Volkswagen Sharan

We always need a big set of wheels here at Auto Express. Whether it's used for hauling new products off for testing, carrying people to and from race meetings or spending weekends moving house, a big bus is frequently in demand.

So when our long-term Volkswagen Caravelle went back, we needed another suitably sized vehicle to take over where it left off. With the Caravelle's replacement not due until later this year, we opted for the proven VW Sharan, complete with the latest 130bhp version of the firm's TDI turbodiesel engine, to hold the fort until then.

However, our racing red MPV has a hard act to follow if it is to fill the enormous hole (in more ways than one) left by its stablemate. One thing in the newcomer's favour is that it's easier to fit through tight gaps. I moved house recently and only when I got to my new place did I discover the Caravelle was too tall to fit under the garage door. Although the tape measure suggests the dimensions of both cars aren't separated by more than a few inches, there are no such problems when putting the people carrier away - much to the relief of my neighbours. However, from behind the wheel, the two MPVs are worlds apart.

The Sharan is very much a big car rather than a refined commercial vehicle. You sit higher up than in most saloons or hatches, but nowhere near the Caravelle's lofty perch. The leather and Alcantara seats are firm, yet the position is comfortable thanks to the reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, and I have had no problems on my 60-mile commute to the Auto Express office.

The six-speed gearbox may require more effort than an automatic transmission, but the shift is pretty smooth and the torquey turbodiesel keeps changes to a minimum. An improvement over less powerful units in the range, the engine is a real gem and gives a pleasing surge from just less than 2,000rpm - which means I don't miss the grunt of the Caravelle's petrol V6.

This low-down urge makes life around town pretty easy, as long as you let the engine do the work. The powerplant is also acceptably quiet, and you only really hear the clatter of the diesel if you leave a window open - which isn't something that's necessary, given how well the air-con works. All pretty positive stuff, but the biggest difference I've noticed since swapping my sets of wheels is I spend a lot less time (and money!) in filling stations. Instead of getting a bit panicky after 250 miles, I can leave it until nearly 500 miles are on the trip before thinking about a visit to a pump.

So far, I've averaged a little more than 36mpg, but that should improve as the engine loosens up and I get more used to adapting my driving style for a diesel unit. I managed 39mpg on my last tank, so should eventually achieve over 40mpg - very impressive for such a large car.

Even a full-size MPV struggles to lug around seven people plus their luggage, and because I rarely need to shift that many passengers, I've removed the two rear seats. And while the Sharan is one of the better MPVs for this, there are easier jobs. Nevertheless, I now have a decent five-seater with a massive boot for all that race gear.

VW must realise this is what most owners do as the car comes with a set of blanks for the floor mountings. And while on the subject of unnecessary bits, we've also removed the headrest from the middle row's centre seat to give unobstructed vision in the rear view mirror.

It's so far so good, then - but the Sharan's first real test will come later this month when we pack our race suits and helmets and head for the 25-hour Uniroyal Beetle enduro at the famous Spa circuit in Belgium. Judging by our experience up until now, participants need not worry about getting there.