PRICES for the new Volkswagen Sharan start at £18,645 on-the-road for the entry-level 2.0-litre S 115bhp model - £1,000 more than the previous entry model.

The new Sharan entered showrooms this month with Volkswagen claiming significant improvements over the previous model, including as standard on all models ABS brakes, four airbags, a six-speed gearbox and seven seats. As well as the carryover 2.0-litre 115bhp and 1.8 T 150bhp engines, the new model features three new engines - 1.9-litre 90bhp and 115bhp turbodiesels and the range-topping 2.8-litre V6, the most powerful engine at 174bhp yet featured in a Sharan.

The new range contains 26 derivatives with all on sale from launch except the 4MOTION variants, which will follow later this year. Sample prices include: S TDI PD 115bhp £20,440; SE 2.0 115bhp £20,485; SE 1.8 T 150bhp £21,835; SE TDI PD 1.9 115 bhp £22,280; Sport V6 2.8 204 bhp £24,325; Carat 1.8 T 150 bhp £23,310; Carat TDI PD 1.9 115 bhp £23,755. Automatics add £1,355.