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Geneva Motor Show

Geneva 2016: VW reveals the new 'Phideon'

Chinese-only saloon comes with a 296bhp turbo V6 and 4WD

Published: 29 Feb 2016

At a preview event in Geneva, Volkswagen unveiled this: it's called the Phideon, it is a saloon, and it is heading for China.

Yup, the five-metre-long executive VW was built for China, and is the first Volkswagen to be based on the 'Modular Longitudinal Matrix' platform. Or MLB.

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That length means the new Phideon sits above the Passat in the range, while its elegant new face also points towards the future design of the car which you probably thought it was - the next-generation Phaeton.

We're told the LED headlights and 'bold grille' will feature on future 'high-end' VW saloons (the new Phaeton, then). It also continues the Phaeton's trend of deploying air suspension, here adjustable through five settings, along with soft-close doors, a night-vision camera, as well as cruise control, lane assist, park assist and so forth. Inside, it's all luxury, with focus on the rear passenger comfort (for chauffeur duties), with electrically adjustable seats featuring heating and massage options. Plush. 

Top of the range is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, with 296bhp and a four-wheel-drive system, though a 2.0-litre four-pot will also be available (FWD only), and later on, a plug-in hybrid.

It'll launch in China later this year.

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