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 had an Alltrack. For 6 months. Let me correct this: I owned an Alltrack for 6 months. That thing was at the dealer, broken down, for 4 of these 6 months. I had 12 - yes, 12 - major invoices on that thing. Two complete engine rebuilds. I swear that’s the last time I’m buying a God damn VW. And I was a fanboy. So you can pass on the mourning. That stupid thing should’ve stayed in Puebla…
I still have my 2017 Alltrack and for me at least it has been reliable with regular maintenance. It has 63,000 miles and has been a great adventure partner.
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.
I love that its possible to order exactly what you want in Europe. Everything is bundled into packages in the US, so you get a fleet of vehicles that are virtually identical.
@@05Forenza I test drove one in stock yet I wanted almost every option available, except GPS which at the time was terribly overpriced, including double A/C units. Even today as I have always had at least 3 cars in our house, and only 2 of us drive, the van gets little use and it has last week passed the 100,000 km (60,000 mile) mark. Unless my daughter and grandkids come for a visit I hardly ever have the third row installed and seat are like new. Get offers from people to buy it all the time.
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.
PQ35/PQ36 are a related platform set. The two are about as closely related as compact & midsize VWs built on MQB for instance but VW was inconsistent about referring to them together or separately internally (sometimes even in the same press conference).
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).
Not to mention cars for the European market have way more standard features (e.g power folding mirrors) than cars in the US for the same if not cheaper prices. Automakers really do hate American customers!
@@CumBrianFries Not totally. Cars in Europe usually cost more than they do in the US by not a small amount. Standard features isn’t that true, you can still buy multiple non commercial cars with a dot matrix non color display radio in Europe. Not the case in the US. Power folding mirrors are common on cars in Europe because it’s a feature that is helpful for parking in skinny roads or similar which is much more common in Europe than in the US. Car equipment adapts for the region, with benefits and drawbacks for both.
@@eiremerald I have a 2017 Fit and love it. My only complaints are that I wish we in North America had the new hybrid model (I average 32 mpg, due to doing 90% city driving in a hilly environment), that there was more sound insulation (it's noisy at highway speeds), and that the seats were more comfortable for longer journeys. But as a cheap and cheerful city runabout that's super easy to parallel park with tremendous cargo flexibility for a subcompact, it's hard to beat. I'm considering replacing it within the next year or so with a Chevy Bolt, BMW i3, or Kia Niro EV.
If VW can't make their international branches make good cars. That's on them. If so many inherent brands can do it they have literally no excuse. It has nothing to do with where they are built but the company producing them.
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❤
Only first well-designed vehicle reviewed on your channel in a long time. Ideal for Québec where we love Rondo Orlando Mazda5 ScionXb . 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.
@@oi32df As a Canadian, I place 100% of the blame on Toyota Canada for refusing to bring us the Corolla wagon. Compared to the American market, wagons like the Matrix, Prius V and original Venza all had an extra year of sales in Canada in recognition of their popularity. Instead of bringing us the excellent new Corolla wagon, Toyota Canada simply decided we would have to buy a bloated CUV instead. The second generation Rondo, as well as the Orlando, Micra etc were not sold in the USA. This proves that automakers are able to bring specific cars to Canada when they actually respect our preferences.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Italy they call these compact MPV “Monovolume” and in France “ludospace”. I guess the dodge Caravan was the closest American thing to those European models
I agree, but the reason smaller, affordable vehicles like hatchback cars and smaller minivans stopped being sold here is that they weren't selling well any longer. Americans have been gravitating toward expensive SUVs and big pickups. In the 80s and 90s there were a lot of choices for hatchback cars and small vans. Our buying preferences need to change if we want to see such vehicles on American roads again.
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.
@MTM358 The problem in the USA is that these mfrs only want to sell the highest margin vehicles and NOTHING else, if they do have something that isn't a high margin vehicle, they almost NEVER put any real marketing effort into them, and they die on the vine. Deliberate my friend. That's why all we get anymore are huge pickemup trucks optioned like luxury, vehicles and huge SUVs optioned like luxury vehicles and prices to match.
@@watershed44 def a part of it but I think a lot comes down to the amount of space we have and the tastes that brings our culture. Some European streets are extremely narrow
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.
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.
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.
Child locks on windows and interior door handles have been around for decades. I remember when my mother bought a 1992 Plymouth, it had rear child door locks and she didn't know it. I kept getting locked in the back seat until I happened to notice a child door lock switch inside the door frame.
@@palebeachbum I know they've been around, but I've never seen where the child locks can be locked or unlocked electrically versus flipping the little switch on the inside of the door frame.
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 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!
@@garrettw99 I don't because the cost for the vehicles is so high now very few people can afford them, nice you can, 75% of people in the USA now can not ever afford to actually pay for those nanny approved cars.
Cheap cost of a non safe vehicle for the poor would mean high cost to society when children, mothers and fathers (aka workforce/taxpayers) would injure & die in accidents. Nowadays is much better than "has been."
@@Mariini Won't do much good if people can't get to jobs, ect. Nannyism kills societies. Who's going to pay these people to buy these cars so they can get to work? Those cars are NOT AFFORDABLE anymore.
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.
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.
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!
@naveenthemachine I always wanted one of those, they had minivan practicality with amazing handling and MPGs, and the build quality was incredibly good too!
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.
The seat anchors needs to be fortified if the belt is built in the seat. In addition to the safety mechanism, that locks the belt during the crash, takes more space inside the seat cushion. In bigger minivans, they have no excuse.
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.
@acsmoothing2262 The problem with the Transit Connect Wagon was that Ford barely marketing the thing the entire time it was on sale in the USA. If you don't let people know about it, it won't be a big seller!
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.
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/RUclipsrs 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.
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 !
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?
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.
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...
@Alex on Autos *Why not do a review on the base model Lada Granta Classic! A worthwhile new car with a warranty for less than $8,000 USD!* I would LOVE to be able to buy a new car without all the crap forced on us by US DOT and EPA regulations.
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
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.
![Chino Pacas - Modo Capone (with Drake & Fuerza Regida) [Video Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zjv8TQ0gBkg/mqdefault.jpg)
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 love my Mazda5, and anyone that owns them loves them. So practical, reliable sporty!
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.
+1 Mazda5. They are everywhere in this small city.
Had a friend in school that drove a Mazda 5. Ugly, but it was practical as hell. Too bad they discontinued them in the states.
@@insainllama the later one with lot of unnecessary curve was ugly but the original design was good
I’m still mourning the loss of the VW Alltrack/Sportwagen 😢😢
Those were very popular in Canada but I suspect they dd not sell well in the US of A.
My tdi sportwagen helped me buy my house with diesel gate loved it.
I had an Alltrack. For 6 months. Let me correct this: I owned an Alltrack for 6 months. That thing was at the dealer, broken down, for 4 of these 6 months. I had 12 - yes, 12 - major invoices on that thing. Two complete engine rebuilds.
I swear that’s the last time I’m buying a God damn VW. And I was a fanboy.
So you can pass on the mourning. That stupid thing should’ve stayed in Puebla…
I still have my 2017 Alltrack and for me at least it has been reliable with regular maintenance. It has 63,000 miles and has been a great adventure partner.
Bought a 2017 a couple months ago with only 28k miles on it, it’s been awesome. Sad they stopped making it for North America.
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.
I love that its possible to order exactly what you want in Europe. Everything is bundled into packages in the US, so you get a fleet of vehicles that are virtually identical.
@@05Forenza I test drove one in stock yet I wanted almost every option available, except GPS which at the time was terribly overpriced, including double A/C units. Even today as I have always had at least 3 cars in our house, and only 2 of us drive, the van gets little use and it has last week passed the 100,000 km (60,000 mile) mark. Unless my daughter and grandkids come for a visit I hardly ever have the third row installed and seat are like new. Get offers from people to buy it all the time.
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.
PQ35/PQ36 are a related platform set. The two are about as closely related as compact & midsize VWs built on MQB for instance but VW was inconsistent about referring to them together or separately internally (sometimes even in the same press conference).
I like more the Touran …
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).
Not to mention cars for the European market have way more standard features (e.g power folding mirrors) than cars in the US for the same if not cheaper prices. Automakers really do hate American customers!
Yep, and this is why I’m holding onto my 2015 Fit until the wheels fall off.
@@CumBrianFries Not totally. Cars in Europe usually cost more than they do in the US by not a small amount.
Standard features isn’t that true, you can still buy multiple non commercial cars with a dot matrix non color display radio in Europe. Not the case in the US.
Power folding mirrors are common on cars in Europe because it’s a feature that is helpful for parking in skinny roads or similar which is much more common in Europe than in the US.
Car equipment adapts for the region, with benefits and drawbacks for both.
@@CumBrianFries not just the automakers
@@eiremerald I have a 2017 Fit and love it. My only complaints are that I wish we in North America had the new hybrid model (I average 32 mpg, due to doing 90% city driving in a hilly environment), that there was more sound insulation (it's noisy at highway speeds), and that the seats were more comfortable for longer journeys. But as a cheap and cheerful city runabout that's super easy to parallel park with tremendous cargo flexibility for a subcompact, it's hard to beat. I'm considering replacing it within the next year or so with a Chevy Bolt, BMW i3, or Kia Niro EV.
How to write off a holiday in the Cotswolds - record a car review. 😄
I was thinking the same thing watching this.
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.
If VW can't make their international branches make good cars. That's on them. If so many inherent brands can do it they have literally no excuse. It has nothing to do with where they are built but the company producing them.
Love seeing Alex overseas. I hope he reviews a ton of Skodas and Renaults.😊
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❤
I'd love to see more (any?) compact, mainstream wagons - the Corolla hybrid wagon comes to mind.
They also have a clone of the Corolla wagon called the Suzuki Swace.
Only first well-designed vehicle reviewed on your channel in a long time. Ideal for Québec
where we love Rondo Orlando Mazda5 ScionXb . 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.
@@oi32df As a Canadian, I place 100% of the blame on Toyota Canada for refusing to bring us the Corolla wagon. Compared to the American market, wagons like the Matrix, Prius V and original Venza all had an extra year of sales in Canada in recognition of their popularity. Instead of bringing us the excellent new Corolla wagon, Toyota Canada simply decided we would have to buy a bloated CUV instead. The second generation Rondo, as well as the Orlando, Micra etc were not sold in the USA. This proves that automakers are able to bring specific cars to Canada when they actually respect our preferences.
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.
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
Fond memories of our Mazda5 which was replaced by a Ford Flex.
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.
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 ☹️
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.
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.
not sure that the rear facing seat are approved in north america.
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.
because it was in planned obsolescence
Okay more airline-style folding trays in vehicles like this please, those looks excellent for long road trips
I had a sharan for my tourism business - this is a great car, roomy and solid. Beautiful.
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.
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.
European cars are the best. So many cool “MPV” options.
In Italy they call these compact MPV “Monovolume” and in France “ludospace”.
I guess the dodge Caravan was the closest American thing to those European models
@@cencio_1976 dodge caravan is a big barge compare to them
So many cars around the world that don't come over here. I want the Corolla Hybrid Wagon to cross the pond.
Do you want the longer wheelbase FWD Corolla wagon to cross the Atlantic pond or the shorter wheelbase AWD Corolla wagon to cross the Pacific pond?
I love station wagons and practical-shaped cars, but apparently, I am in the minority.
Bring back the small/practical vehicles (also, tax the hell out of the big ones - an F150 should cost 5x a Golf in tax)
That's just retarded. The cheapest crappiest base model f150 is already 30k with manual windows and manual vinyl seats.
100% agree
I agree, but the reason smaller, affordable vehicles like hatchback cars and smaller minivans stopped being sold here is that they weren't selling well any longer. Americans have been gravitating toward expensive SUVs and big pickups. In the 80s and 90s there were a lot of choices for hatchback cars and small vans. Our buying preferences need to change if we want to see such vehicles on American roads again.
@@palebeachbum If they had to pay extra taxes for bigger cars that would help start a change in what cars they were buying.
@@michaelharveymusic I think you may be right about that. It would certainly help deter some, anyway.
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.
@MTM358
The problem in the USA is that these mfrs only want to sell the highest margin vehicles and NOTHING else, if they do have something that isn't a high margin vehicle, they almost NEVER put any real marketing effort into them, and they die on the vine. Deliberate my friend.
That's why all we get anymore are huge pickemup trucks optioned like luxury, vehicles and huge SUVs optioned like luxury vehicles and prices to match.
@@watershed44 def a part of it but I think a lot comes down to the amount of space we have and the tastes that brings our culture. Some European streets are extremely narrow
@@MTM358 In the past those big things were affordable. Today they are not.
@@MTM358 yes but here in canada our gasoline is 3x more expensive than in the usa and we are stuck with your market
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.
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.
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.
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!
My guess is some obscure federal motor vehicle safety standard from the 1960's that no one has ever bothered to update.
The VW ID.4 has electronic child locks.
Child locks on windows and interior door handles have been around for decades. I remember when my mother bought a 1992 Plymouth, it had rear child door locks and she didn't know it. I kept getting locked in the back seat until I happened to notice a child door lock switch inside the door frame.
@@palebeachbum I know they've been around, but I've never seen where the child locks can be locked or unlocked electrically versus flipping the little switch on the inside of the door frame.
@@palebeachbum OP specifically said *electronic* child locks, like Alex demonstrated in the video. I too have never seen that on a car in the US.
That’s not a castle, that’s the gatehouse for Sudeley castle near winchcombe
We need this in the US, yes please !
We need to send Alex on more vacations to foreign locations so we can get these videos!
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 am amazed at how well you can drive in England, everything is backwards, good job Alex!
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!
The Elephant on the room is NHTSA. Which keeps these out of NA.
@jayhiggins5239
I doubt most taxpayers in the USA want those stupid regulations anyway. We didn't vote for
NHTSA, and we don't want their stupid regs.
@@watershed44 I like NHTSA and IIHS because they advance car safety. I’d rather not die in an accident.
@@garrettw99 I don't because the cost for the vehicles is so high now very few people can afford them, nice you can, 75% of people in the USA now can not ever afford to actually pay for those nanny approved cars.
Cheap cost of a non safe vehicle for the poor would mean high cost to society when children, mothers and fathers (aka workforce/taxpayers) would injure & die in accidents.
Nowadays is much better than "has been."
@@Mariini Won't do much good if people can't get to jobs, ect. Nannyism kills societies. Who's going to pay these people to buy these cars so they can get to work?
Those cars are NOT AFFORDABLE anymore.
This was the Mazda 5 once upon a time
The sharan was based on the Passat b6 platform. The Touran and Golf (as well as other cars) are based on the MQB.
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.
... and now your vacation is a business expense write off 😀
Sadly not LOL
The Mazda5 was a terrific MPV.
To bad Americans don't gravitate towards mini minivans/wagons/hatchbacks... 😑
That was great, thanks Alex! Love all the folding seats. Maybe you can get a Transit Connect next?
You mentioned French cars. You should do a show on EVs here, particularly the Renault Megane and Citroën e-C4.
I miss the VW Corrado VR6. The Corrado-E would be fantastic!
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.
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!
I remember the Mazda5. I always thought it looked good.
Americans just don’t get the small cars Europe gets
@naveenthemachine
I always wanted one of those, they had minivan practicality with amazing handling and MPGs, and the build quality was incredibly good too!
@@watershed44 yeah it was. Does it ride smoothly
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.
What a shame something like this won’t sell here in the states or at least VW says it won’t.
Minivan sales have been huge in the USA for 2023 actually.
I’m planning on importing one of these to Canada in a couple of years.
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
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 😢
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.
The seat anchors needs to be fortified if the belt is built in the seat. In addition to the safety mechanism, that locks the belt during the crash, takes more space inside the seat cushion. In bigger minivans, they have no excuse.
Hey, would this be good to carry 5 checkin bags and 5 carryons with 5 passengers?
We need a non GTI/R golf!
It’s the castle of Arghh
3rd row gets very uncomfortable when you are rear ended by an F150.
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.
@acsmoothing2262
The problem with the Transit Connect Wagon was that Ford barely marketing the thing the entire time it was on sale in the USA. If you don't let people know about it, it won't be a big seller!
A fair point!
There are tons of funny and interesting cars here in Europe. Its not only trucks and suvs😂
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
Hever Castle were Richard Burton filmed Henry the VIII in 1969.
looks so beautiful !
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.
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...........
Since it's discontinued one can only hope it's replaced by a similar EV by EV.
I'm always amazed by how journalists/RUclipsrs 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.
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... 😢
Alex, For gosh sakes, why don't you drive a GR Yaris or Suzuki Swace while you are over there? 😉
why would he drive a Swace, it's literally a renamed Toyota Corolla...
This, Golf SportsVan and Toyota Alphard!
Alex' time machine ;)😂
Proud owner of diesel VW sportwagen
Would this be similar in sixe to the old Ford CMax?
I think the CMax is much smaller, since it only has two rows of seating
We used to have one 😮😊
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 !
Yup, now even the Espace has been transformed into a SUV...
I really wish Peugeot would come back to America
The Touran is better?
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 want the vw Scirocco R so bad to come to usa.
Back looks almost like the vw Routan
Still own mk4 gen TDI ALH Golf and Wagon. Will never buy new VW until they release another TDI in NA.
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.
While you are in GB, I wish you would review Suzuki's and show the US what they are missing out on
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...
Best mpv, Japanese spec Honda odyssey
Are you gonna visit Jezzas farm?
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
Oi, you got your “accelerating aggressively” lo’icense?
@Alex on Autos
*Why not do a review on the base model Lada Granta Classic! A worthwhile new car with a warranty for less than $8,000 USD!*
I would LOVE to be able to buy a new car without all the crap forced on us by US DOT and EPA regulations.
Why bother with any "russki" stuff? We have Dacia if one wants a new car with little money.
@@Mariini We don't have ANY truly affordable cars here in the USA anymore.
There is NO Dacia/Renault here.
*This VW Sharan Diesel makes the EV VW ID models look laughable!*
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
Not sure why anyone would want this with a petrol/gasoline engine. TDI all the way!
Why review a car that is not available in usa or canada?
We can't buy the car even if we want it.
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.