VOLKSWAGEN chose the UK to be the first country to receive its second generation Sharan, reflecting the huge market for people carriers here. On sale since May, the new Sharan is the first model from the Ford (Galaxy) and SEAT (Alhambra) stable to be launched featuring new engines, new styling and improved safety features.

Five years on from the original launch, all models in the Sharan range now have ABS brakes, four airbags, a six-speed gearbox and seven seats. Prices start at ú18,645 on-the-road for the 2.0 S and rise to ú26,995 for the Carat V6 4Motion.

The model tested is the SE with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine featuring Volkswagen's 'pump duse' technology to liberate 115bhp and a mammoth 229lb-ft of torque from 1,900rpm. At ú22,280 on-the-road, this version sits right in the middle of the line-up.

Visually, Volkswagen has added sharper lines, giving the front and rear a more angular look. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same as the old version - there's little designers can do with the styling of MPVs when seven people need to be accommodated and still give them plenty of space inside.

Five engines are available: a 2.0-litre petrol with 115bhp, a turbodiesel with 90bhp, the 1.9-litre PD TDI 115bhp as tested, a 150bhp turbocharged petrol and, later this year, a 204bhp 2.8-litre petrol unit.

Entry into the Sharan range is via the S model, which includes air conditioning, central locking and electric front windows as standard. SE versions have remote control central locking, rear electric windows, roof rails and velour seats. Sports add alloy wheels, sports seats and suspension and leather trim. The top-of-the-range Carat includes climate control, leather and walnut trim.