One of Volkswagen's oldest models, the Sharan, finally gets an update.
Geneva Motor Show-goers will get a chance to check out the third-generation people-mover from Volkswagen, and there’s a lot more to look at as the German maker has stretched the Sharan in virtually every critical dimension.
The new design is decidedly more modern than the outgoing VW offering. No surprise.
The 2011 Volkswagen Sharan replaces one of the longest-running product lines in VW history, the minivan making its debut 15 years ago.
The added dimensions have a definite pay-off, especially in terms of third-row seating, which now can accommodate adult passengers, rather than cramped kids. A rear sliding door improves access, as well.
Volkswagen will offer a quarter of powertrains, including two diesel and two gasoline, though it’ll take some convincing – or at least a media drive program – to prove that the 2011 Sharan will be able to get out of its own way with a 1.4-liter inline-four gas engine.
Once again, no plans appear to be in place to bring the Sharan to the U.S., though considering the dismal performance on the Touran, the Chrysler-based minivan Volkswagen is struggling to sell State-side, the 2011 VW Sharan might be a good alternative.
Along with the newly-updated minivan, the sprawling Volkswagen stand featured the maker’s big new pickup, the Amarok. “Is that supposed to be something like, ‘Like a rock’?” pondered General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, after making a close inspection of the body-on-frame offering.
It’s been a long time since VW sold a pickup in the U.S., and some observers have questioned whether the maker might bring one over as it moves forward with an aggressive new growth program. But, like the Sharan, there appears to be nothing in store for the American market. The 2010 Volkswagen Amarok, at least for now, seems targeted at South America, Australia and parts of Africa.
Then again, considering the complete lack of success Nissan and Toyota have had with their full-size offerings in the States, VW planners may have called this one right.