Sign in

(8)

---

A new version of VW's flagship model, the Volkswagen Phaeton, has been unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show. The changes consist of a new nose, bi-xenon headlight units with LED daytime running lights, new front wings, a reprofiled bonnet and a new front bumper housing LED fog lights, bringing the Phaeton inline with the design of the Polo, Golf, Scirocco and Touareg.

At the rear, complex tail lights sit above a redesigned bumper. The sharp new looks are completed with highly polished alloy wheels. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, a colour display for the driver and sat-nav capable of displaying Google Maps.

The facelifted Phaeton brings the design of the current model up-to-date, but leaves most of its mechanicals as they were. That's because the Phaeton was so over-engineered when it first went on sale in 2003, it's still more advanced than most of its competition.

Its climate control system is capable of keeping the interior of the car at a cool 22 degrees Celsius, while the vehicle is at a constant speed of 186mph in an ambient temperature of 50 degrees. And, two miles of cable are used to connect the 60 control units found inside the Phaeton.

Buyers will be able to choose between normal or long wheelbase spec (120mm longer), fitted with a 3-litre V6 TDI producing 237bhp or a 6-litre W12 petrol with 444bhp.

All versions feature four-wheel drive, Continuous Damping Control, adjustable air suspension, leather trim, sat-nav, 18-way electrically adjustable seats, laminated glass and eight airbags.

(8)