Vehicle: 2004 vW Phaeton V8 with Technology Pkg, keyless access and upgrade 270 watt sound system
Price as tested: CDN$109370
Performance: Phaeton is available with 1 of 2 engines. A 4.2L V8 that outsourced from Audi or the impressive 6.0L W12. The tester is equipped with the familiar “base” 4.2L V8 DOHC that bumps out 335 horses and 317 lb/ft of torque. While the performance is as good as expected, the throttle response is a little bit sluggish for my liking. It feels more like of the low throttle travel similar to Mercedes instead of the shorter and more responsive tip-in I usually expected from VW. The low-end torque is plenty given the gross vehicle weight of this Phaeton. Matched with this engine is the impressive 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The shifts are crisp and smooth, its also willing to up and downshifts without any drama. However, it won’t let you upshift in the redline due to its protective nature.
Handling: Phaeton is more of a luxury blvd cruiser than a capable back-road handler. Its ride is simply a sensation. Not only it provides the usual stiffness associates with German cars, it also creates a sensation of riding on a magic carpet on high speed. Its simply the most comfortably-riding car, regardless of price. On the other hand, the steering has decent responsive but the feedback is numb. There is a vague feel when doing left and right transitions with much feedback. The body rolls are pronounced when pushed. The ESP only kicks in when necessary when encourage you somewhat when pushed through corners.
Brakes: Considered the weight of the Phaeton, the braking performance is impressive. The braking distance is short and fade-free while the pedal provides excellent feedback.
Interior: Its simply the most gorgeous interior I have ever seen. There is a tasteful wood of wood trim across the dashboard with tastefully done aluminum gauges. The multi-adjustable seats are simply superb with wonderfully smell and soft leather. The air vents only open with it detects there is air coming out and close it themselves when the climate control is off. On the back seat, there is plenty of leg and headroom. The center mounted seat adjustable switches, wood trim with chrome cupholders are simply a work-of-art.
Along with the nifty remote open and close trunk, the use of uninstrusive hinges actually increase the use of space.
Conclusion: When Fredinard Piech announced the production of Phaeton in Dreseden factory, it created a lot of controversies simply because VW doesn’t equal luxury. Phaeton is a testimony of how much VW’s engineerng prowess can go, it obviously shows through every details. Let’s just hope consumers won’t overlook this car because of the badge.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 VW PHAETON V8
==================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5