New Volkswagen Sharan available to order.Volkswagen Retailers will begin taking orders for the new Sharan MPV today, ahead of first UK deliveries in October.

The seven-seat people-carrier, the first generation of which was unveiled in 1995, has been refreshed and now features improved specification as well as a range of engines which all meet EU6 standards and are up to 15 per cent more efficient than those they replace.

The current model went on sale in November 2010, and was the first Sharan to benefit from an all-new EasyFold seating concept and side sliding doors.  Both of these key user-friendly features are carried over to the new model, along with a host of other changes.

Inside, the new Sharan gets a boost in the form of new upholsteries, new steering wheels and the brand new second generation colour touchscreen MIB infotainment systems across the range of S, SE and SEL models.  Also standard across the range are an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Bluetooth phone connection and three-zone Climatronic air conditioning.

SE trim gains chrome roof rails and tinted rear glass, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control among other items, while the range-topping SEL trim now features Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, panoramic sunroof, Alcantara upholstery and Discover Navigation with CarNet Guide and Inform.

Four engines are available in the new Sharan: one petrol and three diesel, ranging in power from 115 to 184 PS.  All are EU6 compliant, more efficient and have improved CO₂ emissions.  The entry-level is a 2.0-litre TDI with 115 PS which is available in S trim only.  Moving up the range customers have the choice of a 1.4-litre TSI and a 2.0-litre TDI, both with 150 PS; while at the top is a 2.0-litre TDI with 184 PS.  All apart from the 115 PS TDI are available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes.