Over the weekend, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) launched their premium MPV in Malaysia. Over 600,000 units have been sold globally and the Sharan is finally on Malaysian soil. Held at Carcosa Seri Negara, the launch took the form of a family day where media personnel and their families were treated to the versatility of the premium MPV.
The Sharan is a full-fledged MPV and weighs a hefty 1,838kg and under the hood is a 2.0-litre TSI mill that is mated to a 6-speed DSG box. This powerplant produces 200PS and a maximum of 280Nm and, based on the last couple of VWs we drove, should ensure the Sharan gets plenty of pace. Zerotohundred numbers are irrelevant in an MPV, but for the curious – 8.3 seconds, and a 218km/h top speed. Efficiency is a claimed 8.5L/100km in a combined cycle. Design cues are typical Volkswagen fare; in fact, it looks almost like an elongated, slightly bigger Cross Touran.
A host of goodies come as standard in the Sharan – there are remote operated electric sliding side doors, directional bi-xenons, touchscreen sat-nav system, panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, Park Assist (with an integrated rear view camera), 17" 'Sydney' alloys, 'Vienna' leather upholstery and 3-zone A/C system. The head unit in the Sharan is the more premium RNS510 that also has an SD card reader, DVD drive and a 30Gb HDD.
In terms of safety, the Sharan has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating along with an extensive list of safety equipment. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Drag Torque Control (EDTC) Trailer Roll Stabilisation Program (TRSP) are some of the abbreviations. As standard, nine airbags are also included – one knee airbag for the driver, side airbags on the first and second row, as well as curtain airbags for all rows of seats. Customers who purchase the Sharan are likely folks with big families, so it is interesting to note that the Sharan comes with one integrated child seat on the left side of the second row, in addition to ISOFIX anchorage points.
For the itchy fingered few who insist on upgrades, a ‘Tech Package’ is offered. This upgrade includes the adaptive chassis control, DYNAUDIO 300-Watt 8 speaker sound system, a keyless start/stop system as well as a ‘Lane Assist’ lane departure warning system. Six shades are offered for the potential Sharan buyer – Candy White, Toffee Brown, Reflex Silver, Night Blue, Indium Grey, and Deep Black; our favourite pick sways between either Toffee Brown or Night Blue.
In standard trim, the Sharan will cost RM245,888 while the optional Tech Package will go for RM269,888.
** All picture credits go to HuaiPoh. Click on his name to view his Flickr album.
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