New cars: what the critics say

Volkswagen Arteon from £38,000 (est.)

Auto Express

For Volkswagen, “sensible has long been the name of the game”: rarely does someone invest in a VW because “it makes them weak at the knees”. But in a bid to crack the premium market, the German brand is now trying to produce “more interesting” models. Its first attempt is the all-new Arteon, a hatchback – longer and wider than the brand’s Passat – that replaces the old CC.

Car magazine

On the design front, Volkswagen has “certainly gone for it”. This is “easily the most striking model” in its portfolio, all “modern Jag meets BMW”. The interior is “pretty swish”, with ample legroom – although headroom isn’t quite so generous – and a sizeable, 563-litre boot. The Arteon is “loaded” with safety features, too: if it thinks you’ve passed out, it pulls over automatically.

What Car?

In many respects, the Arteon is a typical VW, with its “quiet and compliant” ride. The attempts to give it flair, however, are not wholly successful – it’s restless in the Sport driving mode – and the ride becomes clunky over ruts. It’s agile enough, and the diesel engine is brisk (there’s also a petrol option). Still, for all its design appeal, this is a hard car to recommend at the price.