Touted as being more than just a replacement for the previous Passat CC, the Volkswagen Arteon has an unquestionable presence. The well-sculpted lines and the large dimensions of the bodywork give it a bearing that stands out on the road.
It's longer, wider, and a little shorter than the model it shares the MQB platform with, the Passat. Keeping proportions right, the platform is 10% stiffer and has a 50mm longer wheelbase.
At the front, horizontal lines make up the grille and accompany the full-LED headlamps. In practice, it seems to us one of the best designed Volkswagens in recent years.
Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TDI
In the tested version, the R-Line, the sporty look stands out. As we'll see later, it's not just visual. The Volkswagen Arteon takes care of itself very well, especially in this version with 240 hp of power and 4motion all-wheel drive.
in the interior
Once you open the electric tailgate or one of the rear doors, we realize that this could just as quickly be the car for the family to drive, as the car for us to drive. Yes, I like to drive, and a lot… but the space behind is so much, that sometimes you feel like enjoying it.
To get an idea, we can say that the space behind is at the level of the best German limousines.
In the back it is possible to cross your leg while reading the newspaper, even if it is one of those with an impractical format. In the trunk we have 563 liters with great access, and unlike most… we can count on a spare tire with dimensions identical to the other original ones, with an 18” rim! It's not that you want to make some kind of “breakdown”, but bad luck happens… and this solution is just the difference between 30 minutes to replace a wheel, or call a trailer if the puncture kit isn't enough.
Full Led, and the acronym R-Line that identifies this version.
Top of the range?
The materials are naturally pleasing and the build quality is good, but with Arteon being the brand's new flagship, nothing substantially differentiates it from the Passat either. THE active info display is standard on the R-Line version and it is worth the panoply of information and possible configurations. In the center, on the console, is the large 9.2″ screen of the Discover Pro system, this already an optional one, and which could not fail to include MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through App Connect, allowing the integration of smartphones .
Well-kept interior, with the usual quality of the brand, but little different from any other VW.
At the wheel
With the most appetizing version of the Arteon, equipped with the engine 2.0 TDI bi-turbo with 240 hp , we can expect a progressive availability of engine torque, greatly helped by the excellent seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox, to which we can only point out a slight delay in gearing between the D and R positions. On the highway it looks like a true «Wolfsburg Express» such is not the ease with which this engine raises the speed pointer.
The engine's strength and elasticity are really the dominant notes. With a low-pressure turbo for low revs and a high-pressure turbo for high revs, Arteon is always responsive and ready to ramp up speeds in an “arrow” style.
With a slightly lower driving position than the Passat, this version standard electronic adaptive suspension (DCC) , and that this engine is sportier, lowered by 5 mm. The geometry allows us not only the Comfort, Normal and Sport modes, but also several intermediate adjustments to the customer's taste.
With its dimensions, a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, and the 19” wheels, stability is always present. The aerodynamic coefficient only favors it. THE balanced behavior it is notorious not only on the highway but also on winding roads and even with uneven pavement.
The 4Motion system, with an electronically controlled multi-disc Haldex differential helps essentially to put all the power on the ground, rather than facilitating cornering behavior, because if the weight is already high, the system adds even more, the total is 1828 kg.
The dimensions are noticeable as soon as we park, not because of the difficulty in maneuvering, aided by the parking camera and sensors, but because of the complexity of doing it within the “four lines”.
With a pace very encouraged by the constant power availability , consumption can exceed double digits. However, in “zen” mode, and greatly aided by the Eco driving mode, six liters are possible, which is already a more acceptable value for the segment. Here you can even forget about the 240 hp! 30 are right outside. Gear changes are smoother and are always made up to 2,500 rpm. It was to save it wasn't it?
Conclusion
As mentioned, Arteon stands out for its design, interior space and comfort, where the suspension with variable damping gives a precious help. While in terms of dynamics Arteon is, of course, slightly below the competition like the 4 Series Gran Coupé or the Audi A5 Sportback, in dimensions it comes close to the new Kia Stinger.
Choosing a car from this segment has never been so difficult!
