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
Looks awesome :D
Rip CC. I do like what they did. I know they only changed the name so it would sell better
Great car, just pointless. Why was this needed when they have Audi already? This is basically an A5 5 door, for a little less. Overlapping between brands never works!
It costs half the A5 in similar option level.
Well I guess they learned their lesson with the Phaeton. 30K is not bad.
Ugly color and excessive number of do-dads, ridiculous high price. I’ll Keep my 2013 2.5L 5cyl Passat thank you!
….couldn’t you just modify it it?
You mean 2003 5cyl Passat. As since 2005 ( B6 ) there are no 5 cylinder Passats.
It’s a good looking car, no doubt, but it looks like it has been made by a bunch of marketeers rather than a team of engineers. I’m hoping that there will be a powerful version of this car (even if its hybrid, which is most likely) which will make it a bit more appealing .
(And I am the VW fanboy here)
Marketing rules the world. If it doesn’t sell, the best car in the world is a pile of @#$%.
As long as it looks this good and has the usual VW tech underneath I’m fine with it :)
The Front looks like the new Renault Talisman or Megane..
That’s because Renault copied the B8 Passat and GTE Concept Coupe.
Really? you think someone would copy a Renault and not the other way around?
Damn,the price is very cheap for that kind of vehicle……until it met with 100%+++ import tax
The biggest problem with this gorgeous car is the badge on the front of it. It deserves an Audi badge, but instead we have Volkswagen which was actually supposed to be the “mainstream” brand, sticking its name on it. I hope VW has confidence in their choice, because this could end just like the Phaeton, and we all know how well that ended.
Aha, we meet again Mr. Audi A5 Sportback.
it’s cheaper than the A5 and more stylish in my opinion so no complaints :)