Fuel Efficiency Improved by Up to 14.3 Percent

Measuring 4,854mm long, 1,904mm wide, and 1,713mm high, the Volkswagen "Sharan" MPV features dual sliding doors and is available as a 5- or 7-seater (the current Japanese specification is 7-seater only).SharanThis year marks the 20th anniversary of the first generation's debut in 1995. The current, third-generation model, which debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, has now received an update.

One of the key updates is the adoption of the latest engine units, resulting in fuel efficiency improvements of up to 14.3 percent.

The gasoline engines include a 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology with a maximum output of 110kW (150ps), and a 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Technology, borrowed from the "Golf GTI"Golf GTI", delivering a maximum output of 162kW (220ps) and peak torque of 350Nm. Despite being an MPV, the latter boasts a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 226km/h.

The diesel engines, equipped with a urea-based SCR system for exhaust gas purification, are all 2-liter inline 4-cylinder 2.0 TDI units, offered in three power outputs: 85kW (115ps), 110kW (150ps), and 162kW (220ps). The 85kW and 110kW versions with a 6-speed manual transmission achieve remarkable fuel economy of 5.0 L/100km (approximately 20 km/L).

Regardless of fuel type, all powertrains feature a start/stop function and a brake energy recovery system. Furthermore, only the 110kW (150ps) diesel model is available with all-wheel drive (4MOTION); other models are front-wheel drive.

Smartphone Connectivity Enhanced

Driver assistance systems have also been updated to improve convenience and safety. Automatic emergency braking to prevent secondary collisions is now standard. Optional features include Front Assist and City Emergency Brake, which operates at speeds below 30km/h. Additionally, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is now available for the Sharan for the first time.

Other new features include an Auto Hold function added to the brakes to prevent unintended rollback on hills, the third-generation parking assist system for semi-automatic parking, a blind-spot monitor that warns of other vehicles in blind spots, and a rear traffic alert that detects crossing vehicles or pedestrians when reversing from a parking space.

The infotainment system has been upgraded to the latest generation, featuring modular components. It supports smartphone integration with the car's display through "Android Auto," Apple's "Car Play," and the universal standard "Mirror Link."

Exterior updates include newly designed LED rear combination lights, new 16-inch wheels, and two new body colors. Interior trim options include Platinum Silver for the standard Trendline, Piano Black for the standard Highline, and Mirror Oak for the standard Comfortline and optional Highline.

In a market where Japanese automakers fiercely compete with minivans, the new Citroën "C4 Grand Picasso", and the upcoming new Mercedes-Benz "V-Class", which is rumored to be arriving in Japan soon, Volkswagen will likely face these competitors with the updated Sharan.