Volkswagen updates Arteon for 2021
Refresh brings biggest changes to interior, with redesigned dashboard
It's the youngest car in Volkswagen’s lineup, but that hasn't stopped the German manufacturer from refreshing the Arteon.
The 2021 Arteon also debuts as a plug-in hybrid and an ohso-good-looking shooting brake — but both will be exclusive to the European market. We in North America will get the four-door fastback version only, which isn’t such a bad thing. Volkswagen has also simplified the Arteon trim lineup and will only be available in three trims, SE, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line.
What we get
The Arteon gets a reworked front fascia with a redesigned LED DRL setup which now includes a lighting strip running the width of the grille (R-Line trims only). It also highlights the new VW logo. The bodycoloured air-intake surrounds protruding from the base of the bumper gives the Arteon an aggressive stance. At the rear, changes are subtle but noticeable: the taillamps are sleeker and all-LED. The Arteon lettering has been redesigned as well. A thin spoiler sits atop the tailgate (R-Line trims only) and the trapezoidal quad exhaust tips round out the sleek rear.
Changes to the exterior pale in comparison to the updates the cabin receives. VW designers have completely redesigned the dashboard. It now features a sleeker design with a brushed aluminum finish running the width of the central dash and a body-coloured pinstripe just below the air-conditioning vents.
Digital Cockpit with a 10.25inch digital screen replaces the old analogue instrument cluster and the steering wheel gets capacitive controls added to it as well. The controls for heated seats, three-zone climate control, windscreen and window defrosting now shift to a touchsensitive panel on the centre console. Other updates include new fabric and leatherette upholstery.
The infotainment system is the all-new MIB3 touch-screen system, which is hooked up to a new Harman Kardon 700-watt speaker system.
The powertrain will continue to be the solitary 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI motor, which pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. It makes 268 hp of max power and 258 lb-ft. of peak torque. As we mentioned, front-wheel drive comes in as standard while AWD is optional on the SEL R-Line trim and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line.
What we don’t
Volkswagen in its press release cheekily mentions in passing that the Arteon will be available as the Arteon R and the Arteon Shooting Brake — but just not here. These models will be exclusive to Europe.
Rubbing our noses in it further, the release also highlights that a plug-in version making 215 hp will also be available alongside the 315 hp Arteon R. We could speculate which powertrains these numbers belong to but we would rather end our misery right here.