More Powerful TDI Engine and Additional Safety Features for the Sharan – Volkswagen's Successful MPV

130-bhp TDI for improved performance and lower fuel consumption

- Best-selling MPV in 2002 now more attractive than ever - Brake assistant as standard feature, head-level airbags now an optional extra

Volkswagen's Sharan MPV will from now on be available with an additional diesel engine option. A 96 kW / 130 bhp pump-injector unit will complete the top end of the diesel engine scale. From now on, customers of the popular MPV, Germany's best-selling vehicle in its class in 2002, will have the choice between three modern diesel engines, developing 90, 115 or 130 bhp. Two other new features will round off the Sharan's exceptionally comprehensive safety equipment.

With 310 Nm at 1,900 rpm, the new engine's torque remains at an unaltered high level, when compared to the 115 bhp version, which Volkswagen continues to sell. The turbocharged diesel engine, which is already available in Volkswagen's Golf, Bora and Passat models, will ensure substantially better performance - and lower fuel consumption too. The 130 bhp TDI version of the Sharan sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 12.8 seconds (with 115 bhp engine: 13.7s) and has a top speed of 188 km/h (181 km/h). The standard-test total fuel consumption is a mere 6.2 litres of diesel (6.3 l) per 100 kilometres. With a tank capacity of 70 litres, the TDI can therefore cover a distance of over 1,100 kilometres before refuelling.

The Sharan TDI with 96 kW / 130 hp engine is available immediately with front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and all optional-equipment lines, including the particularly popular Family and Cruise versions. Prices for the 96-kW Sharan TDI start at 28,550 €, compared with 27,800 € for the unaltered 85 kW / 115 bhp version.

The extensive standard safety equipment of all Sharan models - including ABS, ASR and ESP - has now acquired a pneumatic "braking assistant”. If the driver pressed down the brake pedal very rapidly, this device identifies an emergency situation and automatically boosts braking pressure to the maximum value - up to the ABS control limit -within a fraction of a second. This can mean a significant reduction in the total stopping distance in emergency situations. In many cases, drivers brake quickly enough but without sufficient determination, so that as a consequence, vital braking distance is lost.

A head airbag system is now available for the Sharan as optional-extra safety feature. The airbag module inflates as a protective cushion out of the roof lining above the side windows all the way from the A to the D post, that is to say over the entire side-window area, and protects passengers against the effects of side impacts in particular. The extra charge of 585 € for the head-level airbag system includes a front roof console (in the mirror area) with a spacious storage compartment and a reading-light module.

Those who not only wish their passengers to reach their destination safely but also to entertain them on the journey can opt for the multi-media package. Films can be shown on two flat screens integrated in the front seat head restraints. The VHS stereo video player is located in a compartment in the right-hand rear side panel. Earphones, a portable DVD player or a games console can be connected to the centre console. The multi-media package is available for all Sharan models at a price of 2,455 €.