People's car got into the premium class - VW Phaeton. The creators of Volkswagen brand cars got the idea to expand their model arsenal by introducing a representative car there. This sedan is the first in the history of the brand, and belongs to the class F. “Phaeton” was announced in March 2002 at the Geneva Motor Show.
After the world debut, the manual assembly of the car at the hotel car factory in Dresden began. Previously, the model already had a prototype, which was called Concept D and was announced back in 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car hides under the hood one of the most powerful and multi-cylinder engines, not only in the range of Volkswagen, but also the other brands of the group. This ICE became the hallmark of the Phaeton and the prestigious Tuareg crossover of the first generation.
Appearance
Although the appearance of the “Phaeton” may not cause a storm of emotions, it looks solid and majestic.
Visually, the model received a considerable share of conservatism. According to reviews, Volkswagen Phaeton has a large and “muscular” body, which contains expressively “knocked-out” headlights, stylish lights, large bumpers and wheel arches of relief shape. An additional sense of power to the sedan is added by the nozzles of the bifurcated exhaust system.
Dimensions
The European classification F assumes a length of more than 5 m, and the Phaeton fully copes with this task. So, the standard has a length of 5059 mm, a width of 1903 mm, a height of 1450 mm. The wheelbase is an impressive 2881 mm.
The elongation, Long, has a length of 5176 mm, and the base is 3001, which means an extension of 120 mm. The ground clearance in normal mode is 128 mm, but if desired, the clearance can vary from 112 to 153 mm. For this, as well as for a comfortable ride, air suspension is responsible.
Interior
Although the interior as a whole may seem somewhat old-fashioned (although there is a color screen here), but the interior is made with high quality. There is a "puffy" multifunction steering wheel made of expensive leather. In the center there is a monumental center console with a large color monitor and an analog clock at the top.
Also pleased with a pair of large and comfortable armrests. The selector of a five- or six-band machine has a vintage design and features a huge button. It is made using leather and wood. The interior is decorated exclusively with high-quality materials - genuine leather, noble woods and metal elements.
"Phaeton", regardless of version, has a lot of space both in front and behind. Very comfortable front seats got a bunch of settings, an electric massager, ventilation and built-in memory for several selected modes. At the back of the sedan with the usual base - a convenient and comfortable sofa, which is designed for three passengers.
And the version of Volkswagen Phaeton Long in the list of its options has separate seats, where a bunch of electrical adjustments, massage and other functions are installed.
Trunk
The three-volume Volkswagen Phaeton has a roomy 500-liter boot. This net volume is achieved with the correct compartment configuration. Under the raised floor, in a special niche is a full-size spare tire. Here is a set of tools.
Volkswagen Phaeton: specifications
At the base sedans was a gasoline 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine of a fancy and legendary VR6 configuration. However, this ICE has good dynamics only when equipped with a lightweight Volkswagen Golf R32 hot hatch or Audi TT 3.2 Quattro kupeshka. And for a sedan with a mass of 1970 kg with manual transmission and, especially 2010 kg with automatic transmission, acceleration to hundreds takes “eternal” 8.4 and 9.3 seconds. Motor power - 241 liters. from. at 6200 rpm., torque - 315 Nm.
In 2007, all the base Volkswagen Phaeton was already equipped with 24-valve V-shaped sixes with a more serious 3.6-liter volume, which already produced 280 horses and an impressive traction of 370 Nm. In the list of transmissions, the handle disappeared from the base, but the same 6-band DSG robot appeared, which in addition came only with a standard wheelbase. And on the extended version there was a 6-speed automatic.
What are the characteristics of the Volkswagen Phaeton? The maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour with a limit, and the first hundred sedan picks up after 8 or 8.9 seconds. On average, a car “eats” 11.4 or 11.9 liters of fuel. This motor is basic for Russia. Further, in increasing order, there is a gasoline 4.2-liter top-end engine (both for Russia and the rest of the market). So, this aspirated produces 335 horsepower. The thrust is 430 Nm. Acceleration - 6.9 seconds to the first hundred, and the maximum speed - all the same 250 kilometers per hour, limited by electronics. Fuel consumption every hundred - an average of 12.5 liters. But as practice shows, the real consumption is above 20 liters of the 95th in the city. By the way, this motor has a 40-valve cylinder head.
Diesel engines
This 2967 cc V6 at the very beginning of his career gave out 224 horsepower and 450 Nm. A car with a weight of 2133 kg gains 234 kilometers per hour, and spends 8.8 seconds to hundreds with an average diesel consumption of 9.6 liters. In 2007, with the same traction, the power was increased to 233 forces, slightly improving dynamics to hundreds - 8.4 seconds and increasing the maximum speed to 236 kilometers per hour with an average diesel consumption of 9.4 liters. And finally, the six-cylinder diesel engine in 2007 received an increased return: 240 horsepower and already exactly 500 Nt of torque, which is generated in the range between 1500 to 3000 rpm.
Transmissions and Drive Type
Status, prestige and powerful motors suggest the presence of all-wheel drive, especially since this is a relative of the expensive Audi and Bentley. “Phaetons”, with the exception of the basic dorestyling 3.2-liter versions, were all-wheel drive. This is a system using the Torsen center differential, which distributes the moment between the axles of the car with a ratio of 40:60.
But depending on road conditions, the front wheels get the highest possible 65% of traction, while the rear wheels can get as much as 85%. This is a reliable and time-tested system on Audi models. At Audi, this system is called Quattro, and at Volkswagen - 4Motion. In the Russian market, all modifications "went" exclusively with all-wheel drive transmission.
Running
Volkswagen Phaeton is based on the flagship D1 trolley with a fully independent suspension. In front is a time-tested double-lever, and behind is a multi-lever. The car was already equipped with an electronically controlled air suspension by default.
Rack and pinion steering with an electromechanical power amplifier with variable effort. In the brake system in a circle there are ventilated discs with support for such systems of "assistants" as with ABS, BAS, EBD.
About trim levels and cost
On the Russian market you can find jaded copies with a price of about 2 million 150 thousand rubles, and even very old or basic versions from 650 thousand rubles. For the version in good condition from 2015, they ask from 4 million 350 thousand rubles. The standard equipment of the model, in addition to the above devices, also includes 8 airbags, 4-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, multimedia, cruise control, music with ten premium speakers, full power accessories and a ton of other equipment.
So, we found out what a similar sedan is and what the price of a Volkswagen Phaeton is.