We drive the Volkswagen Arteon!
If you think sedans are somewhat bland, the Volkswagen Arteon might just spice things up for you…
It arrived in South Africa in the first half of 2018 when it replaced the outgoing Passat CC, and its striking and contemporary design is what had everybody talking, together with sporty and enhanced driving dynamics.
It competes with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4, so it’s up against some strong competition, just to give you an idea of how VW has redefined its premium models.
The design…
One can’t deny the Arteon’s eye-catching design that had many road users turning heads during our test drive. Fastback styling, with long and wide dimensions, together with beautifully sculpted contours and creases on the body work are just some of what gives me reason to not feel bored with sedans anymore. It’s certainly not bland!
Inside, you’re reminded of the high-specced Golf 7.5, with similar interior build quality and technology. Yet it still maintains a very ‘executive’ feel for those after a business-class sedan. Loads of soft-touch materials and comfortable seating arrangements keep the Arteon’s cabin a happy place to be.
It’s also fitted with loads of refined technology such as a digital driver’s display and 6.5 – 9.2-inch touchscreens that not only look great, but are easy to use.
There’s a huge amount of space for back passengers thanks to increased dimensions of its over-all body. I would happily and comfortably travel with friends, family and/or kids over long distances in the Arteon without having to stop for stretching breaks. It’s boot is gigantic (563 litres), particularly when compared with other sport backs and the top-hinged and wide-opening tailgate provides optimum access.
What about its name?
The name Arteon – with the emphasis put on the first syllable – is made up of two component parts: ‘Art’ describes the fastback’s harmonious lines and emotionality. The ending ‘eon’ identifies it, in the same way as Volkswagen’s top model for the Chinese market, the Phideon, as a premium model.
The drive…
We drove the R-Line trim which adds sportier styling and driving dynamics, from an R-Line multi-function steering wheel to Nappa leather carbon-style seats to name just a few. The top of the range 2.0 TSI engine with 206kW power output sprints from 0-100km in just 5.6 seconds and when you’re behind the wheel, its performance is enough to keep you excited, even on the most boring of roads.
Despite being a fairly large car, the Arteon is considerably easy to drive in the city, mostly thanks to its easy progressive steering that makes life more manageable when moving in and out of small spaces or parking. Adaptive dampers with Comfort Mode in the range-topping Arteon makes driving over bumps a much more unnoticeable affair.
DRIVETRAINS
Efficient TSI and TDI engines. The new Arteon launched with two turbocharged direct fuel injection engines. All of the engines have four cylinders. The diesel engine delivers 130kW while the powerful TSI delivers 206kW.
Dual clutch gearbox for all versions. All of the engines are only available with an automated dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The TSI engine also has 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. The diesel models have front-wheel drive. Dynamic Chassic Control is standard across the range.
Diesel engine. The four-cylinder diesel 2.0 TDI with 130kW power output has 350 Nm of torque that is available between 1 608and 3 500rpm. The combined fuel consumption is 5.6 litres per 100 kilometers. The engine is available with a 6-speed DSG transmission.
Petrol engine. The top of the range petrol engine is the 2.0 TSI with 206kW power output. It has 350 Nm of torque that is available from 1 700 up to 5 600 rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in 5.6 seconds and has top speed of 250km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The 206kW engine is only available with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
Equipment lines of the Arteon – elegant and sporty. The gran turismo will be available in two exclusive equipment lines: the ‘Elegance’ and ‘R-Line’. The standard configuration of the Arteon Elegance is focused primarily on sophisticated and classic styling features. The Arteon R-Line, meanwhile, puts sportiness even more at the heart of the vehicle’s configuration – as is typical of all Volkswagen R-Line models.
It’s hard to fault the Arteon. With revolutionary looks, a refined and comfortable interior and driving qualities, I’m left hoping that I’ll get to experience it again soon over longer distances.
Pricing
2.0 TDI 130kW Elegance DSG R599 900
2.0 TDI 130 kW R-Line DSG R649 900
2.0 TSI 206kW R-Line 4MOTION DSG R699 900
The new Arteon comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km Maintenance Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and space saver spare wheel. Service Interval is 15 000km.