Volkswagen Import's new Sharan hit the Chinese market when the marque's spokesman, director and actor Huang Lei, introduced it on Saturday at the Shenzhen Auto Show, where 10 models were on display.

As a popular multipurpose vehicle, the new Sharan has been imported for Chinese families seeking high-quality, mid-sized MPVs that also fit the business scenario.

"As one of the largest vehicles in the segment, the new Sharan is nice for family use, and suitable for business," said Axel Schroeder, managing director of Volkswagen Import.

He said: "The seven-seater is capable of carrying parents, children and pets. When the third row is laid flat, it is a roomy five-seater for business."

Wi thin the 2.92-me ter wheelbase, the 2-3-2 seat setting is employed to fully utilize the interior space.

Ensuring each passenger's comfort, the three seats in the second row exploit the widest part of the car. The easy fold function enlarges the luggage space to 2,430 liters when the second and third rows are folded into the floor. In addition, 30 storage boxes are designed to ease family trips.

Designed and manufactured in Europe, the new Sharan boasts exquisite engineering and reliable quality. It is expected to meet market demands with its efficient powertrain, top technologies, finest techniques and highest flexibility.

The new Sharan is available with 280 TSI and 380 TSI power trains, and a six-speed direct shift gearbox. Both are turbocharged with fuel direct injection and a start/stop system.

Volkswagen is one of the leaders in the engine downsizing trend, as it has been working on offering efficient yet fun-to-drive cars. The more a driver uses the car, the higher fuel efficiency it provides.

Schroeder said: "Our unique technologies give higher fuel efficiency to our cars. The power comes early in our cars.

"On the other hand, the powertrains meet government emissions requirements and Euro 6 emissions standards that are getting more and more progressive each year."

The turbocharged 1.4-liter EA211 engine in the 280 TSI new Sharan delivers peak torque of 250Nm at 1,500 to 3,500 rpm.

The new model features a second-generation MIB infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen, bringing settings, navigation, Bluetooth connection and entertainment to the driver's fingertips.

The Discover Media entertainment system is equipped in the 380 TSI Highline. Moreover, the new Sharan offers Volkswagen's leading Car-Net system on the 380 TSI Highline. With network support, the system makes distance no longer a restriction by remote locking, opening, horn sounding, air conditioning, and parking. The all-hour customer center can be contacted at one touch for exclusive one-to-one service, including travel plans, emergency rescue and medical aid.

The App Connect mirrors the user's smartphone on screen and is compatible with CarPlay, Mirrorlink and more.

Schroeder said: "What we value most in the car is the family, and the new Sharan protects them."

The three models are all equipped with seven airbags as standard. The high-strength steel body further enhances safety, and has received five stars in the Euro New Car Assessment Program.

The latest technologies are applied for active safety and easy driving experience, for example Volkswagen's Cruise Control, Front Assist and Side Assist.

Volkswagen Import is also showcasing wagons, sedans, hatchbacks, sport utility vehicles and new-energy vehicles at the auto show, including Volkswagen Variant, Golf Variant, Phaeton, Beetle Dune, Touareg, and Golf GTE.

German marque brings advanced multipurpose vehicle to China

Featuring a high strength steel body structure, advanced coating technology and laser welding, the new Sharan is a great example of the Volkswagen marque's pursuit for perfection.

The combination of turbocharged direct injection and direct shift gearbox delivers a smooth power and gear shifts. The 280 TSI model is also equipped with an efficient yet powerful 1.4-liter engine.

The new Sharan features front and side assist technology, multi-collision brakes and city emergency brakes, seven airbags, five ISO-FIX child safety seat interfaces, and child lock buttons. Driver assistance, including Cruise Control and Park Assist, is also part of the program.

Car-Net permits passengers to wirelessly control the air conditioning, parking location, security alarms and door locks, and to contact the all hour call center. The car is also equipped with an AppConnect smartphone system.

The second and third row seats can be folded down and the second moved forward or backward for comfort.

Engine: 280 TSI: 1.4-L 4-cyl EA211; 380 TSI: 2-L 4-cyl EA888

Transmission: 6-speed direct shift gearbox

Drive layout: FWD

Power: 280 TSI: 110 kW, 250 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm; 380 TSI: 162 kW, 350 Nm @ 1,500-4,400 rpm

Economy: 280 TSI: 7.1 L/100 km; 380 TSI: 7.9 L/100 km

Dimensions: 4,854/1,904/1,720 mm, 2,920 mm wheelbase, 300-L trunk expandable to 2,430 L

Prices: 280 TSI Comfortline: 269,800 yuan; 380 TSI Comfortline: 295,800 yuan; 380 TSI Highline: 346,800 yuan

haoyan@chinadaily.com.cn