The Volkswagen Sharan (2010)

The all-new Volkswagen Sharan is now available to order from Volkswagen Retailers, with prices starting from £22,980 (RRP OTR) for the entry-level S 1.4-litre TSI model.

Not only is the new Volkswagen Sharan the most advanced people carrier Volkswagen has ever produced with latest comfort and safety technologies, but it is also the most refined with a range of efficient TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, the majority of which are designated BlueMotion Technology models and fitted with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to enhance economy and lower emissions.

A choice of four trim levels is available: S, SE, SEL and Executive. All feature seven seats as standard except for Executive which has six individual seats with armrests and 'Vienna' leather as standard.

The Volkswagen Sharan also features a new EasyFold seating concept. This allows the individual seats of the second and third rows to be stowed in the vehicle floor with an easy-to-use folding mechanism rather than having to be removed from the vehicle when not needed. Like the front seats, the second row rear seats also adjust longitudinally and over backrest angles of up to 20 degrees. The third row of seats can be easily accessed through an innovative folding mechanism fitted to the middle row of seats to allow them to be tilted forwards with one hand. When in five-seat configuration the load space measures 1,339 litres, rising to 2,430 litres with all seven seats folded.

The new Volkswagen Sharan features a comprehensive range of standard equipment including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), a curtain airbag system for all three rows of seats, side airbags for the first two rows of seats and driver and passenger airbags as well as an additional airbag to protect the driver's knees, an eight-speaker DAB digital radio, 2Zone electronic climate control and an iPod interface.

Also standard on all Volkswagen Sharans are twin rear sliding doors, adding to convenience and safety. These can be specified with electric operation if required.

The focus on practicality doesn't come at the expense of dynamic ability. The Volkswagen Sharan can be specified with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) for the first time, allowing the driver to select from three damper settings - Comfort, Normal and Sport.

Additional convenience highlights include the optional second generation Park Assist system that allows the new Sharan to self-park in end-on as well as parallel spaces. They system takes over all the steering inputs meaning all the driver has to do is operate the throttle and the brakes.