Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 4dr Car Review - March 2012

Inside the cabin you’ll have no problem finding the ideal driving position thanks to the myriad of adjustments available on both the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The dash is elegant but the array of buttons and switches is a little confusing. Forward visibility is good; however, rear visibility isn’t quite as clear, but the rear parking sensor aids in judging distances.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is one of the most popular engines choices because of its mix of economy and performance. It produces maximum power of 236bhp and 369lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range. With a top speed of 147mph and 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds it’s rapid enough to satisfy most needs in a car like this. Average fuel economy is a very respectable 32.2mpg for such a big car and CO2 emissions are 224g/km. The six-speed auto tiptronic gearbox works well and provides smooth and positive changes. Volkswagen’s 4MOTION provides drive to all four wheels permanently.

The Phaeton is a big, heavy car and its handling proves this on winding country roads and although the suspension and gearbox offer adjustment for a firmer ride, it still lacks the agility and response of rivals such as the Audi A8 or Mercedes S-Class. On straight open roads it an exemplary cruiser, comfortable and refined, soaking up uneven road surfaces without fuss and it’s actually quite easy to drive in city traffic, with only the narrowest streets causing any worries, due to its size.

On the move it’s superbly quiet, in part thanks to the double glazed windows, and only slight engine noise is audible occasionally.

The Phaeton looks just like a big Volkswagen, there’s no radical styling here and if anything, like a lot of luxury/executive saloons, it tends towards being discrete and conservative rather than outright stylish.

The Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION comes well equipped, as you’d expect for an executive saloon, with standard equipment including four-zone climate control, power steering, electrically heated and adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, metallic paint, cruise control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, rear parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, alarm immobiliser, CD+autochanger, Bluetooth and a multifunctional steering wheel.

Driver and passengers all enjoy generous space and travel in comfort in large, leather upholstered seats and with personal climate control. The Phaeton’s enormous boot (500-litres) is very practical, especially for a large saloon. It’s deep and can cope easily with the luggage of the five occupants and comes with an electric tailgate option.

The Phaeton comes with an impressive amount of safety features such as ABS, stability control, an electronic brake-force distribution system, four side and two curtain airbags plus the usual driver and front passenger bags.

Anti-theft measures include deadlocks, an alarm and engine immobiliser.
The overall build quality of the Phaeton is very impressive and the interior is solidly put together, so there should be few worries regarding reliability, especially since there have been no reports from owners abut problems.

The Phaeton comes with VW’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty.

Not all Volkswagen dealers handle the Phaeton, so you’ll have to shop around for one that does. Discounts on the £50,730 list price are almost non-existent, and you’ll usually have to wait as it’s custom built to your specifications.

The initial depreciation on the Phaeton is heavy, so you may want to consider buying a used one. As a family car, it’s more affordable than you think and you get a lot of car for your money, but try to find a five seat version as it’s more practical.

As you’d expect for a large executive car, running costs are not for those on a shoestring budget. Insurance is in group 45, Road Tax is in VED band K and average fuel economy, while decent for this class of car, is only 32.2mpg.