VW’s MPV is now 10” longer, 65 pounds lighter than its predecessor and even more fuel efficient!
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - July 3, 2010
VW’s new Sharan is the world’s most fuel efficient MPV at 42.8 mpgUS combined on the NEDC (~ 35 mpgUS combined on the EPA). A sharp looking large Minivan with the Jetta’s 2.0L TDI engine
Volkswagen’s new MPV. An MPV that at 15.9 ft, seats up to 7 with up to 85.8 cu. ft. of cargo capacity.
Regarding safety and convenience, the new MPV includes up to 9 airbags (some are not standard equipment) and 33 storage options.
In addition, countless small detailed solutions that make everyday driving better including integrated child seats and an enormous panoramic sunroof, a Start-Stop system and battery regeneration. This is an MPV which – in the most popular engine version in Europe that still packs 138 HP yet is rated at a mind boggling 43 mpgUS combined on the NEDC. This figure is a new best in its class
throughout the world!
Meet the new Sharan
It all begins this summer. After more than 600,000 of the first two generations of Sharan MPV’s have been built, the successor model is taking over. Its four direct injection TSI gasoline and TDI diesel engines are now up to 21 percent more fuel-efficient than comparable engines of the outgoing model. The two TSIs output 148 and 197 HP, while the TDIs develop 138 and 168 HP respectively. Each of these Euro-5 engines are also available with a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG); standard equipment on the 197 HP TSI.
The 2010 Sharan is a completely redesigned vehicle.
The optionally electrically powered sliding doors have a pinch protection function that ensures safety on entry and exit. Innovations run throughout the body area like a common thread. The Sharan sets the new benchmark in the segment for the static and dynamic torsional rigidity. Despite this, weight was trimmed down. Consider the Sharan’s 1.4L TSI BlueMotion Technology. It was made a full 65 pounds lighter than the previous model with a similar engine.
The vehicle’s body styling - both appealing and functional. The new generation Sharan was also designed to be one of the most aerodynamic MPVs on the market. Its Cd is just .299, a 5 percent improvement over the already very clean previous model.
The new Sharan will be offered in the three trims including the Trendline (base vehicle), Comfortline (mid-level) and Highline (most exclusive version) as well as in 9 different body colors. In its normal configuration, the MPV has 5 seats (2:3). Thanks to the new EasyFold seating concept, the individual seats of the second row no longer need to be removed to utilize the vehicle’s maximum cargo space, rather they are stowed in the vehicle floor with a very easy-to-use folding mechanism. Like the front seats, the rear seats also adjust longitudinally and can be reclined by up to 20 degrees.
In addition, 6-seat and 7-seat packs are available. As a 6-seater, the Sharan’s second seating row is equipped with two seats that have cushioned armrests; there are also two individual seats in the third row (2:2:2). There is no middle seat in the second row, but the two remaining seats there can be moved toward the middle, offering even more utility. The 6-seater is ideal for business customers. If the customer chooses the 7-seater, just like on the 5-seater, the second row has three individual seats; there are two individual seats in the third row in this case as well (2:3:2). Regardless of which equipment line is ordered, the 6 and 7-seat Sharan versions have standard 3-zone climate control (Climatronic), the EasyEntry feature for easy access (to the third row of seats) and acoustic and visual warning signals if the rear seatbelts are unbuckled.
Convenience and safety are enhanced by an electronic parking brake and the new Park Assist system (automatic steering when parking in even smaller parking spaces, and on cobbles, between trees or on street curves – and now offers automatic parking perpendicular to the driving direction). Even the base version Sharan comes with features such as semi-automatic climate control (Climatic), radio-CD system (RCD 210), mobility tires (self-sealing in case of puncture) and an uncompromising safety pack that includes 7 airbags and ESP. Highly advanced entertainment systems and a 3-zone climate control system (Climatronic) - standard on the 6 and 7-seat versions - guarantee ideal travel conditions at any time of year. The third generation Sharan is also the only MPV in its class to be available with all-wheel drive. A VW MPV for a life in motion.
Conclusions
Just imagine driving a 7-passenger minivan to upwards of 50 + mpg? That is a highly respectable mpg/person equivalent no matter how you slice it!!!
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