Review
FORD has had its 2.3-litre petrol engine in the Galaxy line up for some time now, plugging the gap between the 115bhp 2.0-litre and 174bhp 2.8 V6 petrol models, but it's taken Volkswagen longer to fill the same space in the Sharan range. Now, however, a fifth engine option joins the Sharan range - the 1.8-litre five-valve turbo-charged unit first seen in the Audi A4: with 150bhp, it's 5bhp more powerful than the Galaxy 2.3.
Two versions are available, the Sport - tested here - at ú21,770 on-the-road, and the luxury line Carat at ú22,545. At ú21,770, the Sport is ú425 more than the Galaxy 2.3 Ghia X and ú950 more than the identically engined Seat Alhambra 1.8T. At that price it sits at the top of our list of chosen rivals which includes the Chrysler Voyager 2.0 LE (ú21,045). There is, however, a 2.3-litre Si version of the Galaxy, priced at just ú19,495 with sports trim but ultimately less kit than the Sport.
With more than 50% of Sharan sales accounted for by the super-frugal TDi 110bhp, the 1.8T is regarded as a niche product, but its economy significantly betters the 2.8 VR6 with performance that only just undercuts it.
Aidan Bremner - 07/12/2012 19:20
Hi , I have a 1.8 T Sport (Trend) 1998 model Sharan with LPG conversion. So smooth and comfortable , great road handling and fab on mountain curves.Its the best car ive ever owned out of about 30 odd cars campers, vans, and three wheelers. Im fitting it up with a tow bar for towing an 1972 Eriba Pan caravan .Im pleased its made here in Portugal where i live .It consumes between 10 - 12 litres per 100 klms which is not so bad when its using LPG. Its A very well designed vehicle solidly built and practical .