Volkswagen’s Arteon is significant competition for many other sedans such as BMW, Audi A4 and The Mercedes C-class, and it comes with a reasonable asking price, too. The new Arteon comes with a completely redesigned chassis, drivetrain and practicality all combined with Volkswagens finest luxury.There are two models available: The Elegance and the R-Line spec, which both come with two different engine models.
Many may say the Arteon is just a face-lifted Volkswagen Passat, but the truth is the Arteon is just as easy to drive as a Volkswagen Golf with the equivalent luxuries to the larger Volkswagen Toureg and has good performance and fuel consumption.
Design and luxury features
In the past two to three years, Volkswagen has really stepped up their game when it comes to styling. The Arteon is the result. Strangely, it shares very little with other Volkswagens, and has received a completely superior look for the exterior. It is by the far one of the most exciting features about the Volkswagen Arteon, with a very interesting overall design, starting from front headlights to wheels. The Arteon is styled as a sloping roofline coupe (but has four doors) with frameless door windows for both front and back passengers.
The interior is similar to most other Volkswagens, which is not necessarily a negative since VWs are known for being fairly well built with class leading practicality interiors. It features some of Volkswagen’s best luxuries, including the larger infotainment system located in the center of the dashboard and active info display behind the steering wheel. If you opt for the R-line spec, then you receive many other R-line trims such as Nappa Leather and Carbon Style R-line seats, R-line multifunction steering wheel, aluminum pedals and stainless-steel door running R-line logos. Overall the cabin is a nice place to be and feels well built.
Practicality is one of the biggest advantages of the Arteon and there is easily enough space for four or even five adults and space for reasonable sized luggage. The 563 litre size boot is really quite impressive for this type of sporty/luxury sedan.
Engine specs and price for the Volkswagen Arteon
The Elegance comes standard with a 2.0 TDI DSG, which is a turbocharged diesel with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that offers smooth gear changes and good fuel consumption. Volkswagen says the Arteon will average a 5,6 L/100km which is pretty good for its size. The 2.0 liter TDI pushes out 130kW/350Nm. The Volkswagen ArteonElegance starts @R599 900.*
There are two engines available in the R-line specs, the first engine available is the same engine that comes in the Elegance, but there is a larger, more powerful 2.0 liter petrol turbocharged that cranks out a massive 206kW/350Nm. This beastly engine gets the Arteon to 100km in just 5,6 seconds, and also comes with a 7-speed DSG. However this extra power does come at a small cost, as the average fuel consumption jumps to 7.3 L/100km. The R-line 2.0 TDI 130kW starts @R649 900 and the range topping 2.0 TSI 4 motion 206kW starts @R699 900.*
Verdict for the Volkswagen new Arteon
There are many sedans with good practicality, performance and good looks, however not for the same price as the Volkswagen Arteon. The Volkswagen Arteon has a lot of potential to be a class leader in this segment, as there is very little wrong with it and it delivers possibly everything anyone would want from this type of practical, sporty, luxurious, and safe sedan.
*Prices correct at time of publication.
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