(Wed 05 Nov 08)

Volkswagen's wonderful but rarely-discussed Phaeton luxury saloon has been mildly revised for 2009. Outside, sharp-eyed observers will notice a revised front grille, new wheel designs and a new range of metallic paint colours, while the interior has a redesigned centre console, new instruments and touchscreen satellite navigation and climate control functions.

New options to the range include the Side Scan blind spot monitor already offered on the Touareg, a rear-view camera and a 1000W Dynaudio sound system with 12 speakers.

There are three models in the new range, all with four-wheel drive: a 237bhp three-litre V6 turbo diesel in short- and long-wheelbase body styles at £44,235 and £46,610 respectively, and a long-wheelbase-only 444bhp six-litre W12 at £75,395. Volkswagen dealers are taking orders now, and customer deliveries will start in January.

Volkswagen Gallery
Volkswagen Road Tests

Previous: More Economical Citroen C1                              Next: Hot SsangYong Rexton