Here is an exclusive test drive report of the most expensive Volkswagen available in the country. AutoGadget reviews the Volkswagen Phaeton 3.6 V6.
Sometimes perfect
engineering gets even perfect. There were times when cars were only known for
transportation. Now beyond that cars are considered as a part of life and life
signature. The car we drive shows our signature and that is why we become very confused
when choosing a car. Volkswagen, the German giant always focused on bringing in
products that suits everyone’s life. Volkswagen is a group which has a whole
lot of products under different brands; of which Phaeton is a premium luxury
model that everyone in India is not aware of because of its limited sales.
There are only two cars in Kerala. Today AutoGadget gets a unique chance to
test drive and review The Volkswagen Phaeton 3.6 V6. This exclusive luxury moving palace is
brought to Kerala by Shri.Monson Mavunkal, Managing Director of COSMO Group,
who is a petrol head and likes to own unique cars.
Being just two cars in Kerala, the Phaeton has
an exclusive value wherever it goes. The Phaeton competes with the Audi A8, BMW
7 Series, Merc S – Class and the Jaguar XJ. You might be wondering why I’m keep
on saying it as an exclusive car. Volkswagen doesn't promote the Phaeton
through any mode of advertisement because they wanted the customers to feel the
Phaeton from its heart. No one can treat this beast as a normal car because it
is a real deal and that is why the Chauffeur of the test car that we got –
Mr.Aji treats it as the pupil in his eyes. The Phaeton is an expensive car to
buy and even more costly one to run. The car’s execution is seamlessly faultless
but the VW badge is simply isn't desirable enough to compete in the segment.
Let’s see and feel in deep the real fascia of Phaeton’s character.
ENGINE
The Volkswagen Phaeton comes
with a couple of engine options in the international market but the Indian
market is complemented with only a single engine option. The 3.6l V6 petrol
engine is a real gem among the petrol heads. This thirsty V6 makes the drive a
complete fun pack. It is clear from the very beginning that this engine is
perfectly engineered. It is so silent that we need to step on the throttle to
see whether the engine is running or not. You’ll barely be aware of any mechanical process under
the hood at all; it’s that quiet. Refinement levels are top
notch and it matches to any other premium cars in the segment. The Phaeton is
powered by 3597cc V6 Petrol engine that pumps out 280 bhp of power @ 6250rpm and
a whopping torque of 377nm @ 3500rpm.
The transmission used in
Phaeton is the renowned DSG Gearbox which is a trade mark of the Volkswagen
family. This particular machine uses a 6 speed automatic transmission that is
complemented with paddle shifts. Just as the way its rivals do the job, this
transmission also makes the scenario picture perfect. There is no much
sluggishness in the initial response and gets into the right track in a
fraction of second. Even though this car belongs to the premium luxury segment
where it is more chauffeur driven, the character of this beast changes
dramatically as the sport mode is turned on. That makes the speed fanatics
thrilled like nothing else.
The power delivery is smooth
and tactile. It clocks o-100kmph in 8.6 seconds and the top speed is
electronically limited to 250kmph. The drive train is a full time AWD. Since it
is powered by a V6 petrol engine, fuel efficiency is a cause of worry. It
returns just 4 kmpl and that is why this beast is known to be costlier to
maintain.
LOOKS
Phaeton is not a piece of art work which grabs our eyes on the
first sight. It follows the distinguished Volkswagen family styling. The first
sight brings in memories of the earlier generation Passat and can be mistaken
for a bigger Passat. The Phaeton is 5 meter in length which is really long and
will be undoubtedly classified as a limousine. The front has enormous amount of
chrome surrounded which is in fact considered as a big deal for the Indian
customers. It comes with HID projector headlamps that deliver clear visibility
even in the darkest of dark world. The 14 spoke alloy wheels surrounded by big
17 inch wheels give the Phaeton more muscularity. The side profile, especially
when it comes to the C pillar clearly shows in the inner headroom with its edgy roof line The rear portion is apparently very plain in view which may not
appeal to everyone. The
Volkswagen logo and the Phaeton badge along with the
engine variant name complete the rear styling cues. In order to add sportiness
to the car, Volkswagen has given the Phaeton twin exhaust pipes. The recent face lift given to the Phaeton has brought in more styling cues like the day
time running LED lamps. It is a fact that Phaeton struggles a lot in the
segment with other competitors like the BMW 7 series, Jaguar XJ, Merc S Class
and the Audi A8 since these beasts are far more stylish.
INTERIOR
The interior of Phaeton is a
place where everyone wishes to spend for a long time. It is a perfect piece of
artistic portrait that indulge luxury in each nook and corner. Apart from the
new generation premium cars who are trying to reduce the number of switches on
board, Phaeton has a huge some of switches cluttered in it. Volkswagen say that
there are 142 switches incorporated inside the Phaeton. The dash board
resembles the cockpit of a flight with all the switches and levers in it. The
steering wheel is smooth and progressive which complements the handling
parameter. It helps in manoeuvring this limo easily through the hectic traffic
conditions of urban world. The center console has a large display that gives
all the valuable information about the car. It has a Bluetooth enabled 6 CD
changer music system that sounds perfect.
The suspension settings of the car can be controlled via this display
unit. In the cabin, there’s no
arguing with the standard kit list, or the levels of comfort. The 18-way
adjustable front seats are as supportive and relaxing as ever, the famous
draught-free ventilation system (which can keep the cabin at 22deg C when
travelling at 186mph in 50deg C heat) is extremely efficient and the executive
toys - which now include Google internet, headlights that ‘blank off’ sections
of main beam for oncoming traffic, and full iPod control, will please gadget
enthusiasts. It’s all beautifully finished with wooden inserts and classic
gauges like analog clock. The rear seats are the perfect point inside the
Phaeton. It has enormous amount of leg space and is highly comfortable with
massager. The central arm rest can folded down to access a chiller box which
is an add-on during these summer days. Phaeton gets other regular gizmos like
the electronically controlled sun roof, tilt and telescopic steering column,
satellite phone etc. No matter how the Phaeton performs in the sales chart, the
interior of this moving palace can compete with any other premium car in the
segment.
SAFETY
The Phaeton, like any other premium car, offers maximum
safety to its customers. It has all safety features like ABS, EBD, Traction
Control System, 8 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control etc. The Phaeton shares
the same platform with the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur which are
well planted on the roads. And so Phaeton is also a car that moves like a
palace with uttermost comfort and safety. The Phaeton gets a unique pneumatic
air suspension that can be adjusted according to driving conditions. The All
Aluminium Chassis brings in more stability and complements the aero-dynamics of
this beast. There is barely any body roll felt even at high speed cornering and
that is what I think Volkswagen calls perfect engineering.
AG Verdict
If you fancy a left-field choice instead of an Audi A8
you could do worse; Volkswagen’s latest all-aluminium offering is now a step
ahead in chassis and fuel economy stakes, but the Phaeton still exudes a
quality feel and there’s an appeal in its understated anonymity. If you are a
petrol head and wish to stay apart from the regular piece of art works and
ready to invest 85 lakhs, then the Volkswagen Phaeton is the best one for you.
It has all the potential that is required for a premium man. It indulges
luxury incorporated with comfort and performance. And if you are a Volkswagen
admirer, this is the right choice for you.
