The Citizen (Gauteng)

VW launch new work of art

ARTEON: A CAR FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT A FIVE-DOOR FASTBACK WITH AN ELEGANT DESIGN

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It will be available in two equipment lines: the Elegance and R-Line.

Volkswagen have introduced an entirely new model to their range, the Arteon. The name Arteon – with the emphasis put on the first syllable – is made up of two component parts: “Art” describes the fastback’s harmonious lines and emotionali­ty. The ending “eon” identifies it, in the same way as Volkswagen’s top model for the Chinese market, the Phideon, as a premium model.

The Arteon is Volkswagen’s top passenger model and the new Volkswagen gran turismo is produced at the German plant in Emden.

The five-seat Arteon is an ideal avant-garde alternativ­e – a car for people who want a five-door fastback with an accomplish­ed, elegant design and progressiv­e technology.

A long wheelbase of 2 841mm spans the two axles. Accordingl­y, the body overhangs of the 4 862mm long fastback model are short and concise. The Arteon is 1 871 mm wide and 1 427mm tall. These dimensiona­l relationsh­ips deliver truly dynamic proportion­s.

One of the most important design elements of the charismati­c new Arteon is the front section. Stand-out features include a bonnet that extends a long way forward and partially over both wings and a radiator grille that encompasse­s the vehicle’s full width.

The LED headlights and daytime running lights, fitted as standard, combine with the chrome-plated cross-bars of the radiator grille and bonnet.

The Arteon aims to re-interpret the gran turismo concept with its combinatio­n of avant-garde design, sporty charisma, great flexibilit­y and generous space.

On the technical front, the new Volkswagen impresses with two highly efficient engines, frontwheel or all-wheel drive, plus digitalise­d displays and controls. Further features include an Active Info Display (fully digital and programmab­le instrument­s), a headup display and the new Discover Pro infotainme­nt system with a 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control.

The gran turismo will be available in two exclusive equipment lines: the Elegance and R-Line. The standard configurat­ion of the Arteon Elegance is focused primarily on the fusion of sophistica­ted styling and premium luxury. The Arteon R-Line, meanwhile, puts sportiness and premium class equipment at the heart of the vehicle’s configurat­ion – as is typical of all Volkswagen R-Line models.

Based on the different orientatio­ns of these two equipment lines, the fastback model presents two vastly different personas. The range of standard equipment on R-Line includes features such as a panoramic sunroof, Air Care Climatroni­c three-zone climate control, front sport seats with massage functional­ity and nappa leather/carbon style interior.

Engines are transverse­ly mounted in the front. This creates space.

The interactiv­e and digitalise­d interfaces in the interior include optional high-tech features such as the Active Info Display which is standard on the range.

Volkswagen has developed new infotainme­nt systems (6.5 to 9.2 inch). The new top system, the Discover Pro, has a tablet-like glass surface. It manages its tasks efficientl­y, and entirely without analogue buttons. The 9.2-inch display is also equipped with intuitive gesture control.

Beneath the air vent and a decorative panel there is an extremely low-profile ambient lighting strip that continues into the doors. Its wrap-around lighting effect defines the space and creates a soothing and pleasant ambience.

The centre console fits in well with the Arteon’s avant-garde and sporty character. Ambient lighting is standard on the R-Line model in blue, white and orange.

Two interior colour themes (black, dark grey and a combinatio­n of dark and light grey) match the range of exterior colours.

In the Elegance, you get Titanium Black seats, instrument panel and carpets with a Mistral Grey headliner. In the R-Line, you get Titanium Black seats, instrument panel, carpets and headliner.

It boasts Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking; the latest generation now also integrates speed limits (camera based) and navigation data into its control.

In the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, the active bonnet of the new Arteon

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