Volkswagen Sharan II trial: Comfort on the map
The Volkswagen Sharan melts into the automotive landscape for almost 15 years now. If its convenience is the reason for its success, this large SUV is seen, however, relocated in 2010 with an approach that favors comfort this time.
The feeling at the wheel is very different from the big “catch-all” sold over 600,000 copies since 1996. The MPV can now accommodate multiple types of clients through customized equipment packages.
One detail that does not lie on the fact that this is truly a new Sharan: the sun visors are the only common parts between two generations of the minivan.
The style of the last Volkswagen minivan does not really aligned in originality because, like any manufacturer’s range, the styling cues of the Golf 6. However, lines from the compact sedan brings a breath of fresh air on a hitherto little Sharan exciting. The plunging front, LEDs in the headlamps or the rear spoiler and subtle touches give dynamism.
The MPV can possibly chrome dress, either around the glass surfaces on the front ventilation grille or underscore blocks fog.
The most striking feature is especially opening: the new Sharan now has two sliding doors much more convenient access for rear passengers and electrical assistance on Confortline finishes (optional) and Carat (standard).
Finally took
Finally took the minivan since it measures the volume now over 22 cm in length, or 4.85 m. The Renault Espace is only 1 cm longer. The Ford Galaxy tilts of 3 cm, a close game that is played without PSA, the Peugeot 807 and Citroen C8 being exceeded by more than 10 cm. The Sharan wins also 9 cm in width (1.90 m) and improves its aerodynamics, losing 1 cm in height (1.72 m).
An MPV is a car, which, as its name implies, has only one volume, ie it has no stylistic break between the front, center and rear. The first open this body style in France was the Renault Espace , in 1984, shortly after the Chrysler Voyager did the same in the United States. The word seems to come from the minivan of the same name space as it was to describe a vehicle “minivan” who looked like “Space”.
The minivan market has experienced tremendous growth in the 90, then stabilized today. At the beginning only on the market, and promote long space has been joined by a multitude of competitors, so that today all brands have their general catalog model minivan.Many families are now spoiled for choice.
In terms of price, a minivan is positioned above. In nine to start, which is featured on the second hand market. And floor prices for vehicles, even very old and highly km are still high.
If you are interested in buying a minivan, we recommend:
The Peugeot 806 and Citroen Evasion : true clones, they were the first serious competitors Renault Espace .To their credit: an excellent road holding, good scalability, and cost less exaggerated than their competitors named above.
The Toyota Previa : a serious alternative. 7 seater series, a huge trunk in 5-seat layout, and reliability are its strengths. The first generation is affordable, but is only found in gasoline. It was not until the second generation to see a diesel, with higher ratings.
The VW Sharan : or its clones Ford Galaxy and Seat Alhambra . Efficient vehicles which include the revenue of competitors. Caution, however, the reliability of some TDI. And prices remain high.
The Renault Espace : impossible not to quote him. But yet it is not the one we most strongly advise you, especially because of the recurring concerns of reliability experienced by the Spaces 3 and 4. Strictly speaking, for those who have a small budget and a big family, buying a second-generation Espace (91-96) can be envisaged, but watch out for big mileages.
Years pass and the competition has had time to gently falter, see die: Space, C8, Alhambra, etc.. Only the original twin, Ford Galaxy has managed to revive the minivan segment. Clearly, the situation does not seem to frighten Volkswagen decided to revive its large MPV.
Why build a dinosaur like the Sharan
Why build a dinosaur like the Sharan, while the Touran , freshly renovated, is able also to accommodate 7 passengers. Volkswagen advance the family card. The Sharan is for families consisting of 2.3 or even 4 children.With large volume needs. Volkswagen has preferred this by expanding its model of 22 cm! A bond that is among the German giants MPV category with 4.85 m. Is it necessary to say that the interior is among the most generous of the category?
7 seats and up to 2430 liters
The modularity is classic, but unlike the Touran, frees up a completely flat load space. Volumes available obviously vary depending on the layout. We will retain the key: 300 liters (7 seats), 711 liters (5places) and 2430 liters. The movers on Sundays or enjoy a casual surfer load length of around 3 meters.
In family vehicle, the Sharan offers storage, thirty in total. Mainly located at the front. Parents would surely appreciated a few extra spaces at the back for their offspring. Under the seats or the ceiling like the Zafira for example.
The style is also very classic, in the wake of the recent Golf , Polo and Touareg . The only novelty is the appearance of sliding side doors. Fairly well integrated visually, they allow easy access to rear seats. Ideal for taxis or transportation of persons with disabilities. They can be motorized and opened remotely via the key. A handy mechanism given the weight of each. Unfortunately this system is available on the high end (Carat) or option (675 €).
From € 30 990
Inside, serious and well finished, the Sharan has some new equipment such as Park Assist, powered tailgate, a backup camera and a Dynaudio sound system. Depending on trim levels (Trendline, Confortline and Carat) and Pack and many options available, the addition rises very quickly. It will take approximately € 36 290 for a range of heart (Sharan 2.0 TDI Confortline). Note that within a year, Seat will market its new Alhambra . A near-replica of thousands of dollars less.
