Revised Volkswagen Phaeton on the way

Revised Volkswagen Phaeton on the way

Volkswagen has announced the specification for its revised Phaeton luxury saloon ahead of the new car??™s arrival in the autumn. Revision highlights include updated interior and exterior styling as well as a new 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine which boasts more power than the outgoing unit, and which is the first Volkswagen engine to comply with the stringent Euro V emissions legislation.

The new 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine uses common rail technology and has a maximum power output of 233 PS, eight PS more than its predecessor. It produces 450 Nm of torque, has a 0 to 62 mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph. Nonetheless it returns a respectable 29.4 mpg on the combined cycle. One requirement of the new Euro V emissions legislation - which does not become law until 2009 - is an 80 per cent reduction in particulates compared with Euro IV, and this has been achieved with this engine.

Another two engines complete the Phaeton line-up: the 4.2-litre V8 335 PS and flagship 6.0-litre W12 450 PS. All models have standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive and are available with a long wheelbase, giving 12 cm additional rear legroom. Only the 3.0-litre V6 TDI is now offered with a standard wheelbase.

Outside, customers will notice subtle styling changes to the Phaeton: these include a re-profiled bonnet, newly designed headlights with automatic driving lights, cherry red rear light clusters, body coloured bumpers with chrome trim, chrome air inlets and, for added safety, hazard lights which illuminate automatically in extreme braking situations. An innovative option (standard on W12) is that of cornering bi-Xenon lights with LED daytime running lights.

In the cabin, the Phaeton now features modified centre console switchgear for enhanced ease of use, as well as a new DVD navigation system. As an option, the current telephone preparation is replaced by Voice Activated Mobile Phone Preparation which includes Bluetooth Interface with hands free operation and the control unit integrated into the ???infotainment system??™.

When the revised Phaeton becomes available in Ireland around September, don't be surprised to see a launch pricing offer on the base 3.0-litre V6 TDI for a limited period. New Volkswagen distribution arrangements will be in place by then and this would just be following a similar marketing initiative announced in the UK for the revised Phaeton. Watch this space!

Source: [url=http://www.athloneadvertiser.ie/index.php?aid=4948]Athlone Advertiser[/url]