Volkswagen's Sharan Is The Pragmatic Euro Hauler We Need In America 

This type of mini van & also some of the affordable, reliable, sporty wagons need to come back to N.America. A updated Mazda 5 probably would look really good & fun to driveby now. So very tired of the overkill of SUVs already. Thanks for sharing Alex!

I’m still mourning the loss of the VW Alltrack/Sportwagen 😢😢

How to write off a holiday in the Cotswolds - record a car review. 😄

US citizen who lives in Europe. It drives me a bit mad to see all of the practical choices available in Europe unavailable in the US. (This car, the Honda Fit/Jazz, and so on).

I'd love to see more (any?) compact, mainstream wagons - the Corolla hybrid wagon comes to mind.

... and now your vacation is a business expense write off 😀

Love seeing Alex overseas. I hope he reviews a ton of Skodas and Renaults.😊

Bring back the small/practical vehicles (also, tax the hell out of the big ones - an F150 should cost 5x a Golf in tax)

Actually the Sharan is based on the Passat B6 and it's maximum towing capacity was 2200kg (4400lbs). The smaller 7 seater VW's are the Touran and Caddy Maxi.

Fond memories of our Mazda5 which was replaced by a Ford Flex.

This reminds me a lot of the Mazda 5. Those sliding doors are very practical if you have small children and the person next to you parked too close.

European cars are the best. So many cool “MPV” options.

I love station wagons and practical-shaped cars, but apparently, I am in the minority.

I doubt that it can handle the payload needed for an average 7 member family America. Just like our Spark was a 4 seater but a 5 seater in other markets or Prius V being a 7 seater in other markets but 5 seater in America.

Nice glasses. And... have you lost a few pounds? I live half the year in France, where I drive an elderly Sharan-sized Citroën C4 Picasso. My daughter-in-law, in Houston, drives a ponderous giant Audi SUV. The two models are exemplary of offerings in the two markets.

I have owned for the past 22 years a Seat Alhambra, the cousin to the Sharan. In fact, in the the Sharan, Alhambra and Ford Galaxy in their first generation were same car with minor cosmetic differences and were all made in the same factory in Portugal . For their second and third and last generation only the VW and Seat models were the same made in the same factory. As an interest story when I ordered mine I had seen the Sharan was available in a configuration with leather captain chairs not available in the Seat and I asked the dealer to inquire and did in fact order the version in the Seat brand. The Seat dealers still say it is the only one like it they have seen. Great car with the very reliable 1.9l TD diesel.

Forget having a small minivan in America -- why can't we get electric child locks? I had no idea those were a thing at all!

I remember the Mazda5. I always thought it looked good. Americans just don’t get the small cars Europe gets

Sharan was based on the Passat not the Golf and calling it small sounds very 🇺🇸. We had the top spec version of the twin of this car - the Seat Alhambra - and it was pretty nippy with 184hp and the DSG. Massive sunroof, alcantara seats, electric doors and hatch, 7 seats - we enjoyed our ‘bus’ for over 5 yrs❤

To bad Americans don't gravitate towards mini minivans/wagons/hatchbacks... 😑

Always thought that the Sharan and the other Euro MPVs were cool vehicles. Just amazing packaging in a pretty handsome wrapper. Sad that automakers have killed off this type of vehicle for compact 7-seat CUVs. I think the Tiguan Allspace was effectively the Sharan's replacement. Also, this last gen of VW interiors look more solid and elegant than whatever VW is putting on their new EVs.

This was the Mazda 5 once upon a time

I was just talking about Euro MPV’s with a friend yesterday! Saying that I’d LOVE one of these but will never get to own one ☹️

3rd row gets very uncomfortable when you are rear ended by an F150.

That’s not a castle, that’s the gatehouse for Sudeley castle near winchcombe

Glad to see you review a well made European VW. It's definitely the level of polish and solidity I'd expect in a VW.

Manufacturers offer vehicles in the U.S. that sell best. Sadly, we have terrible taste in vehicles. We gravitate toward SUVs and full-size pickups, which are less practical, have worse handling, are less efficient, and are more expensive. We're just not too smart. Of course, some people truly need an SUV or truck, but it seems that most who own them do not. Vans and hatchbacks are much more practical choices. They are easier to get in and out of. They have a lower cargo liftover. They handle better. They offer more cargo volume with all seats down. I wish we had European sensibilities in that regard. I'd love to see small vans like this make a comeback in the U.S. It reminds me of the short-wheelbase Dodge Caravan and Mazda MPV of the past. I could really use a sensible, practical little van like this VW. The closest comparable vehicle currently on sale in the U.S. is the Ford Transit Connect passenger van, but it's absurdly priced, starting at over $35k with a tiny 2.0L 4cyl and plastic wheel covers. If it were priced reasonably, say like today's similar-sized subcompact CUVs, I'd consider buying one. But for a mid-spec XLT with just optional alloy wheels, it's over $40k. No way, Ford!

So many cars around the world that don't come over here. I want the Corolla Hybrid Wagon to cross the pond.

I just want German wagons back. Avants/Alltracks/etc. Europe gets so many more cars than we do 😢 Sadly I ended up with a Taos (which I do enjoy driving and think is packaged very well and has a lot of room for its wheelbase) because a crossover or bigger is the only way to get a decent POV in the USA with the proliferation of huge cars. Race to the biggest in the US is absurd... but we do have streets and the built environment that makes it feasible.

For my next trip to England, I'll be looking for the 7-passenger Prius V wagon.

A tall Golf is exactly what Americans need (but not necessarily want). Crash safety standards have turned passenger car windows into gun slits.

It’s the castle of Arghh

When I was in England, I took an Uber ride in a Mercedes Metris that had a rear-facing second row. I really want to see more of those, and if not the car itself, then at least put more rear-facing or side-facing seats in vans and minivans. I think it would make them a lot more fun.

I'm showing my age, but my favourite small wagon was the VolksWagen Type 3, or SquareBack Sedan. I out-raced an AMC Hornet because mine was faster on curves and I drove one cross-country on tank roads at Fort Hood. They were versatile, sporty, and could handle off-road driving.

This reminds of Mazda 5. A great mini van that was discontinued in North America. The only flaw of Mazda 5 was the weak engine. Mazda refused to put 2.5 engine sky active that they put on all their other cars except the Mazda 5. I believe had they done that it would have been a good seller for them.

Minivans cost close to $50,000 regularly now. With no transit van there is no cheap minivan options. The number of companies that would love this as a dodge caravan cargo version is huge - not everyone needs a sprinter.

Mannnnn no ! The Sharan was not the first real minivan... It was the Renault Espace. And wayyyyyyy better than the Sharan. The issue in Europe is their dumb way of imitation of the US with the SUV.... The Ford Galaxy is one of the last survivors as well. Honestly we had the best minivans in the world and now the only survivor is the Sienna. Cool but not as practical and smart as the European version. Nowadays in Europe if you have a 3 kids... Good luck !

My dad had the first gen Sharan in México, it was a pretty roomy, in México came with the 1.8 turbo and a 5 speed Tiptronic, we travel a lot in that one, I have a lot of memories in the Sharan, sadly the second gen never came to México.

The Elephant on the room is NHTSA. Which keeps these out of NA.

Okay more airline-style folding trays in vehicles like this please, those looks excellent for long road trips

You mentioned French cars. You should do a show on EVs here, particularly the Renault Megane and Citroën e-C4.

We need to send Alex on more vacations to foreign locations so we can get these videos!

If it is logical and make sense modern automakers won't make. They think high coeffient designs are great. It is not; the additional few miles you gain in range just isn't worth it versus styling and or comfort. How about a restomod 1930's Duesenberg?

I miss the VW Corrado VR6. The Corrado-E would be fantastic!

Still own mk4 gen TDI ALH Golf and Wagon. Will never buy new VW until they release another TDI in NA.

The Mazda5 was a terrific MPV.

Bro this year in Belgium (I leave) Euro 6 is out I had a sharan with 7 seats but the window from up won't close and it started to rain outside

Hever Castle were Richard Burton filmed Henry the VIII in 1969.

It looks similar to Volkswagen Touran (No sliding door at the back and No 7 seats). When I am in Europe I drive 2005 2.0 TDI model. After all of those years it looks like new an fuel efficiency is unbelievable. I can get 5 liters per 100kms with 4 people on board. Seats at the back can be removed so I can have small van. Thanks Alex

*This VW Sharan Diesel makes the EV VW ID models look laughable!*

That reminds me of the prius v, that is what i wish for, that was stopped for the rav4 hybrid , why they took the pruis v 😢

Alex, the Sharan in that version has been out since 2010 and had a generation before. It had nothing to do with the Golf. It’s build on the same platform as the Passat or Tiguan. Also existed as a Seat Alhambra or Ford Galaxie over its lifespan.

It would be made in Mexico and total junk quality.

Given the price of fuel in the U.K. you can easily see why the diesel is very popular with private buyers. With that you would likely be getting close to or just over 40 mpg US.

We need a non GTI/R golf!

We need this in the US, yes please !

No MPV in North America, you say? I disagree. Ford gave it a college try with the North American Transit Connect Wagon. The second generation even came in two lengths, the short one was a five-seater and the long wheelbase model had seven seats arranged like in this Sharan, with the same third row design (flipping seat bottom, etc.). For a time you could even get Ford’s 1.6L turbo four cylinder in your Transit Connect Wagon. The interior design was shared with the Ford Focus. One problem: nobody really bought them. I entirely agree that these boxy, practical, and funnish-to-drive hatchback based MPVs are right sized and should be more popular in the US. But Ford showed us that they just aren’t going to happen here. By the way, for my money I would much prefer to have the hybrid Toyota Sienta MPV in North America over the Sharan. The Sienta seems like a Japan-only model. It’s a shame, because I love the idea of a practical, smallish, and fuel efficient people mover. As a Honda Fit owner, I have been convinced that fun-to-drive, boxy proportions, and whacky folding seats are must haves in a small footprint vehicle.

Literally NOT the right side of the road 😂🤣

Since it's discontinued one can only hope it's replaced by a similar EV by EV.

Not cool enough for third life crisis suffering soccer moms who think they can still be the shizzle by taking out 84 month loans on Chevy Tahoes, Jeep Wrangler Rubies, and CPO BMW X5s.

I would absolutely love something like that. A Mazda 5 was not bad, they just did not update it with any new tech. If they would have updated it, it would have sold better. Same with the Kia Rondo. The Rondo was just a new model away from being a nice car.

Why do some center seat belts come out of the ceiling? It seems simpler and better looking if they came directly out of the seat.

Minivan sales have been huge in the USA for 2023 actually.

Only first well-designed vehicle reviewed on your channel in a long time. Ideal for Québec where we love Rondo Orlando Mazda5 . But I don't ask so much, just the homologation of the Corolla Estate hybrid would make me happy . This will never happen cause the globalization of the American market prevents us from obtaining them . Manufacturers do not seem to understand that gasoline in Cdn is much more expensive than in the Usa.

Very nice. Alex I agree with you. But it seems practical+sensible vehicles need more buyers to motivate manufacturers. Like Honda Jazz and Mazda 5 (Sharan actually reminds me of Mazda5) could not be sales trailblazers. Unsustainable+impractical vehicles (ICE or EV) outsell, unfortunately.

Alex, For gosh sakes, why don't you drive a GR Yaris or Suzuki Swace while you are over there? 😉

We got for a while ford galaxy hybrid - 2,5 gas and some battery, with childseat tilt, but without sliding doors - still, the best car for big family in Europe - of course killed because of suv fashion.... LWB ID Buzz is next gen most family friendly, SWB is a joke. We do not get Grand Highlander, Lexus TX, Pilot, non of US minivans. Nissan also do not offer Pathfinder in EU. We and up with comercial cars converted into family cars...

Would definitely go with the Volvo. I like EVs but pass on the Tesla and the BMWs are getting kind of ugly. Maybe the Audi but I really have admired Volvos PHEV system and their push to all hybrids.

Ford sells exactly that as Ford Transit Connect and nobody is buying them as minivans. Therefore, I don’t think VW is going to bring Sharan anytime soon i.e. never.

I really wish Peugeot would come back to America

In America they can just make em bigger due to lack of regulation and larger roads. So why bother selling this when you can sell something bigger for 25% more

Too bad they don't make it 4motion anymore. I love mine so much but I would like to buy a newer one, but I can't! There isn't any... 😢

The sharan was based on the Passat b6 platform. The Touran and Golf (as well as other cars) are based on the MQB.

Since you're there how about an X3 with the straight-6 diesel engine. We don't get it here I wish we did gets 265hp

What a shame something like this won’t sell here in the states or at least VW says it won’t.

Not sure why anyone would want this with a petrol/gasoline engine. TDI all the way!

mate its a 2019 not a 2021 you can tell by the reg 19 plate means 2019 lol if it was 2021 it would be 21

Alex' time machine ;)😂

I’m planning on importing one of these to Canada in a couple of years.

Why review a car that is not available in usa or canada? We can't buy the car even if we want it.

This, Golf SportsVan and Toyota Alphard!

No we don't need this. It is small for a family and not cool.

We have plenty of better minivans in murica

Are you gonna visit Jezzas farm?

I would love to have a MB B class here in the States! Or the BMW equivalent. But, no, I have to drive a RAM9800 dulie with diesel fogging exhausts...........

I'm always amazed by how journalists/RU-vidrs claim how sporty and fun to drive 3 row vehicles are. You aren't driving them with the weight of 7 people in them, or towing except TFL. Only 1 driver.

Proud owner of diesel VW sportwagen

I had the original Mazda5. Very handsome and comfortable. Refined ride and handling with the only downside being lack of power. Everyone that rode in it couldn't believe how roomy it was!

I used to own one in Europe and it was plenty big for the whole family and more...I used to have the new TDI version which got 36 US mpg in real life which was nice. I wish we had in the US, too.

VW is not PHANTASTIC

I am amazed at how well you can drive in England, everything is backwards, good job Alex!

looks so beautiful !

That was great, thanks Alex! Love all the folding seats. Maybe you can get a Transit Connect next?

I had a sharan for my tourism business - this is a great car, roomy and solid. Beautiful.

There are tons of funny and interesting cars here in Europe. Its not only trucks and suvs😂

Oi, you got your “accelerating aggressively” lo’icense?

Would this be similar in sixe to the old Ford CMax?

i want the vw Scirocco R so bad to come to usa.

Best mpv, Japanese spec Honda odyssey

The Touran is better?