Direct from our colleagues at Autoweek, is the first drive report on the Volkswagen Arteon. Arteon replaces the incumbent Volkswagen CC that’s been around in Volkswagen showrooms perpetually. You may need a Passat CC in your driveway or the updated CC, so now you possibly can plan the change-over to the Arteon. Because the ‘dieselgate’ disaster began in late 2015, Volkswagen has lowered the variety of diesel choices in its vary - identical here with no rationalization other than it's a 4 cylinder. Many punters will be annoyed on the lack of a six-cylinder or diesel, but the 199kw 4 cylinder promises loads of straight line energy with its turbocharged engine. The variety of Australian motoring journalists invited to the drive program within the USA is unknown, however there’ll be extra reports popping out in the next few months. So in the meantime, let Andrew Stoy, the digital editor of Autoweek take you for a experience. “How do you sell sedans in America immediately? With its new Arteon five-door fastback, Volkswagen hopes the answer is “make ‘em look good” — and set reasonable expectations.
A wheelbase boosted by greater than 5 inches means extra rear-seat legroom, and the prolonged hatch helps enhance headroom (extra on that in a second). When it arrives, the Arteon will be provided in three trim ranges: SE, SEL and Executive; SE models get 18-inch wheels, leatherette trim, energy front seats and automated climate control, among other customary tools. SEL adds VW’s digital cockpit instrumentation, leather-based seating, distant begin and a sunroof. Executive fashions load up the luxury with a heated steering wheel and rear seats, ventilated massaging entrance seats, 19-inch wheels and additional digital assists. Finally, an R-Line package deal might be obtainable on any trim, providing sportier details. If a casual glance at the Arteon makes you assume “Audi A7,” that’s not unintended. VW hopes its new fastback sedan appeals to a premium-automobile audience, and Audi’s styling flagship is an effective place to attract inspiration. The flared rear haunches and clamshell hood, specifically, add dramatic aptitude to the sleek form. Inside, the Arteon fixes one CC shortcoming: the absence of rear-seat headroom.
With the entrance seat set for my 6’1” frame, I was perfectly comfortable within the rear, with ample head-, leg- and kneeroom — not just sufficient, however lengthy-distance, road-trip comfortable. Front passengers are treated to an upscale look, notably within the R-Design Arteon and upper trim levels with the bigger touchscreen infotainment display and digital dash. 30K beginning worth point. After all, that’s partly as a result of our testers had been all German-market vehicles with the seven-pace DSG transmission and 20-inch wheels, neither of which shall be supplied in American-spec Arteons. The Arteon interior features robust horizontal design components and good-high quality materials; Elegance trim degree proven. We'll get VW’s unique (no less than at this worth) twist on adjustable drive modes: The usual DCC system lets drivers choose the standard comfort, normal and sport settings, tuning the adjustable shocks and engine/steering response. But if a kind of settings doesn’t deliver the desired outcome, superb-tuning between the primary modes is possible by way of a settings submenu. The result is nearly infinite drive control configuration, no less than one in all which ought to do a good impression of the Euro-spec model. The new VW Arteon will probably be available within the U.S. 2018 as a 2019 model. If it’s nearly as good because the German-market mannequin when it arrives stateside next summer season, the Volkswagen Arteon will hold a number of appeal for style-conscious patrons on a finances. Will it sway of us searching for an Acura TLX or Infiniti Q50? Possibly, but given today’s crossover market, the Arteon’s largest competitors may be the VW Tiguan and Atlas sharing its showroom house.
