Making its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the facelift is marked out by new LED rear lights and options include new alloy wheel designs and two additional body colours.

Engines will include 150PS and 220PS TSI turbocharged petrols, and the 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels with 115, 140 and 184PS. All engines, except the 115PS diesel, will be available with a dual-clutch gearbox including a fuel-saving coasting feature, and Volkswagen is claiming efficiency improvements of up to 15% compared to the outgoing model.

Inside, the Sharan retains the flexible seven-seat arrangement of its predecessor, including second row seats which can slide sideways, but comes with subtle updates to the trim, displays and steering wheel. The new infotainment system is shared with the Passat, including MirrorLink smartphone app streaming with CarPlay and Android Auto as options.

New driver assistance functions, meanwhile, include Post Collision Braking as standard, City Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control for the first time, the latest Park Assist system with Rear Traffic Alert while manoeuvring out of spaces, and a Blind Spot Monitor.