Used Volkswagen Sharan 2010-2022 review

If you want space upon space upon space, then the incredibly roomy Volkswagen Sharan is very easy to recommend.

The original Sharan shared its underpinnings with the Seat Alhambra and the Ford Galaxy, but this second-generation model is only related to the Seat, its VW Group cousin. Both MPVs are virtually identical, which means sharp styling, huge interiors and reasonably good driving manners.

Engines & Practicality: There’s also a good range of efficient engines on offer, with one 1.4-litre petrol available as a manual or automatic, or a 2.0-litre TDI diesel available in two power outputs, and again, both with either a manual or automatic gearbox.

On the road all the engine options are pretty smooth and refined, although it’s the diesels that offer more low-down punch and better fuel economy. They can all be driven with reasonable verve, too, even if, perhaps understandably, they won’t inspire keener drivers. The best balance is probably to be found in the 148bhp 2.0 TDI version, because it has the pull large families need but also emits the least CO2 and uses the least fuel.

The more powerful 182bhp unit is usefully quicker, but it’s less refined around town, with marginally more noise and vibration being evident from the driver’s seat. Both, however, are impressively refined on the motorway.

That said, for the best refinement, you’ll want the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol. It’s by far the quietest engine under load and remains smooth no matter how hard you work it. Both the diesels by contrast sound gruff at high revs, especially when cold, and send more vibrations back though the pedals and steering wheel.

Ride & Handling: No MPV can claim to be immensely fun to drive, but the Sharan does a good job in the handling department. It’s not as sharp as the Ford Galaxy or sportier Seat Alhambra, but there’s enough weight and precision in the VW’s steering for it to feel eager and body control in tight bends is very good.

DCC adaptive chassis control is also available as an option. It individually adjusts the dampers at each wheel to give better body control yet improves ride comfort. The system works well and also offers drivers the option to override the Normal setting with a Sport or Comfort mode.

Interior & Practicality: The Sharan's huge interior and its quality is the main selling point, and there's neat touches like the sliding rear doors (electrically operated on some trims) that makes getting in and out of the car in tight spaces so much easier. The two rearmost seats can happily accommodate tall adults, and there’s a reasonably sized boot even with all the seats up, and a positively huge one with the two rear rows of seats down.

Trims & Equipment: There are four different trim choices, although only the top three can be paired with the pokier diesel engine. Even the base S trim comes pretty well equipped, though, with electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, and automatic wipers as standard on the outside, while inside there is tri-zone climate control, Volkswagen's Composition infotainment system complete with a 6.5in touchscreen display, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

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Sharans with huge mileages can be had for as little as £5000, but it's probably more advisable to spend more on one with a lower mileage. You’ll need at least £8000 to buy a good Sharan, with an average mileage for the year. Reckon on that and you’ll get a 2011 car with a full history from an independent dealer or trader. As we said it’s possible to pick one up for less but only with a six-figure mileage.

Up the dosh to between £10,000 and £12,000 and you’ll get a good 2012 car with an average mileage and a full service history, while £13,000 to £17,000 will net you a post-facelift 2014 car, possibly even a 2016 car from a trader.

Expect to spend around £23,000 on one of the final Sharans.

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MPG: Unsurprisingly the most economical Sharans are the diesels, with the 2.0 TDI 150 in Bluemotion spec seeing an average claimed 56.5mpg. The more powerful 2.0 TDI 184 diesel will see an average 53.3mpg in certain trims, while the petrol 1.4-litre will claim an average 43.5mpg in its most economical trims.

Road tax: This should be relatively low, whether registered before or after the road tax changes of April 2017. If your Sharan was registered after that data, it'll be £180 per year.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups waver around 20, which is reasonable.

Servicing costs are reasonable, with a service plan that offers you a discount on your next two services at £468, or a fixed-cost maintenance plan that allows you to choose your annual mileage and how long you’re going to keep the car before computing a monthly payment for you.

The best balance, and our pick of the range, is the 148bhp 2.0 TDI, because it has the pull large families need, but also emits the least CO2 and uses the least fuel.

Entry-level S models get electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, and automatic wipers as standard on the outside, while inside there is tri-zone climate control, a cooled glove box and Volkswagen's Composition infotainment system complete with a 6.5in touchscreen display, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Upgrading to SE adds 16in alloy wheels, chrome-plated roof rails, parking sensors, cruise control, second row picnic tables and vanity mirrors. We'd opt for this trim, if available on the forecourts.

Our favourite Volkswagen Sharan: 2.0 TDI 150 SE

The Ford Galaxy has a practical and well-equipped interior, and it’s comfortable and good to drive. It is pricier than the Alhambra, but on a par with the Sharan. Only the sluggish infotainment system lets this car down.

The Seat Alhambra is the sister under the skin of the Sharan. Like the VW, it’s incredibly roomy and practical, relatively affordable used, and it’s comfortable. It should, if anything, be slightly cheaper on the used forecourts than the VW.

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Interested in buying a used Volkswagen Sharan? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.