The Euro-spec Volkswagen Sharan has soldiered on with little in the way of updates since it first launched in February 1995, but our latest spy shots prove a significant update is finally in the works. The next-generation is expected to debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
Like its competitors from Ford, Renault and Opel, the new Sharan will grow significantly in all dimensions but, different from the others, will feature two sliding doors for easy access to the passenger compartment. Aside from its retention of sliding doors, however, the new Sharan will be an evolutionary development of the current design. The next-gen Sharan will be more modern, of course, and feature a Golf-derived front fascia, but its overall design will be more evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
Underhood, European buyers can expect gas engines ranging between 115 and 200+ horsepower, and TDI diesels up to 160 horsepower. To date, no substantial rumors or leaks have shed more light on the drivetrain for the next Sharan, leaving ample room for speculation.
Although it is difficult to make out details through the camo, it appears as if the Sharan will take on design language common to the 2010 Polo and Rabbit models.
Although VW currently sells the Chrysler-made Routan minivan in the United States, it remains possible that the Sharan could eventually wind up on our shores. Routan sales have never been very strong, putting the entire program in jeopardy. If VW does pull the plug on the Routan – the Sharan could be an adequate replacement. Giving credence to possible U.S. Sharan sales, these spy photos were taken in the southwest United States.
07/07, 12:02 PM
posted by:
benroethig
Not bad. Much better than the current Sharan.
07/07, 12:14 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Are they going to be sourcing this one from Toyota instead of Crapper I mean Chrysler?
What happened to the original VW bus? Those things are still cool.
07/07, 12:19 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
Meh
07/07, 12:30 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I saw an unmasked 2010 Mercedes B-Class around my parts, anyone know why this would be here?
07/07, 12:34 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
^Nevermind, it was a Canadian car.
this is kind of interesting, more in line with VW than the Routan
07/07, 12:36 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I think the minivan segment is far from dead. The more they twist the sheet metal and slope the roof lines the more useless most of the crossovers and SUVs become. You can probably fit more in a Kia Soul than a X5 and you can certainly fit more in a Caravan or Odyssey than in anything outside of a Yukon or Expedition. They are extremely versatile vehicles and I see the biggest challenge facing those who still want to play in this game is getting them to drive better than the box they came in. The Odyssey does a nice job and even the current Routan is miles ahead of its Chrysler counterpart. The funny part is Chrysler used to make some ‘performance’ versions of the Magic Wagons with turbos and 3 pedals. I know it’s unlikely this segment will ever head back in that direction but there’s no reason they can’t be, for lack of a better term, just a little more cool than most of the offerings now.
07/07, 1:20 PM
posted by:
SloW8
Sweet. I will take one. Hopefully it will be out in time for my wife to get a replacement for her MPV. The Chrysler and its VW counterpart scare me. Too many transmission stories for me to buy one. I would be happy to support VW in this venture.
07/07, 1:42 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Hey, Johnny, I can lay a full 4′ X 8′ sheet of plywood or drywall down flat in my Quest when I fold the seats down. I don’t even see many pickup trucks that can do that anymore. I know there are some, but I just don’t see them driving around unless they have some contractor logo on them.
07/07, 1:54 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I know beatus, they’re awesome that way. I know you read my post about Canada’s cash for clunkers deal but I’ll tell you right now if someone made an AWD Minivan again that’s what I’d get.
07/07, 2:28 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
^ The Kia Sedona can do as much as any of the other Minivans PLUS it’s got the 3.8L standard, the same engine as in the Genesis Sedan and Coupe all for under $20k – After Rebates. Talk about a vehicle people overlook…
07/07, 2:36 PM
posted by:
vandawg
If VW wants a piece of the pie here, they need to not just recycle a T&C, but put out something bigger (taller) that could become a camper (westfalias are on every block here in Tacoma). Then I’d be interested. It would need decent mpg–I tend to think diesel rather than hybrid, esp., since they are doing well with that technology state side.
07/07, 2:45 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
In typical VW tradition, this one should be just as big a piece of sh1t as the current abomination. A GM Lambda is a better choice. It’s better built, better looking, drives as well as a Rolls Royce and is built with typical GM quality and reliability which means you’ll be able to drive many hundreds of thousands of miles without ever having a problem. Just like the rest of us.
GM. AN American Revolution
07/07, 4:51 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
NMOFGM
How about those GM Minivans? Oh yeah, they DONT HAVE ANY ANYMORE!!!
07/07, 4:51 PM
posted by:
F50
NMOFGM
According to your logic, GM Cars drive the best, and Rolls drive like crap, so that means the Lambda drives like sh*t?
07/07, 5:11 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
The problem with the Sharan is that by the time this stretched, tweaked and facelifted version comes to market it will be a nearly 20 year old basic design!! Sure, the Routan may be an abomination but at least the platform is reasonably modern and the motors adequately torquey.. just how many Americans does VW think will be flocking to a 7- or 8-seat vehicle powered by a turbo 4? Unless it looks like the original (similarly underpowered) VW Bus, I would imagine very few.
07/07, 6:45 PM
posted by:
A.J.
This looks cool. Like the Saturn Zafira that never happened.
I actually liked the Routan, though. Much better than the Caravan/TC.
07/08, 1:16 AM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Although you are right by saying the Sedona is an often overlooked yet good minivan, Jake, I guarantee you cannot lay a full sheet of plywood flat on the floor (and close the hatch) in a Sedona. My friends have one, and it’s about 6″ narrower and 2′ shorter than my Quest. I bought the Quest for that specific reason (one of many).
07/08, 3:15 AM
posted by:
A4
2.0T in a minivan and I’m sold on its existance. The Routan should have had it.
07/08, 3:17 AM
posted by:
A4
I remember I almost got hit by a Sharan when I was riding my bike as a stupid teenager, it’s crazy to think that is the same model that is around today.