Car Statistics: Volkswagen - Phaeton Series 03 (3 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

The revamp might require some side-by-side detail spotting to determine the differences, but the more tightly wrought front end does move the Phaeton's look into line with Volkswagen's more modern offerings.

Handling (3 stars)

Very large saloons built with comfort in mind are never likely to lend themselves to sprightly handling, and so it is with the Phaeton. Four-wheel drive means you're unlikely to want for grip, but the big VW is far too cumbersome for its own good.

Comfort (4 stars)

Despite its age, the car is still competitive when it comes to cossetting its occupants. The dated cabin feels less luxurious now, but the Phaeton's ride is good enough to filter out most Tarmacadam tremblings and it's impressively hushed inside.

Quality (4 stars)

Few manufacturers hammer mainstream products together as well as Volkswagen so it's curious that the Phaeton doesn't feel particularly well finished. Perhaps it's just the age of the decor which does it a disservice, but it doesn't feel anywhere near as well made as the Mercedes S-Class or Audi A8.

Performance (4 stars)

The 3.0-litre V6 engine which Volkswagen added in 2008 saved the model from complete redundancy. With 369lb ft of torque from 1500rpm, the Phaeton always feels like it has the overtaking energy that captains of industry probably expect from their rides.

Roominess (4 stars)

While it might make the car a pain to manoeuvre around the office car park, the Phaeton's grand scale means it'll house four adults with room to spare. A 500 litre boot means you're unlikely to have to make the journey with your bag on your lap either.

Costs (2 stars)

Again the V6 makes life bearable (assuming your pockets are already deep enough to dabble in this segment) by virtue of its respectable enough 32mpg fuel consumption. Depreciation, however, will be savage. And unless you've fallen in love with the person behind the till at the petrol station, avoid the end-of-the-line W12 at all costs.

Value (3 stars)

While it undercuts the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ by a significant margin, it doesn't really bear serious comparison with any of them.

Stereo (4 stars)

The Phaeton's standard stereo has enough speakers to ensure that even hard of hearing rear passengers are kept entertained. Volkswagen's sat-nav looks a little workmanlike in a luxury car, but it's functional to a fault.