THE Sharan was VW's only MPV until the advent of the smaller Touran and all the earliest models were built in the same Spanish factory as the Ford Galaxy and SEAT Alhambra.

Ford has now gone its own way, but SEAT and VW still produce their models in the same plant.

There are plenty around secondhand so don't make do with second best. If there's no service history or anything else doesn't feel right about one, walk away and find another.

Petrol power now starts with the VW 1.4 turbo, but most older cars will have the earlier 1.8 turbo with 150bhp, a breathless 2.0-litre with 115bhp or the company's excellent but thirsty 2.8 V6 with 174bhp.

Diesels are much more sought after of course and on offer are 1.9's with 90, 115 or 130bhp, or the latest 2.0-litre with 140bhp.

These will all do 40mpg or thereabouts and make much more sense for such a large vehicle.

Handling is excellent, ride very good and driving particularly car-like, with light controls and excellent power steering.