VOLKSWAGEN Sharan 2010-Present Photos, engines & full specs

After selling more than 600,000 units in 15 years of the Sharan's first generation, Volkswagen introduced its successor at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Volkswagen and Ford formed a joint venture to build MPVs and resulted in the Sharan and Galaxy, respectively, but in 2010 the blue-oval badge brand dropped the ball, and Volkswagen had to decide if it would continue the project on its own. And it did it, launching the second generation of the Sharan, which was still produced at the same factory as its predecessor.

Since it was left alone on this project, the German carmaker used the same PQ46 platform used on the Passat. The design was sharper, with clear lines and angular-shaped headlights that resembled a similar look as the rest of the Volkswagen's range, following a common design language. Even though it looked more like a taller station wagon, the Sharan featured rear sliding doors fitted as standard. Moreover, it was fitted with LED daytime running lights and offered with an option for bi-xenon headlights.

Inside, the seven-seat cabin, with a 2-3-2 layout, provided enough room for adult-sized passengers on the first and middle rows, while the third was more appropriate for children. The dashboard's design was inspired by the Passat, with a tall center stack that was continued on the center console. It comprised the infotainment unit placed on top. The instrument cluster featured two larger dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a small TFT display for the onboard computer. By folding all the seats, apart from the driver's one, the Sharan could reach up to 2,430 liters (85.8 cu-ft) of storage space.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a wide choice of diesel and gasoline engines paired to either a six-speed manual or a 5- or 6-speed automatic.