Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen Arteon at a glance

The Arteon is built on Volkswagen's modular MQB platform with a transverse engine and a body using a high proportion of high-strength steel. Every version has a seven-speed DSG available, and the most powerful engines come with 4Motion. Other models are in our Volkswagen catalogue, the closely related sedan is covered in our Volkswagen Passat B8 article, and the brand's background is in Volkswagen: history, landmark models and ownership.

Design

The Arteon resembles the CC only in spirit. Its two-part grille runs between the headlights and continues into the upper section of the bumper, so it reads as one wide surface. LED headlights are standard on every version and echo the grille's horizontal bars, which also house the LED daytime running lights; even the base car has adaptive headlights with cornering lights. The lower grille carries the number plate, a camera and various sensors. The R-Line version has a three-part bumper with C-shaped side vents; other versions have a single lower opening.

The bonnet is fitted with gas-charged actuators in place of conventional fixings: in a collision with a pedestrian it lifts automatically to soften the impact. Two chrome strips between the front wings and the doors are unique to the Arteon and also act as aerodynamic vents. A sharp crease runs from the headlights to the tail lights, the side windows are frameless, and keyless entry is fitted. Ground clearance is a modest 138 mm. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys, with 19- and 20-inch wheels optional. At the rear, the VW badge doubles as the boot release, LED tail lights are split between the boot lid and the body, and a small integrated spoiler aids aerodynamics.

Interior and practicality

The cabin follows Volkswagen's familiar, ergonomic layout and is closely related to the Passat B8. Leather front seats have strong side support, electric adjustment and heating. The three-spoke steering wheel adjusts for height and reach and carries gearshift paddles. A digital instrument display shows virtual dials by default, while a 9-inch infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sits below an analogue clock between the air vents (pre-facelift). Push-button start, drive-mode selection and an electric parking brake are on the tunnel.

Three adults can sit in the back, although the centre seat is less comfortable. There is a fold-down armrest with cupholders and a ski hatch. The boot holds 563 litres, or 1,557 litres with the rear seats folded.

Engines and transmissions

The 206 kW (280 PS) petrol version reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h, using about 9.2 l/100 km in town and 7.3 l/100 km combined. The 177 kW (240 PS) diesel averages about 5.9 l/100 km. All engines meet Euro 6.

Every version can have the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox; lower-powered versions are also offered with a six-speed manual. Engines above 147 kW (200 PS) come with 4Motion all-wheel drive, which uses a Haldex multi-plate clutch for the rear axle; it is optional on the 140 kW (190 PS) versions, and the rest are front-wheel drive.

Chassis

Suspension is independent all round: MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link rear axle. Electronically controlled DCC dampers are optional. The rack-and-pinion steering has a variable ratio and electric assistance with progressive characteristics, and the brakes are discs all round (ventilated at the front).

Safety and equipment

The Arteon offers a long list of assistance systems, including lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and a collision-avoidance system that can brake and steer automatically, as well as an SOS button near the rear-view mirror and tyre-pressure monitoring. The R-Line comes with six airbags, an 8-inch infotainment system, a rear camera, a virtual cockpit, full-LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, three-zone climate control, lane assist, heated seats front and rear, electric front seats, mixed upholstery and keyless entry and start.

The 2020 facelift: eHybrid and Shooting Brake

Volkswagen presented the updated Arteon in June 2020, adding a hybrid and the Arteon Shooting Brake wagon. Outside, the changes are modest: new bumpers, new tail lights and new lettering on the boot. R-Line versions gained more striking exhaust trims and a light strip across the grille that visually links the headlights.

The interior moved away from the Passat with a new dashboard design: the air vents form one continuous line, the analogue clock is gone, and there is a new steering wheel and fully touch-sensitive climate controls. The 10.25-inch digital instrument display received improved graphics, and higher trims have a 9.2-inch infotainment screen. The Travel Assist system combines adaptive cruise control with lane keeping from 0 to 210 km/h, recognises traffic signs and roadworks, and the rear camera's field of view widened from 90 to 170 degrees.

The 2.0 TDI received an improved SCR system with AdBlue injection, cutting harmful emissions by up to 80%. The new Arteon eHybrid uses the drivetrain of the Passat GTE: a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with 115 kW (156 PS) and an electric motor with 85 kW (115 PS), paired with a six-speed DSG, for a system output of 160 kW (218 PS). It can cover up to 53 km on electricity alone (WLTP) at up to 140 km/h.

Key specifications

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners praise the strong engines, good sound insulation, modest fuel consumption, excellent handling and road holding, confident behaviour in winter, LED lighting, a high level of safety and the many driver assistants; the suspension also copes well with poor roads. Some dislike the R-Line's sports seats with carbon-look inserts, and rearward visibility is limited. Rivals included the Kia Stinger, Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé and Peugeot 508.