Volkswagen Sharan

1.8L I4 110 kW (148 hp) 20V Turbo
2.0L I4 85 kW (114 hp)
2.8L VR6 128 kW (172 hp)
2.8L VR6 150 kW (201 hp) 24V
Diesel:
1.9L I4 66 kW (89 hp) TDI
1.9L I4 81 kW (109 hp) TDI
1.9L I4 85 kW (114 hp) TDI
1.9L I4 96 kW (129 hp) TDI
1.9L I4 110 kW (148 hp) TDI
2.0L I4 103 kW (138 hp) TDI
The Volkswagen Sharan is a large MPV produced by the German automaker Volkswagen since 1995.
The name Sharan is derived from a Persian word meaning “Carrier of Kings”.
The Volkswagen Sharan/Ford Galaxy joint venture project started in 1991. Plans were for both carmakers to enter the multi-purpose vehicle segment in Europe. Late in 1994 the fruits of this joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and Ford of Europe were revealed and production started in early 1995 at the Autoeuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal.
The Volkswagen Group subsequently rebadged the Volkswagen version in 1996, and sold it also as the SEAT Alhambra alongside the Sharan. Each of the three MPV models has its own subtle differences in exterior, and, for the Ford Galaxy, in interior design.
As of 2007, the annual production for the Sharan is in the 50,000 unit range; it is sold in Europe, South Africa and some Asia-Pacific and South American countries. In Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina, it is available with the 2.8L V6 versions only.
The Sharan is not sold in the United States and Canada. Originally this was due to an agreement between Ford and Volkswagen, leaving the market free from competition for Ford’s Aerostar minivan. More recently Volkswagen again decided against introducing the Sharan in North America, and instead contracted with Chrysler to build the larger Routan minivan.
The original Sharan was launched in 1995, and was available with five engine choices:
The 2.8 V6 model had the option of Syncro all-wheel drive.
The Sharan received a EuroNCAP three-star safety rating when it was tested in 1999.
Awards
The Sharan and its stablemates received a major facelift in 2000. At this time, VW also extended the wheelbase by 6 mm (0.2 in), increased the front and rear track, and gave it the “VW family” look of the time.
A further minor cosmetic facelift was also done for the 2004 model year, in September 2003. This updated primarily the grill and the rear light graphics, and added some new standard equipment such as air conditioning and curtain side air bags. From 2006, the Ford Galaxy production shifted to a dedicated Ford plant in Limburg, Belgium making the Sharan and Alhambra designs dedicated to the Volkswagen Group.
Sharan is currently offered with nine different engine choices:
The TDI 96 kW (129 hp) and the 2.8 V6 are offered with the option of 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Awards
LPG Sharan
In 2006 PrinceGas and VW launched the Sharan with a 2.0 L 85 kW (114 hp) flexible fuel engine, which could work with either petrol or autogas (liquified petroleum gas), providing an additional 450 km (280 miles) range over the regular 2.0L petrol engine. Both fuel tanks, the 70L (18 US gallon) petrol tank and the 60L liquid gas tank combined, give the Sharan enough fuel to cover 730 km (454 miles) between refuels at an average fuel consumption of 9.6 L/100 km.
The liquid gas tank is built into the spare wheel well so it does not compromise on passenger and loading space of the Sharan’s interior, although it does eliminate the spare tire.
With the cooperation with Ford Galaxy moving to Belgium, the final first-generation Ford Galaxy rolled off the AutoEuropa line at the end of 2005.
The current Sharan and SEAT Alhambra are expected to continue in production at Palmela, alongside the Volkswagen Eos until late 2009, when the second-generation Sharan is due to be launched. There is some evidence for strategic indecision concerning the stillborn Microbus reincarnation with which the replacement Sharan would have shared a platform. However, it now it appears that the next Sharan will share its platform with the current Passat.
Sharan Phase 1 front view 1995-2000
Sharan Phase 1 rear view 1995-2000
Sharan Phase 1.75 front view 2004-present
Sharan Phase 1.75 rear view 2004-present