Engine line-ups

Direct-injection turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines take the place of the over-the-hill units in the old models, and promise lower running costs for the fleet customers who will make up the vast majority of buyers.

The diesels 2.0-litre 138- and 168bhp offerings will be by far the most popular, especially with fuel economy figures the best part of 10mpg better than before.

The TSI units are a 1.4 delivering 148bhp and a 2.0 with 198bhp. Seat says it's 'unlikely' to offer the 2.0-litre TSI.

A six-speed manual gearbox, engine stop-start and recovery of braking energy by the electrical system are standard with all but the 2.0-litre petrol unit, which has a six-speed semi-automatic DSG 'box. Interior photos of the Seat Alhambra
> Seat Alhambra 1: click to enlarge
> Seat Alhambra 2: click to enlarge
> Seat Alhambra 3: click to enlarge
> Seat Alhambra 4: click to enlarge
> Seat Alhambra 5: click to enlargeThat's an option on the others, but you then have to forego the engine cut-out and regenerative braking.

In standard trim, CO2 outputs range from 143g/km with the lower-powered diesel to 201g/km with the 2.0 TSI way better than those of the equivalent old engines.

Sizeable increases in prices could offset this when it comes to paying company car tax, though.

More engines are on the way, including an ultra-low-CO2 diesel for an Alhambra Ecomotive/Sharan Bluemotion.

Typical VW options
VW's Active Chassis Control system with pneumatic shock absorbers giving three stages of ride comfort/handling prowess will be available, as will electronic parking assistance that can automatically guide the cars into kerbside spaces or the bays at your local sports centre, supermarket or more likely airport.

Photos of the VW Sharan
VW Sharan exterior photos
> VW Sharan 1: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 2: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 3: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 4: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 5: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 6: click to enlargeVW Sharan interior photos
> VW Sharan 1: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 2: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 3: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 4: click to enlarge
> VW Sharan 5: click to enlarge