Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on) - Review Review by Dan Harrison on 09 January 2007 Last Updated: 22 June 2011 Volkswagen's first real attempt at a true luxury car is technically brilliant. The Phaeton comes packed with technology, is incredibly refined and there are some great engines available too, including impressively powerful TDI units. It's not the most striking of designs - in fact it is fairly anonymous and guaranteed not to attract attention - ideal if you want to travel incognito. There's masses of passenger space while a long wheelbase version is available for even more room. It's an expensive buy if new, particularly for a Volkswagen, which means it's never been particularly popular in the UK. Depreciation is steep - especially on the entry-level 3.2-litre - which means it's a great used buy and more affordable than you may think. It was given a mild facelift in September 2007 that included subtle exterior tweaks and a more modern cabin design. More changes took place in January 2009 including a new touchscreen satellite navigation and climate control system. 3.5 out of 5 Other Volkswagen reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4.5 out of 5 Comfort There's loads of space for the front passenger, as well as a large well upholstered leather seat and individual climate control. It's a similar story in the back, where it's possible for the rear passengers to have their own controls for the air conditioning. The Phaeton is available in four or five seat versions. Four seat versions have a huge amount of space in the back while long wheelbase models have enough legroom to really stretch out. It's exceptionally quiet on the move - only engine noise is occasionally noticeable and there's excellent sound quality from the stereo system. View full gallery 4 out of 5 Practicality A huge boot makes the Phaeton quite practical for a saloon. It opens at roughly waist height, making it easy to load, plus it is fairly deep, making it capable of carrying the luggage of all five (or four) people on board. Opening the boot is effortless - the lightest touch of the huge Volkswagen badge on the back opens the boot electronically and the lid rises on its own. An electric tailgate option is available. That means the tailgate opens and closes at the touch of a button and doesn't need to be 'slammed' closed. Inside, there's a large centre armrest box and door pockets that expand. The glovebox isn't as large as it could be as space is taken up by the CD autochanger and the DVD drive for the sat nav. Get a Volkswagen Phaeton valuation View full gallery How does the boot space compare? Audi A8 Saloon (03-11) 500 litres BMW 7-Series (02-08) 500 litres Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on) 500 litres Jaguar XJ Saloon (03-09) 470 litres 3.5 out of 5 Behind the wheel The Phaeton is set up for driver comfort. The big leather seats are endlessly adjustable, plus there's plenty of movement in the steering wheel, so finding the ideal driving position is easy. Unfortunately the interior isn't as user friendly as it is comfortable. The cabin is littered with buttons - some of which duplicate tasks. It's confusing and distracting to use on the move too. On the plus side, the air conditioning vents are hidden under wooden veneers and these slide out of the way when the air con is in use. It's a neat - and elegant - touch. Rear visibility isn't great, but excellent front and rear parking sensors help to judge distances while optional massage seats sooth your back as you drive. View full gallery Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Volkswagen Phaeton cars for sale We have 28 models like this for sale. Find Volkswagen Phaeton cars for sale Previous: Driving & Performance Next: Costs