VW on to winner with flagship Arteon
VOLKSWAGEN has an all-new flagship model called the Arteon and with its svelte-like fastback styling and beautiful handling capabilities it could make its mark in the premium market, writes MAXINE ASHFORD.
The four-door, front-wheel-drive Arteon is priced from £33,505 and is available in two trim levels called Elegance, which is sophisticated, and R-Line, which adds an element of sporty prowess to the mix.
Buyers can choose from three punchy engines which are a 2.0-litre 280PS petrol Evo unit and two 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines with outputs of 150PS and 240PS.
This version, priced at £35,090 (£41,660 with options) was powered by a 2.0-litre 150ps turbo diesel engine mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission in R-Line trim.
With its muscular design and coupe fastback styling the Arteon certainly looks the business and other eye-catching design cues include a clamshell bonnet, and an imposing grille that spreads the width of the car and blends smoothly into the light units.
Move inside the cabin and you will be met by a classy, upmarket interior that oozes style and is packed with technology. There are Nappa leather seats that can be electrically adjusted and the soft touch materials, ambient lighting and brushed aluminium trim is complemented further by piano black decorative inserts on the centre console.
On-board technology includes the likes of an attractive 12.3-inch digital Active Info Display which takes the place of the analogue TFT screen.
When it comes to performance the Arteon is one of the most comfortable cars I have driven in an age.
The fastest Arteon on sale is the 2.0-litre 280ps TSI version which completes the 0-62mph dash in 5.6 seconds and while the diesel wasn’t quite so quick, it was certainly no slouch.
It could reach 62mph from a standing start in a creditable 9.1 seconds, maxed out at 137mph and, according to official figures, delivered combined fuel economy of 62.8mpg with carbon emissions of 116g/km.