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The Indian auto market sure is an eclectic one. Starting from the world's cheapest car to super expensive uber-luxurious sedans, it has it all. One segment of the market that has really taken off in recent times, thanks to the millionaire boom in India is the full-size luxury sedan segment. The rising disposable incomes of the well-heeled Indians have permitted them the luxury of opting for some of most the exclusive sedans ever made. And it is often the Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 Series these lucky individuals opt for to ferry them to and from office. But of course, there is an elite group within this elite group whose garages adorn among others, cars that are so special and exclusive that they seldom venture out, cars such as the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls Royce Phantom.
As if the super-rich Indians weren't spoilt for choice already when it comes to luxury sedans, Volkswagen has brought its Phaeton sedan to India. First introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show and in India at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo, the Phaeton is Volkswagen's most expensive car and has been described as "premium class". It was the brainchild of former Volkswagen chairman, Ferdinand Piech, who wanted VW engineers to create a car that would take the battle to the likes of Mercedes and BMW. The result was a dynamic and extremely refined four-door powerhouse, at par with the top dogs in the luxury sedan realm, the S Class and 7 Series. Volkswagen's flagship sedan shares its transmissions and some engines with the Audi A8 and is based on the Volkswagen Group D1 platform, also shared by the Bentley Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur. The Phaeton is capable of being driven all day at a speed of 250kmph, with an exterior temperature of 50 degree centigrade, whilst preserving the interior temperature at 22 degree centigrade.
The Phaeton's powertrain varies according to the markets it is sold in. In India, it is currently available in a single petrol version only. Powered by a 3.6-litre, V6 petrol engine, the India-spec sedan discharges 280PS of peak power at 6250rpm and maximum torque of 370Nm@3500rpm. The 6-cylinder, FSI (Direct Gasoline Injection) engine possesses a high-end torque and guarantees impeccable performance and acceleration. The powerful V6 engine catapults the Phaeton to 100kmph from zero in 8.6 seconds. Average fuel consumption stands at 11.7litres/100kms and CO2 emissions at 273g/km.
The engine is coupled with a 6 speed tiptronic transmission, 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, as well as an electronically controlled air suspension, which facilitates a refined and supple driving performance.
Although, the Phaeton doesn't match up to the S Class and 7 Series in terms of looks, it more than matches them when it comes to the interior quality, luxury, style, comfort and space. It has the best-fitted seats of the luxury-sedan lot. It has innovative features such as dehumidifier, which prevents the windows from steaming up. The dashboard looks quintessentially as that of a high-end sedan. It slides up to divulge air-vents. A good number of trees have no doubt been felled somewhere to give the Phaeton its wood veneer.
The Volkswagen Phaeton in true luxury sedan style features a 5-star level of equipments and gadgets. The litany of features onboard includes "Climatronic" auto aircon with multi-zone temperature control, 18-way adjustable front seats, cruise control, illuminated sun visors, rain sensors, RNS810 music system with navigation, front and rear park distance control with rear view camera, rake and reach electronically adjustable steering, refrigerator etc. For safety, the Phaeton is equipped with 8 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), EDL, Anti-Skid Restraints (ASR), active head restraints, bi-xenon headlights with cornering lights and anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, besides a host of other active and passive features.
The Phaeton is handcrafted at Volkswagen's Dresden glass factory. Customers are allowed to walk through the process of building of the car and have a say in it if they so wish to. The sedan will come to India via the CBU route. 10 cars have already been imported to India by the company, with more to come depending on bookings.
The quality, class and luxury of the VW Phaeton comes at a hefty price, but that is almost a given for a car from the luxury sedan realm. Thanks to the CBU route, the Phaeton will retail for an ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs. 76,29,128. It is worthwhile to mention that Volkswagen hasn't launched the latest iteration of the Phaeton in India and instead have opted for the 2009 model. While we can't for the life of us seem to understand why, what we do know is the fact that the Phaeton has it work grossly cut out against the Mercedes S Class and the BMW 7 Series.
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Volkswagen Phaeton |
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| Specifications: |
Test Vehicle: Volkswagen Phaeton
Base Price: Rs. 76,29,128 (Ex showroom Delhi)
Engine Type: 3.6-litre, 6-Cylinder, FSI, Petrol
Engine Size and Type: NA
Engine Max Power: 280PS at 6,250rpm
Engine Torque: 370Nm at 3,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic Automatic
Drive System: 4 Motion Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Max Speed: 253kmph
Fuel Economy (city): NA
Fuel Economy (highway): NA
Length: 5,175mm
Width: 1,930mm
Wheelbase: 3,001mm
Height: 1,450mm
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: NA
Ground Clearance: NA
Kerb Weight: 2499kg
Warranty: NA |
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