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VW Phaeton V6 TDI

The original VW Phaeton won few admirers, but can this facelift increase it's appeal? We got behind the wheel of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel with four-wheel drive.

VW Phaeton V6 TDI engine

By Dean Gibson

January 2011

  • Rating:
While the Touareg is by no means a common sight on UK roads, at least it will be familiar to buyers choosing a big off-roader. After all, how many people in the market for a limousine will even know that Volkswagen offers such a car?

Meet the Phaeton – the firm’s flagship, and probably the most obscure and slowest-selling luxury model on sale. The hand-built four-door was launched in 2002, and now VW has given it a facelift to match the rest of the range. We tried the 3.0-litre diesel model in standard wheelbase guise. 

A Passat-style squared-off grille and LED running lamps are added to the nose, while the tail-lights have been given a new look, too. But overall, the lines stay the same, and the Phaeton is plain and understated.
 
Step inside, and the cabin has the same high-quality finish as before, albeit with improved materials and more standard equipment. Turn on the four-zone climate control, and the wood veneer panels on the dash lift, Jaguar XF-style, to reveal the air vents. 

There’s a large touchscreen sat-nav system on the centre console, too, 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 in which to spend time. Long-wheelbase models add 120mm more rear legroom, so passengers can stretch out.

On the move, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel has plenty of power, while the Tiptronic auto shifts smoothly. The four-wheel-drive transmission provides plenty of grip, too, while the CDC air-suspension system constantly adjusts to ensure that the Phaeton rides smoothly on even the bumpiest of roads.

As the brand’s flagship, this car should be a showcase for VW’s technology. But some of the Phaeton’s features seem horribly outdated – especially when more hi-tech kit already appears on lesser models. For example, the Passat comes with an electric parking brake as standard, yet the Phaeton still uses an archaic foot-operated system. 

It also goes without the firm’s clever self-parking technology. That’s a shame, as this could give the big VW an edge – and help it make an impact in the luxury car market

Rival: Citroen C6
Big French executive can’t match the class leaders for badge prestige, but runs rings around the Phaeton through sheer character alone. It’s cheaper, too – but as with its rival, depreciation is an issue.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Phaeton visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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3 Comments

I admire Volkswagen...

...they must be doing really well, if they can afford to squander money on this alsoran!

By BARNEYM1979 on 14 January, 2011, 10:02am

Rival Citroen C6, ha ha that says it all, the worst depreciating car on the planet bar none.

By john550i on 14 January, 2011, 6:02pm

Phaeton

Quality, power and beauty are present -no doubt- ; and exclusivity -for sure-.
Let's start counting: 600 BMWs; 550 Mercedes; and 1 Phaeton, if you see one at all.

By rosendo2 on 9 March, 2011, 4:27pm

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VW Phaeton V6 TDI engine
VW Phaeton V6 TDI rear
VW Phaeton V6 TDI interior
VW Phaeton V6 TDI engine

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FIRST OPINION

    Since its launch, the Phaeton has never been a big seller, and this update is unlikely to change matters. It’s well built, and a relaxed and refined cruiser, but competitors from Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Audi are just as capable, and they come with more cutting-edge technology. The Phaeton does undercut these models on price, but since the VW badge doesn’t have quite the same prestige in the luxury sector, buyers will take a hit when they come to sell it on.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £42,175
    Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel, 237bhp
    Transmission: Six-speed Tiptronic automatic, four-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
    Top speed: 147mph
    Econ/CO2: 32.2mpg/224g/km
    Standard equipment: Six airbags, adaptive xenon lights, adaptive air-suspension, heated front seats, 10-speaker stereo, four-zone climate control, wood and leather interior trim, sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors 
    On sale: Now
     
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