Dashboard: The basic layout of the dashboard is a completely new interpretation of that in the previous model, albeit that the key instruments, such as the light switches and air-conditioning controls, are in practically identical positions – only now much easier to see and operate. The entire dashboard area features a strictly horizontal division, with a precision-made décor trim running from side to side between the upper and lower sections. All of the materials are also of a quality unequalled by the competition. This is shown, for example, by the frequent use of metal on the vents and switch surrounds.

Centre console: The centre console has been consciously ‘pulled out’ a long way towards the gear lever, thus making its controls even easier to operate. It houses the various audio, video and navigation systems, plus – arranged below these – the Climatic or Climatronic air conditioning controls. The entire control unit for these systems has been positioned appreciably higher. All of the elements can therefore be found more quickly and are more intuitive to operate. For the navigation systems (RNS 315 and RNS 510) and premium audio system (RCD 510) a touchscreen display is used.

Located below the display and ideally positioned so that it can be easily reached is the switch for the hazard warning lights. Above it, as usual in the Sharan, in all models from the Comfortline up is a lockable storage compartment. The lower-most level of the centre console contains another row of switches for more rarely used functions, such as temporarily deactivating ESP or the Park Assist system. Where the Sharan has been ordered with the Kessy automatic locking and starting system (available on this model for the first time), the engine starter button is located directly in front of the gear lever on the centre console. Integrated in its customary position between the seats is the ‘handbrake lever’. However, it is now no longer a lever but – as the handbrake is activated electronically right across the range – an intuitively operated switch.

The new MPVs instruments are more closely aligned to VW’s car range than they were in the previous model. The speedometer and rev counter, the two central round instruments, are sporty and elegant, both with silver rims. The steering wheel and steering column levers will be familiar to Volkswagen drivers from current models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Scirocco and Passat CC. Despite being totally family friendly, the door trim – just like the entire front seat area – has also been given a sporty design.

Equipment versions
The new Sharan will be available in three equipment versions: Trendline (base version), Comfortline (mid-level version) and Highline (the most exclusive version). It will be sold in nine different colours. In standard configuration the MPV is initially a five-seater (2:3). In addition to this, there will also be a so-called ‘6-seater pack’ and a ‘7-seater pack’. As a 6-seater, the Sharan’s second and third rows of seating each get fitted with two seats, including cushioned armrests (2:2:2), with the second row then no longer having a middle seat. Instead, the two remaining seats are positioned more centrally and thus offer even greater comfort. The 6-seater is thus ideal as the business version. Where the customer opts for the 7-seater, the second row again has three seats, as in the 5-seater version (2:3:2). The 6 and 7-seater versions of the Sharan are supplied with several added features across all equipment lines. These include a 3-zone (Climatronic) air conditioning system, incorporating a rear air conditioning unit for separate climate control in the back (the third zone).

Sharan Trendline: While the term ‘base model’ is correct for the Sharan Trendline in terms of model hierarchy, it certainly does not accurately describe the level of equipment - for even this Sharan is already well equipped as standard! In terms of safety, for instance, the standard equipment features seven airbags (including a knee airbag) on the driver’s side, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme (including brake assist and trailer stabilisation), tyre pressure indicator, automatic activation of hazard warning lights in the event of sudden, hard braking and electric child locks for the rear doors and rear window. Also a standard component is the electric handbrake with hill-start assistant. On the outside the Trendline equipment includes two chrome strips in the top radiator grille, electrically heated and adjustable mirrors, daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels with 205 tyres, tinted windows and all body-coloured trims.

On the inside the Sharan Trendline is equipped with attractive fabric seats (in ‘Titanium Black’ with the ‘Move’ pattern), height-adjustable driver’s seat, matt chrome decorative trim, up to 33 storage compartments (!), height-adjustable arm rest (which can also be moved back and forth and contains a further storage compartment), cargo floor with separate, lockable compartments (5-seater), luggage area cover and automatic door-locking when the vehicle pulls away (can be deactivated). As outlined above, in terms of functional equipment many features come as standard, e.g. central locking with RF remote control, electro-mechanical, speed-regulated power steering, fully adjustable steering column, electric windows all round, (‘Climatic’) semi-automatic air-conditioning and the ‘RCD 210’ radio/CD system with four loudspeakers – a long, but by no means exhaustive list!

Sharan Comfortline (as Trendline, plus features including): In purely external terms the more refined Sharan Comfortline stands out from the Trendline model by virtue of features such as its 16-inch (‘Memphis’) alloy wheels with 215 tyres, a chrome rim around the bottom radiator grille, the side windows’ chrome border, black roof rails and a windscreen also fitted with heat reflective glass.

Inside the high quality ‘Bridge’ upholstery in ‘Titanium Black’ or ‘Palladium Grey’, plus seats with sportier contours and decorative inlays in the ‘Triangle Titan’ design produce a more refined feel. The driver’s seat can also be adjusted electrically (height, tilt, forwards and back) and has a manual 4-position lumbar support function. In addition, there are pockets and folding tables on the back of both front seats. For loading long objects, the front passenger seat can also be completely folded over. It too is height adjustable and provides lumbar support.

The tray on the centre console is provided in this range with a cover, while in the roof, in addition to the standard storage compartment, there is also a compartment for glasses and in front of each of the outer seats of the second row there is another storage compartment integrated into the floor. On top of all this on the functional side come details such as the automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror, rain sensor, automatic running light activation (including ‘Coming home’ and ‘Leaving home’ function), indirect background lighting and a cruise control system.

Sharan Highline (as Comfortline, plus features including): The Sharan Highline cuts an even more elegant figure. Externally features such as 17-inch (‘Sydney’) alloy wheels with 225 tyres, heated windscreen washer jets and chrome-trimmed roof rails set this top-of-the-range version apart.

On the inside the Highline equipment includes contoured sports seats in leather / Alcantara (available in ‘Titanium Black’, ‘Palladium Grey’ or ‘Corn Silk’), decorative trim in brushed aluminium, heated front seats, floor lights for the front and second row seats, the ‘Plus’ multi-function display, a leather steering wheel and leather gearshift knob.

Special options: Over and above the three equipment lines and seating configurations the Sharan can also be tailored to satisfy customers’ individual demands. Technical highlights include the new Light Assist system (automatic main beam control), electric sliding doors and tailgate, a new generation 2.0 Park Assist (automatic steering function for parking, now even in extremely small gaps, on pavements, between trees and – for the first time – at an angle to the traffic), a 300 watt Dynaudio sound system and the ‘Keyless Access’ lock and ignition system. Caravanners, horse and boat owners will also be delighted by the new, pivoting tow-bar. In fact, in many respects the Sharan leaves the normal boundaries for this class of vehicle far behind. Not, however, in one aspect: extremely reasonable prices!