03 Jan 08
9. Volkswagen Phaeton
An underdog that may have its day as a used-car bargain: Volkswagen's attempt to storm the luxury car sector has been hindered only by the VW badge and unexceptional huge-Passat styling (we love the taillights, though). Virtually hand-built at a showpiece, purpose-made factory in Dresden, thoroughly engineered to compete with the world's finest and equipped with engines including the phenomenal 313bhp, 553lb ft 5.0 V10 TDI diesel, the Phaeton has never taken off. And, as more examples come onto the second-hand market, residual values are proving to be every bit as catastrophic as the pundits predicted.
The Phaeton's even a hoot to drive: surprisingly agile for one so large (it's longer than an S-Class), most models have 4Motion four-wheel-drive and automatic air suspension. It could have given Mercedes and BMW a real fright, if it weren't for the badge snobbery. It's great news for used buyers, though, as the first £10,000 Phaetons should start to appear during 2008.
Road Test: Volkswagen Phaeton
