- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
206kW, 350Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 7.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2017)
2017 Volkswagen Arteon first drive review
A new name and a new look, but the goal remains the same.
Volkswagen wants to take the step from ‘semi-premium’ to ‘genuine premium’ and for years has believed the answer lies in the Passat.
At first it tried the Passat CC, a ‘four-door coupe’ that took the regular medium sedan and gave it a sleeker roofline - but not much more. Then, for its next attempt, VW dropped the Passat name altogether, calling the model the Volkswagen CC.
Both attempts failed to make any serious in-roads into the heartland of luxury cars - compact executive sedans. But Volkswagen still wants a car that can be a serious alternative to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series. Enter the Arteon.
The name is completely different and the styling has been pushed another step further, but underneath it remains a Passat at its core.
This time around Volkswagen is trying a simpler but more sophisticated strategy, offering a single, high-grade model priced from $65,490; which puts it up against the likes of the $64,400 Mercedes C200 and $63,400 BMW 320i. The new Arteon is only available with the Passat’s biggest and best engine - the 206kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol - and it’s coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive system to underline its premium and performance character.
Further to that, Volkswagen’s adaptive chassis control (adjustable suspension settings) also comes standard.
It also comes loaded with equipment with an extensive list of standard items including R-Line styling, 19-inch alloy wheels, head-up display, VW’s Active Info Display (digital dashboard), keyless entry and ignition, leather trimmed R-Line sports seats, a 9.2-inch infotainment screen with gesture controls, surround view camera, smartphone connectivity and interior ambient lighting.
Safety is also comprehensive with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist and semi-autonomous parking.
All of this gear is wrapped up in a truly striking package. Style is, of course, subjective, but the Arteon certainly cuts a different figure than the Passat. From the horizontal lines across to front that seamlessly incorporates the headlights into the grille, to the clamshell bonnet and through to the sweeping ‘four-door coupe’ roofline, the Arteon certainly stands out as the most premium offering in the people’s car line-up and doesn’t look out-of-place alongside a Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.
Inside is a different story though. The cabin doesn’t feel too far from the Passat, which means a nice presentation and good quality fit and finish, but ultimately it lacks the wow factor of the exterior.
There are some nice touches, like the high-gloss finished infotainment system and high resolution screen which add to the premium feel while the R-Line seats look good and offer comfort and support.
Not surprisingly rear headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline but those in the back do get heated and cooled seats. Unlike the original Passat CC the Arteon comes standard with five seats.
But style and value only go so far, a true luxury car needs to drive like one. Sharing the same engine as the Golf R certainly gives the Arteon performance, with plenty of punch when you force the accelerator down.
The dual-clutch transmission still has some hesitation at low speeds and when trying to find the right ratio in a hurry, such as when you plant your foot to call for a sudden burst of acceleration. On the move, though, the engine and transmission work in harmony and feel quieter and more refined than the calibration in the Golf R.
While the Arteon feels pleasant to drive, with good steering and a responsive chassis, the ride is too firm for Australian roads at times. Even with the adaptive chassis control set to its softest setting you still feel most bumps in the road. It never feels too harsh or crashy, it just displays a typical European suspension tune suited to smoother roads that those found down under.
Ultimately though, like the interior, the Arteon doesn’t feel different enough from the Passat 206TSI when behind the wheel. That’s hardly a criticism because the Passat is a very nice car in its own right.
Of course, the Arteon offers more than just a different look, the safety package is more comprehensive than its sedan sibling, so Volkswagen is hoping customers will upgrade from the Passat, rather than cross-shop it.
Has Volkswagen succeeded in making a true luxury car? The verdict is inconclusive. To those that put a value on the badge on the bonnet a Volkswagen will never be a true equal to Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
Judge the Arteon on its merits though and it’s a very fine luxury car. It has the established players beat for value, can hold its own in terms of style and the driving experience is more than competent.
But even if it doesn’t lure buyers from the big three luxury brands to their local Volkswagen showroom the Arteon proves the people’s car company can also appeal to white collar folk.
2017 Volkswagen Arteon 206TSI price and specifications
Price: From $65,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 206kW at 5600-6500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1700-5600rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.5L/100km