An MPV is a useful alternative to an estate car. Some carry seven or eight people, yet their 'one-box' design means they don't occupy too much road space. The occupants sit high with a good view out, and usually the seats fold in ingenious ways or can be removed. Volkswagen's Sharan, made in Portugal with the near-identical Ford Galaxy and Seat Alhambra, is one of the UK's most popular full-size MPVs. Engines are a mild 2.0, a turbo 1.8, a 2.8 VR6 or diesel TDIs.History
The new special Sharan Freestyle model shines in all respects: Elegant chrome, aluminium décor and silver trim inserts give the MPV a sporty look. The optional 'Fun & Action' package with bicycle rack, cooler box and sports bag is an ideal extra for all sports and leisure fans. All details have been coordinated in the Sharan Freestyle: The bumpers and side skirting have chrome strips and the rear trim is chrome-look. There are also matching chrome roof rails and chrome inserts on the door handles. The interior trim inserts are matt aluminium. The standard RCD 200 radio system in the Sharan Freestyle with integrated CD player and MP3 playback is also framed in aluminium. The insert in the combi instrument is painted silver and underlines the overall high-quality feel of the cockpit.
Germany's most successful large MPV has been in production at the Portuguese Setubal factory since May 1995. Over 490,000 Sharans have been built to date. The models delivered since 2004 have been perfected with new visual details and a range of new features. The bonnet and tail light cluster have been redesigned, the sills have been discreetly widened and side turn signals have been integrated in the exterior mirrors. The Sharan is fitted with a chrome radiator grille as standard. Standard equipment also includes a comprehensive package with ESP, brake assistant, front, side and curtain airbags, a dual air conditioning system (with separate temperature and ventilation control in the rear) and 16-inch wheels with correspondingly wide tyres.