Launched: all new VW Arteon
By khulekani / on May 12th, 2018 / in Car Reviews, featuredThe Arteon is a thing of beauty and it signals a shift between some products wearing the VW badge. In our market, Audi competes directly with likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz for the VW Group. The introduction of the Arteon into our market signals that this will no longer the case, as the intention is for the Arteon to take the fight directly to the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Its Audi siblings will most likely not be spared some healthy sibling rivalry.
The Arteon replaces the delightful but sadly short-lived VW CC. Actually, not only does it do that but, it is set to compete with the likes of BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 Sportback. Only time will tell if the Arteon will be successful in that mission as no matter how good it is, it has to move a few minds into perceiving as a viable alternatives to the more established premium brands.
Interior, exterior and styling
VW is betting on the exquisite design of the car. The Arteon is a work of art. The large grille, with lines that flow from across into the LED headlights, makes the car instantly recognizable and stand out. In fact, it shouts premium, especially when paired with the large air-vents in R-Line model. The side profile is perfectly sculptured with strong visible lines that cut across from the sides of the large bonnet. The sloping roof makes the car look classy and athletic. The back is not as assertive as the front but, its minimalistic and elegant design will not leave you feeling let down.
The Arteon is also longer and larger than the CC that it replaces. This is evident in the bigger cabin, more legroom and larger boot of the high-flying Arteon. The interior is quintessentially VW. Well executed, complete with the latest technology like the optional glass-fronted 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system and Active Info Display digital instruments. As well appointed as the Arteon is, it just doesn’t have the interior class of its Audi A5 Sportback sibling. There is a gap between the sophistication of the Audi A5 Sportback and the Arteon. This is not to say the gap is wide, such as to dissuade someone who is sold on the exterior design and practicality of the car to walk away from it. You will be very happy if you choose the Arteon.
What will be on offer?
The Arteon will be provided in three versions with two trims (Elegance and R-Line), and two 2,0 litre engines. The 2,0 TDI Elagance and 2,0 TDI R-Line will employ VW’s 130 kW/350 Nm turbo-diesel engine and the flagship TSI R-Line 4Motion will be powered by a 2,0 litre 206 kW/206Nm turbo-petrol engine. Both engines on offer will have the DSG gearbox but, the diesel version will be 6-speed whereas the petrol one will be 7-speed. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5,6l/100 km for the diesel with 7,3l/100 being claimed for the petrol option. The 2,0 TSI version will move from 0-100 in an impressive 5,6 seconds.
The drive
We sampled the Arteon in and around Johannesburg. The car is very comfortable on the uneven Johannesburg roads. Noise insulation is excellent and the sound system is good. Highway driving is also seamless in the Arteon. You do feel that you are in a VW product that is aimed at the big premium boys. We drove the both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine is obviously the quicker one but, the diesel engine has more than enough power. Unless you need the speed, we would probably opt for the diesel engine and save at the fuel pumps.
Pricing
The pricing of the Volkswagen Arteon will be as follows:
– 2,0 TDI Elegance DSG: R599,900
– 2,0 TDI R-Line DSG: R649,900
– 2,0 TSI R-Line 4Motion DSG: R699,900
The above mentioned prices include 3 year/120,000 km warranty and a 5 year/90,000 km maintenance plan.
Very interesting that VW don’t have the normal 2.0TSI engine to make it 2 petrol engines & 2 diesels, probably coming later? Because consumer is forced to take the diesel derivative or the 206kw 700k Arteon, I believe they should offer the consumers more choices!