Volkswagen Phaeton

VW's first real stab at a luxury car is brilliantly done and pitches itself against the cream of stately transport at a fifth of the price. But the VW badge will be sneered at in the Gentleman's Club car park, and while it's cheap compared to rivals, it's expensive for a Volkswagen. The styling, which is similar to the Passat, is bland and will date quickly - the Phaeton will not impress in ten years' time, but it will be cheap to buy.

V6, V8, V10, TDI

Even the 3.2 has everything you'd want as standard (especially for a car of this price).

5.0 V6 TDI