen Sharan is a modern take on the traditional MPV. It has a huge and highly flexible seven-seat interior and competes well against the best in class.

Pros
• Flexible interior layout
• Relaxing and quiet on the road
• Economical engines

Cons
• Expensive top models
• Smallest engines feel lacklustre
• Boring looks

1. Exterior: 2/5
The Volkswagen Sharan is a modern take on the traditional people carrier recipe, with styling to match. A strong horizontal grille and clear headlight lenses give the nose a technical appearance. Viewed from the side, the Sharan is dominated by its large windows, which give the car a less top heavy appearance.

2. Interior: 4/5
Those large windows dominate the interior too, letting lots of light into the cabin and adding a sense of spaciousness. It's certainly no illusion, there's acres of room and seating for seven. The dashboard is typically Volkswagen, with high quality plastics and a sensible layout.

3. Practicality: 4/5
The Sharan is 220mm longer than its predecessor and 92mm wider. Fold down the rear seats and the load area holds 2,297 litres - slightly more than the Ford Galaxy.

4. Ride and handling: 3/5
The light steering and relatively soft suspension doesn't reward hard driving, but suits its role as family and business transport perfectly. Extra sound deadening and comfort suspension settings give a quiet and smooth ride.

5. Performance: 3/5
The Sharan is available with a 2-litre TDI diesel with 138 or 168bhp, a 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol or a 198bhp 2-litre petrol. The diesel engines provide smooth and plentiful acceleration, even seven-up while the 1.4-litre is an interesting alternative that's especially quiet.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
All the diesel models average over 60mpg and emit less than 139g/km of CO2, with the 1.6-litre managing 65.7mpg. The 1.4-litre petrol is economical too, averaging 47.9mpg and emitting 138g/km of CO2.

7. Reliability: 4/5
Using engines and other components which are found throughout the Volkswagen range, there should be no surprises with the Sharan. We expect it to be a solid and reliable performer.

8. Safety: 5/5
There are nine airbags as standard. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and anti-lock braking help prevent skids. These features help towards the Sharan's five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, with a high 96 per cent score for adult occupant protection.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Four trim levels are available: S, SE, SEL and Executive. The first features three-zone climate control, an eight-speaker stereo, iPod connectivity, DAB radio and a tyre pressure monitor. SE adds a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and 16-inch alloy wheels. SEL models get sport alcantara heated front seats, tinted rear windows, CD autochanger, front fog lights, panoramic sunroof and 17-inch alloys. Aimed at the business market, Executive cars have six leather seats with individual armrests.

10. Why buy? 5/5
The Volkswagen Sharan is equally at home transporting the family or shuttling business executives, and has a broad enough spread of talents to excel at either job.