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Volkswagen has announced details and prices of its new flagship Phaeton saloon, starting from £46,195 for the entry-level 3-litre V6 TDI diesel.

The Volkswagen Phaeton - which rivals the Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series - will be available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the range-topping 6-litre W12 model costing £78,685.

The Phaeton's face has been restyled under the watchful eye of Walter de'Silva, the VW group's design chief. Like the recent Polo and Touareg, the Phaeton's nose features cleaner, more angular headlights, while the grille and front bumper have also been redesigned and given a liberal smattering of chrome.

The new Phaeton gets revised bi-Xenon lights, grille and LED daytime running lights at the front. At the back, there are new rear light clusters and a revised bumper.

Inside, there's a new multifunction steering wheel and full colour display for the instrument cluster. Phaeton standard equipment includes Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adjustable air suspension, leather upholstery, 18-way adjustable electric seats and air conditioning.

The engine range remains as before, with a choice of either a 3-litre V6 TDI diesel or the monstrous 6-litre W12 petrol. The diesel has been reworked to reduce fuel consumption to 33mpg and CO2 emissions to 224g/km. The W12 now produces 443bhp.

Volkswagen Phaeton prices:
Standard wheelbase:
• 3-litre V6 TDI 240 PS 4Motion £46,195

Long wheelbase:
• 3-litre V6 TDI 240 PS 4Motion £48,640
• 6-litre W12 450 PS 4Motion £78,685

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