Unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show is a rather spirited gran turismo from Volkswagen, this time bearing a look far more distinctive than the old Passat – CC duo. The Volkswagen Arteon is effectively the successor to the CC.
Like most other models in the VW stable (including the Passat B8), the Arteon sits on the modular MQB platform. It’s shorter overall compared to the Passat, but is marginally wider and sits lower to the ground. The grand tourer is uncompromisingly a five seater with an impressive cargo space of 563 litres (Passat B8 gets 586 litres). This goes up to 1,557 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The front end showcases an entirely new visual approach, with full LED headlamps that ‘flow’ into the stacked grille. Wheel sizes vary from 17 to 20 inches, and currently just two trims are available – Elegance and R-Line. LED tail lamps are standard, but the R-Line gets extra dynamic signal indicators. And if you’re wondering, the R-Line variant here is finished in a new coat of paint called Curcuma Yellow. There’s also Atlantic Blue and Chili Red.
Inside is where things start to feel familiar. The bulk of the cabin is carried over from the Passat, but with one big difference – the infotainment system. Housed in a glass surface, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro system is the top-of-the-line offering, featuring gesture controls and comes without a single button. Lesser variants make do with screen sizes upwards of 6.5-inches.
As for performance, there’s up to six turbocharged engines available right off the bat, comprised of three petrol (TSI) and three diesel (TDI) engines. If the Arteon comes to Malaysia, expect no less than the 2.0-litre TSI producing 187 horsepower. This one is front wheel drive only, though. The hotter 276 hp variant will get 4MOTION all wheel drive, but both share the same seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG).
Other notable features include Adaptive Cruise Control (camera based), Emergency Assist, front and rear Pre-Crash sensors, predictive cornering lights and the usual suite of active and passive safety technologies.
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