We review the Volkswagen Sharan from price to economy and all its features

Something special … Volkswagen Sharan

IT has been a big month for big Volkswagen.

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The iconic California camper van racked up its 50,000th model in Hanover, while another hefty unit has also been impressing on British roads.

The battle for MPV sales has never been tougher and you need a special car to make an impact.

And while there are plenty of options, you can always rely on Volkswagen’s Sharan to give you build quality, performance, practicality and no little style.

While some MPVs look and feel heavy, the Sharan is surprisingly nimble and neat.

It takes some of its styling cues from the Polo and Golf and that creates the image that this beast is smaller than it actually is.

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Sizeable and stylish … cues from Polo and Golf

There are four engine options, including the popular 2litre diesels.

They are solid, reliable performers that won’t let you down. They are powerful when you need a little speed, and real mile-munchers on the motorway.

The £33,195 2litre BlueMotion will give you 47mpg and go from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds with a top speed of 129mph.

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That’s more than enough for any family because their main concern will always be practicality and comfort — drive experience does not rate that highly on the family car wishlist. And there the Sharan scores highly.

There is plenty of room for seven people and you don’t need a degree in physics to get into the car or change the seating requirements. The electronic sliding doors are a winner in everyone’s books — especially in car parks where the spaces are just a fraction wider than the car.

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Big success … super-flexible interior

There is not a huge boot when you are piling people in, but no MPV has mastered that yet. As a five-seater, the boot space rises to 711 litres, and 2,297 litres if you fold both rear rows of seats and load to the roof.

You still have the option of folding the front passenger seat flat if you need more space.

The interior is classic VW. It feels plush and everything is where it should be. You do not have to hunt for it, and then try to work out how to operate it. Simple is classy in the VW world.

The Ford Galaxy may still be the level that most MPVs aspire to, but you would be seriously blundering if you did not check out the Sharan.

It is a big success.