Volkswagen Introduces 3rd Generation of Sharan Van; Stop-Start Systems and Energy Recuperation
02 March 2010
| The new Volkswagen Sharan. Click to enlarge. |
Volkswagen is introducing the third generation of its popular Sharan van (some 600,000 units already sold worldwide) at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Sharan, which now offers sliding doors in the back, features two new diesel and two new gasoline engine options and DSG transmission system.
The Sharan’s four direct injection turbo gasoline (TSI) and turbo diesel (TDI) engines are up to 21% more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. The two TSI engines deliver 110 kW/150 PS (148 hp) and 147 kW/200 PS (197 hp), while the TDIs develop 103 kW/140 PS (138 hp) and 125 kW/170 PS (168 hp).
The engines use a stop-start system and energy recuperation (recovery of kinetic energy, which gets temporarily stored in the battery). With average consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.4 mpg US), equivalent to 145 g/km of CO2, the 140 PS version of the Sharan 2.0 TDI sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in this segment of the market, according to Volkswagen. Top speed is 194 km/h (119 mph).
Both TDIs are also fitted with an SCR catalytic converter for NOx aftertreatment. For the first time, all of these Euro-5 engines will be available in combination with Volkswagen’s direct shift gearbox (DSG); in the case of the 200 PS TSI, DSG comes as standard.
At last a "green" large MPV available in Europe.
Lets hope that the other manufacturers follow suit.
Lets hope someone brings one out <= 139 gms/Co2 (for Tax reasons in Ireland [and other countries]).
How do they do the energy recovery?
Do they just use a standard(ish) Lead acid battery ?
+
A 20% improvement on existing diesel efficiency is very good.
Posted by: mahonj | 02 March 2010 at 08:01 AM
mahonj:
This large vehicle is getting very close to your 139 gm/Km and will soon meet the 130 gm/Km being imposed by many European countries.
Posted by: HarveyD | 02 March 2010 at 10:36 AM
In other news, all Chrysler and Dodge minivans still get horrible mileage, and always will.
Posted by: Ole Grampa | 02 March 2010 at 12:15 PM
John:
By 2012, when Dodge-Chrysler Vans become Fiat's lighter Vans equipped with higher efficiency 4 cyls or even 2 cyls etc, they will probably meet VW fuel economy.
They may not have a choice if they want to stay in business.
Posted by: HarveyD | 02 March 2010 at 12:21 PM
...but being Fiat derived, will probably fall apart too.
Posted by: Scott | 02 March 2010 at 01:52 PM