Volkswagen's Big, Comfy Arteon Is Now An Unexpected 268bhp Sleeper
Volkswagen has turned the revised Arteon saloon into an unexpected sleeper with a fresh injection of performance from a more powerful engine.
A more potent version of the turbocharged four-cylinder EA888 engine brings a handy 268bhp to the table and, combined with a DSG transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, gives the Arteon enough pace to keep you busy.
We’ve had a powerful petrol Arteon before, but it was killed off by the tougher new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, or WLTP. This one is - on paper - down 8bhp but maintains the same performance stats.
The 0-62mph sprint comes about in 5.6 seconds, which is over two seconds faster than the next-most powerful petrol option and almost a second quicker than the BiTDI diesel with 236bhp. It also makes this big, comfy, luxurious saloon faster off the line than a Honda Civic Type R…
Top speed of the new version is capped by a 155mph limiter and potential average fuel economy is a very reasonable 40mpg. If only they’d make a shooting brake it could be an ideal CT-friendly family car.
Impressively, the all-wheel drive setup hasn’t eaten into the 563-litre boot, which extends to 1557 litres with the seats down. Two trim grades are on offer: Elegance, formerly a Skoda line, and R-Line. The latter adds larger wheels and sporty aesthetic upgrades. Prices start from £39,065 for the 268bhp Arteon in Elegance trim.
Comments
Um this engine has been available for quite some time now and the same engine is available in a skoda superb wich is still a bit more of a sleeper
Why not just get a Ford Taurus SHO?
I would rather buy a Škoda Superb estate with this engine, a lot more space, a lot cheaper and a much better camouflaged slepper. And they are almost identical under the skin, differences are minimal.
never seen one one the road…
Still waiting for the VR6T…..