Volkswagen Sharan (2010 – 2021) Review

Volkswagen Sharan (2010 – 2021) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Volkswagen Sharan is an impressively capable and versatile full-size MPV, which comes with an appealing range of frugal engines.

+Strong yet frugal diesel engines. Clever use of space inside with integrated child seats. Standard DAB. Practical sliding rear side door.

-Rear seats don’t fold into the floor in rare six-seat versions. Some cars have overly firm Sport suspension.

Insurance Groups are between 14–27
On average it achieves 83% of the official MPG figure

The Volkswagen Sharan is a brilliant seven-seat large MPV that was launched to widespread acclaim in 2010. Sliding side doors made it easy to use, and the quality was good. There was a SEAT Alhambra version, while the  Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and popular Ford Galaxy were other key rivals. Read on for our full Volkswagen Sharan review.

This Volkswagen Sharan was the first all-new design since 1995. Although the old model had a number of facelifts – some more substantial than others – it was essentially the same design underneath.

For this car, Volkswagen engineers started with a blank piece of paper: all that was carried across from the old model was the name and the blinds fitted to the rear windows.

Everything else was brand new, and it still helps make this a very sound used car choice.

It was well worth the wait for an incredibly competent car. The Volkswagen Sharan may lack pizzazz, but that doesn’t matter as it’s well built and well equipped.

It’s also roomy and extremely flexible – everything that you could want in an MPV.

Initially, there was a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, with the 140PS 2.0-litre TDI hailed as the most efficient engine to be fitted to a car of this size.

It emits just 143g/km of CO2 and returns 52.3mpg, and is a popular choice. 

There were seven seats (with an option of six for business buyers) and the rear five seats fold effortlessly away to create a flat floor and an incredibly useful load area.

Options included an improved Park Assist system that self-parks the car, adaptive chassis settings, keyless entry and a panoramic glass roof.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Volkswagen Sharan review.

Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a car that will fit a wheelchair?

"I have a Ford Galaxy with a lowered floor that can accommodate my wife’s wheelchair but her new wheelchair will not fit in. Obviously, I will have to check out any new vehicle but I want something that looks like a car and not a van and will do 0-60mph in around 10 seconds. My budget is £30-35k. Do you have any suggestions? Many thanks."
Most carmakers have moved away from these type of cars in favour of SUVs and/or van-based MPVs. Personally, I think a van-based MPV would be the best choice for you. The interior quality of these vehicles has improved a lot in recent years, which means they look and feel more car-like than ever before. Both the Citroen Berlingo MPV and Volkswagen Caddy Life are excellent cars. However, if you want something more car-like, you will need to find a Volkswagen Sharan or Renault Grand Scenic. However, if your wife's wheelchair is struggling to fit in the Ford Galaxy, neither of these vehicles may be suitable. And that means a van-based MPV may be your only option.
Answered by Dan Powell

Are there any cars with sliding doors that fit three child seats?

"I want a car or MPV with sliding doors for a family of three kids and two adults. I currently have a Ford S-MAX and we can get three child seats in the middle row but obviously that doesn’t have sliding doors. I’m considering the Mazda 5 but want to know if the middle row will hold three seats. We don’t want to go as big as the SEAT Alhambra. Hope you can help."
Unfortunately, the Mazda 5 is not compatible with what you want. It's very unlikely to seat all three kids in the back - and it only has two Isofix anchor points in the second row anyway. That leaves you with two options (unless you can think of an alternative model I haven't): 1) a larger car like the Sharan or MPV with sliding doors, 2) a slightly smaller car without sliding doors. You're unlikely to get a smaller car with sliding doors, essentially. Here are some models that fit three child seats across the back (but not all have three Isofix points): 1)Audi Q7 2) Peugeot 5008 3)VW Touran 4) VW Sharan/SEAT Alhambra 5) Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 6) Ford Galaxy 7) Renault Grand Scenic 8) Citroen C5 Aircross (two outer seats get isofix mounts) 9) Vauxhall Combo Life/Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Rifter (second row gets 3 isofix points and fits 3 child seats, but the third row with two seats isn't suitable for car seats. It has sliding doors but is obviously much larger than your S-MAX as it's van-based). 10) Volvo XC90
Answered by Georgia Petrie

What seven seater on a £6000 budget do you recommend?

"What seven seater on a £6000 budget do you recommend?"
A Toyota Verso would be a good choice. It's practical and reliable, and your budget will get you one from around 2012. Alternatively, if you need more space, consider a Volkswagen Sharan.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Could you recommend a seven-seater for a narrow driveway?

"We have a very narrow driveway and are thinking of buying a seven-seater to house two children's car seats (one three-year-old and one newborn) and two adults and luggage most of the time. Occasionally, there's five adults and the two child seats. One adult is small and mobile (e.g. can climb over and sit in a small space) but two of the adults are elderly with very limited mobility. We were thinking that one with sliding doors would help with our narrow drive situation (brick walls on either side). Even on our Ford Fiesta, we can't open both sides fully and therefore it's difficult getting young children and elderly adults in and out. We're also looking to buy secondhand. What should we look at?"
I'd recommend a Volkswagen Sharan or SEAT Alhambra. They're not particularly narrow but have plenty of space and sliding doors. Also consider a Mazda 5.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Sharan (2010 – 2021) cost?