Say Hello To The VW Arteon: The Passat's Posh Big Brother
Passat just not big or swanky enough for you? Fear not, as VW has an answer, and it’s called the Arteon.
It’s essentially a replacement for the recently discontinued Passat CC, although it’s been pushed further north of the CC and deeper into premium territory.
The five-door Arteon is wider and has a longer wheelbase than the Passat, giving more space inside. It also makes it an imposingly large thing in the metal - despite the relatively modest growth - particularly with the optional 20-inch wheels fitted.
It’s based on VW’s MQB platform, which means the usual range of transversely mounted petrol and diesel engines. The range kicks off with Wolfsburg’s new 1.5-litre TSI ‘Evo’ engine, ending with a 276bhp 2.0-litre TSI. The most powerful diesel meanwhile is good for 236bhp.
On the tech front, the Arteon gets the new Active Info Display system (VW’s take on Audi Virtual Cockpit, in other words) and Discover Pro infotainment system we’ve already seen in the new Golf. And yes, that does include the intriguing but slightly clunky gesture control system.
The lights are clever too, featuring a “predictive beam control” system that illuminates corners with a portion of the headlights using GPS data. The cruise control meanwhile will adjust its speed according to speed limit information, should you wish.
Want one? The range is expected to start in the region of £30,000 when it goes on sale in the UK later this year.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
i couldnt afford an s class or an audi so i bought this
id much rather have this over a crappy audi
Actually, I’d rather have this than an A4. It’s got more style, and it doesn’t make me tailgate anyone.
Especially with the cruise controll that automaticly keeps it’s distance
It’s more comparable to the A5, but still in design I prefer this to an A5. But either way, VAG Group earns the money.
Exterior styling? Absolutely. Interior styling? Not quite my tempo. Also tailgating is fun :P
£30k? Sounds like pretty good value - only weakness as a luxury car is the badge (although VW is starting to creep upmarket)
It looks like this could be the new Phaeton
Was thinking that
Missing the W12 though :/
That’s the Phideon, although it will be China-only.
The VW Artofdepreciation
That grill/ light arrangement makes it look like it has a monobrow…
Looks great in Gold colour, that’s for sure.
Damn, looks good!
How I would describe it: A WhatsApp Emoji on wheels. The frobt looks exactly like this 😏 with the huge grille and the thin lights. And even the color matches.
Am i the only one who REALLY likes this?
Nope, 100 with you there.
I hope that there will be an “R” variant later down the line…