Geneva Motor Show: Volkswagen Sharan

The new Sharanis the replacement for the longest-running VW since the Beetle: the original model is now an amazing 15 years old – and it will carry on for a little longer as the Seat Alhambra.

The Mark Two version is 22 cm longer than the old model, which means even the third row of seats can be used comfortably by adults. The engine range is made up of four units: a 2.0 litre diesel in 140 bhp and 170 bhp versions plus a 1.4 litre 150 bhp petrol and a 2.0 litre 200 bhp petrol. If the idea of a 1.4 litre petrol in a big MPV sounds absurd, we should say it works brilliantly in the VW Passat and Skoda Superb, so it might work here too.