We review the VW Phaeton from price to economy and all its features
WHILE VW’s strongpoint is their lack of weaknesses, the Phaeton remains the black sheep of the family.
Their big limo, launched in 2002, has failed to undermine German rivals Merc S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series.
Spot the difference ... the Phaeton has received a "subtle" facelift
Sales were so poor they dumped selling the Phaeton in America — and high depreciation figures have wrecked its European performance.
It was perhaps a surprise that VW even bothered to produce a new Phaeton — but it’s back and it’s better.
Volkswagen have given it a facelift to bring it in line with the rest of the range, but you have to look close to spot it. The Phaeton has been updated so that it gets the corporate look with chrome grille sitting on a bolder slatted underneath front-end.
It also gets LED running lamps and new tail-lights.
The cabin has a high-class setting — but with even better materials and more standard equipment.
It even steals the drama of its new rival, the Jaguar XJ. Turn on the four-zone climate control, and the wood veneer panels on the dash lift to reveal the air vents.
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There’s a large touchscreen sat-nav system on the centre console, and this can be specified with Google Maps software. Electrically-operated and heated front seats, a 10-speaker stereo and acres of leather make the cabin a comfortable place.
Long-wheelbase models add 120mm more rear legroom, so that passengers can stretch out.
The luxury is easily on a par with its more illustrious rivals.
On the road, the 3-litre V6 diesel I drove has plenty of power, while the Tiptronic auto shifts are very smooth. The four-wheel-drive transmission provides plenty of grip, while the CDC air-suspension system constantly adjusts to ensure that the Phaeton rides smoothly even on our Third World-style road surfaces.
Perhaps the only downside is that it still uses the old foot-operated parking brake, instead of electric system even the new Passat uses. It seems strange that this gadget-laden limo didn’t add that technology. It didn’t upset my experience with the car though — on its own merits it is still a top-quality car.
The Phaeton is considerably cheaper than its rivals — prices start at £42,175. That is well below the Jag XJ (£55k), BMW 7 (£55k), Audi A8 (£56k) and Merc S-Class (£57k). But it still won’t upset the big boys because badge wins this segment hands down.