Volkswagen Sharan

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Volkswagen Sharan

Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Production	1995–present
Predecessor	None
Class	Large MPV
Body style	5-door MPV
Layout	FF layout
Similar	Chrysler Voyager Citroën C8 Ford Galaxy Renault Espace Peugeot 807

The Volkswagen Sharan is a large MPV produced by the German automaker Volkswagen since 1995. Produced in a joint venture with Ford, it sells a version of the same model as the Ford Galaxy, and VW's Spanish subsidiary SEAT sells another version, known as the Alhambra. All three models are built in Palmela, Portugal.

1 History
2 Sharan Phase 1
3 Sharan Phase 1.5
4 LPG Sharan
5 Criticism
6 External links

[edit] History

The name Sharan is derived from a Persian word meaning "Carrier of Kings".

The VW Sharan/Ford Galaxy joint venture project started in 1991, plans were for both carmakers to enter the multi-purpose vehicle segment. Late in 1994 the Volkswagen Group and Ford Europe revealed their new twins, and production started in early 1995. The Volkswagen Group later on rebadged their Volkswagen version and sold it as the SEAT Alhambra in 1996.

Annual production figures for the VW Sharan are in the 50,000 unit region.

The Sharan is sold in Europe, South Africa and some Asia-Pacific and South American countries. The Sharan was not sold in North America due to an agreement between Ford and Volkswagen, leaving the market free from competition for Ford's Aerostar minivan.

The three MPVs received a major facelift in 2000 with each having their own designs.

The Sharan sold in Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina was powered by the 2.8 V6 versions only.

[edit] Sharan Phase 1

Released in 1995 It came with 4 engine choices:

2.0 L 85 kW - 4 cylinder petrol
1.8 turbo L 110 kW - 4 cylinder petrol
1.9 L 81 kW TDI
2.8 V6 L 128 kW - 6 cylinder petrol

The 2.8 V6 came with the option of Syncro all wheel drive.

Dimensions:

Length: 4620 mm
Width: 2150 mm (with wing mirrors)
Height: 1762 mm
Wheelbase: 2835 mm

Awards

1999 Auto Express New Car Honours - Best MPV
1998 Top Gear Magazine Top Cars - Best People Carrier (Joint Winner)
1996 What Car Awards - Best People Carrier (Joint Winner)
1996 Auto Express Awards - Best People Carrier (Joint Winner)

[edit] Sharan Phase 1.5

The Sharan has received one major facelift in 2000, VW also extended the wheelbase by 6mm and gave it the VW "Family" look of the time.

A minor cosmetic facelift was also done for the 2004MY in September 2003.

-fresher front bonnet design

-new rear light graphics

-chrome plated grill

-wider side skirts

-intergrated turning signals in exterior side mirrors

-standard curtain airbags.

It comes with 6 engine choices:

2.0 L 85 kW - 4 cylinder petrol
2.0 L 85 kW - 4 cylinder petrol with LPG
1.8 turbo L 110 kW - 4 cylinder petrol
2.8 V6 150 kW - 6 cylinder petrol
1.9 L 85 kW TDI
1.9 L 96 kW TDI

The TDI 96 kW and the 2.8 V6 came with the option of 4Motion all wheel drive.

Dimensions:

Length: 4634 mm
Width: 1810 mm (without wing mirrors)
Height: 1730 mm (1759 mm with roof rails)
Wheelbase: 2841 mm

Awards

2000 Auto Express New Car Honours - Best MPV

[edit] LPG Sharan

The Sharan in 2006 was released with a 2.0 L 85kW flexible fuel engine, which could work with either petrol or autogas (liquified petroleum gas). The 60 L liquid gas tank was built into the spare wheel well, so as not to compromise the size of the car's interior. As a result, the Sharan receives an additional range of up to 450 km (280 miles), because it retains its 70 litre (18 US Gallon) petrol capacity, enough to cover 730 km (454 miles) at an average fuel consumption of 9.6 L/100 km.

last paragraph based from Volkswagen AG PR on Sharan LPG

[edit] Criticism

The Sharan has only been criticised by mechanics for its awkward placing of the pollen filter. To get to it, one must first remove the windscreen wiper blades and the protective cover - said by some to be a laborious task, even for the most skilled mechanics.

In the United Kingdom, the name has been considered a questionable choice for a motor vehicle, as it can be pronounced by the uninitiated as Sharon, which is synonymous with Essex Girl jokes.