The Highline: Packed with Features

The Volkswagen Sharan is a minivan with seven seats and dual sliding doors. Despite its large body, measuring 4,855mm in length, it's powered by an efficient 1.4-liter turbo engine. Surprisingly, it performs very well. While its main target is families, it's also convenient for transporting surfboards and could be the perfect vehicle for adults with active, multifaceted lifestyles.

“Minivans, which account for 30% of the Japanese passenger car market, are a unique Japanese product. They are not common in other countries, but we believe there are many domestic users seeking a high-quality minivan that is also enjoyable to drive. We want them to experience the appeal of the Sharan. Along with the recently releasedGolf Touran, we aim to make minivans a major pillar of our strategy in Japan.”
This is how Volkswagen Group Japan (VGJ), the importer, explains the background of the Sharan's introduction.

Two models of the Sharan are being introduced to Japan, differing in their equipment: the Sharan TSI Comfortline (¥3.79 million) and the Sharan TSI Highline (¥4.39 million). The latter comes standard with leather/Alcantara seats with integrated seat heaters, bi-xenon headlights, a rearview camera, keyless entry and start system, a power tailgate, and 17-inch wheels.

A Small Displacement Turbo Engine Pulling 1.8 Tons

Both models come standard with safety features, including ESP and DSR (Driver Steering Recommendation) for enhanced cornering stability, Brake Assist to automatically increase braking pressure in emergencies and shorten stopping distances, mobility tires that automatically seal holes smaller than 5mm, side airbags and curtain airbags to protect the head in side impacts, and ISOFIX mounts on the second and third-row seats for attaching child seats.

“We want customers to know that safety features, such as the adoption of three-point seatbelts for all seven seats, are more extensive than in domestic cars,” says VGJ.

When asked about the Sharan's appeal, one could list its abundant features, excellent build quality, high rigidity, sophisticated design, and superior handling. The engine is a surprisingly small 1.4-liter four-cylinder, but thanks to variable valve timing and twin charging via both a supercharger and a turbocharger, it doesn't feel underpowered for the 1.8-ton body. Furthermore, it incorporates Volkswagen's "BLUE MOTION" technology, combining a start-stop system with a brake energy regeneration system.

While a similar displacement unit is used in the smaller Touran minivan, the Sharan's specifications are slightly higher: 150ps maximum output (140ps for the Touran) and 240Nm maximum torque (220Nm for the Touran). The transmission also differs; while theTouranuses a dry 7-speed DSG (a dual-clutch system with two pedals), the Sharan is equipped with a more powerful wet 6-speed DSG for its engine.

Steering That Delivers Crisp Cornering

When driven, it's surprisingly powerful. Without prior knowledge, one might assume it has a displacement of around 2.5 liters, as it delivers ample torque from low RPMs that continues without interruption to the high-rev range. "Compared to domestic full-size minivans, not only is the torque numerically comparable, but the Sharan's maximum torque is available from 1,500 rpm, making it far more practical for everyday use," VGJ proudly states, and it's easy to see why.

The instantaneous fuel economy gauge shows figures as low as 4 km/liter during acceleration when the accelerator pedal is pressed deeply, but switches to an impressive over 13 km/liter when cruising. Even with a small engine, if the body is too heavy, fuel economy will suffer. However, the Sharan accelerates smoothly with minimal throttle input.

The Sharan's steering is particularly noteworthy. The steering response is sharp, even around the center position. It might feel too direct for those accustomed to Japanese minivans. When you increase the steering angle, the car reacts quickly, making cornering enjoyable. As Volkswagen explains, the center of gravity is kept as low as possible, so there is absolutely no sense of instability. It also seems relatively unaffected by crosswinds. I felt no anxiety even when cruising on the highway in relatively strong winds. The electric power steering, which enhances straight-line stability, likely plays a significant role.

Comfort and Fuel Efficiency You Feel, Not Just See in Numbers

The power sliding doors on both sides, which VGJ says were implemented due to strong requests from the Japanese side, operate with a light pull of the door handle. The doors can also be opened and closed using switches located on the B-pillar. The three individual second-row seats can each recline and slide independently, and are easily removable. They are well-made and comfortable to sit in. Unlike the relaxed, sofa-like seats often found in Japan, these seats are likely to strongly appeal to those familiar with the quality of German sedans.

There are two third-row seats. The floor is deeply recessed, making it comfortable for two adults to sit. When accessing the vehicle, the second-row seats fold in a sophisticated mechanism, creating a large opening for easy entry. This design detail highlights VW's commitment.

“Regarding advantages over domestic cars, we want people to pay attention to the overall width as well. Although it's listed as 1,910mm in the catalog, the practical width from mirror to mirror is not actually larger than that of domestic cars,” VGJ explains.

Indeed, when comparing the overall width to the Toyota Alphard, the Sharan is 1,910mm while the Alphard is a more modest 1,830mm. However, measuring from mirror to mirror, the Alphard's total width is 2,170mm, whereas the Sharan's is kept to 2,081mm. These practical measurements are a point VW consistently emphasizes. The advantage in fuel efficiency is also highlighted not by the Japanese 10-15 mode measurement, but by "real-world fuel economy" achieved through normal daily driving. They suggest that this is something you'll "understand once you drive it."

“For those considering a minivan purchase for their family, even if it's not primarily for driving enjoyment, we urge them to try the Sharan,” says VGJ. Indeed, after a test drive, one can't help but think, "Minivans can be pretty good after all."

It doesn't have an imposing presence, nor is its design particularly distinctive. It's understated, yet it's a quality product. The Sharan is a car that offers a unique joy of ownership.BMWorPorsche, one might aspire to a lifestyle of "making the most" out of functional vehicles. For such individuals, the Sharan might be a good fit.

Volkswagen Sharan
Body | Length 4,855 x Width 1,910 x Height 1,750mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,830kg
Engine | 1.4L Inline 4-cylinder + Intercooled Turbocharger and Supercharger
Max Output | 110kW (150ps) / 5,800rpm
Max Torque | 240Nm / 1,500-4,000rpm
Transmission | 6-speed DSG
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy | 14.0km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 178g/km
Drivetrain | FWD
Price | ¥3.79 million
*CO2 emissions based on European data.