The Volkswagen Arteon is right here to replace the Volkswagen CC, which was renamed from the Passat CC. The identify is made up of the words “Art”, because the automotive is a work of art, and Eon, a supreme deity. If the identify appears a bit odd, ignore it, and just use your eyes. Volkswagen execs insist it's a brand new model, but when, like me, you liked the CC, Arteon will knock your socks off. The coupe silhouette has movement from the front to the again. Chrome bars throughout the grille integrate a fancy, and really smart, headlight design. Smart excessive beams, built-in DTRLs and indicators, and gaping intakes, make the face look classy, and very expensive. Around the back, a mini spoiler, and built-in reversing digicam/VW emblem prime off an LED lit hatchback-back. Don’t miss the 4motion badge, which is Volkswagen’s model of Quattro. In between, a 6-window design makes for a cozy cabin.
The graceful roof line makes entering into the again a chore, however a worthwhile one. Optional 20” appear like graphite blades stolen from a jet engine. Regardless of wheel selection, a full dimension spare can be discovered underneath the floor within the boot. I did ask precisely what the platform consists of, and exactly how completely different sized vehicles can be used on it, however didn’t perceive the reply! Volkswagen Australia chief, Michael Bartsch, says the Arteon is the pinnacle of VW design. Glen Reid, product supervisor for Arteon, spec’d his new hatch in a single single R-line mannequin. He hinted that other models might nicely appear in future, however for now, that is your lot. Leather seats with an embroidered R-line insignia in the entrance, and all are heated. Front seats are adjusted electrically, after all. The elegant sprint continues the Volkswagen language of the past decade. It is easy, uncluttered, and properly laid out with a Teutonic attention to element.
Highlights include an analogue centre clock built-in into a line of vents. It's underlined by some smart engine-turned aluminium trim. Below is a column of controls beginning with the touch-LCD infotainment interface. A tapering centre stack has controls for automated parking, drive mode selection, and car settings. Importantly, Apple Carplay/Android Auto are standard. You can also make a name, ship a message, and play music, without having to lift a finger. Simply say “hey Siri” and she does all of it for you. Volkswagen started the day by accumulating us from the airport in Hobart. A fleet of Arteons transported a gaggle of journalists limo-style. We sat within the capacious rear cabin, with even a 191cm man having oodles of leg room. The general really feel is one in every of calm, considered, luxurious. Every gizmo recognized to fashionable man has been shoehorned into Arteon. Smart headlights with high beam assist allow the car to place oncoming drivers in a dimmed zone, whereas keeping the rest of the highway effectively lit. Rear blinkers sweep majestically across within the route of the flip.
All lighting is bright, power-saving, LED. The real news is the passenger and driver safety, each energetic and passive. When on the move, Arteon makes use of radar and cameras to monitor itself, and different street users. Active cruise control retains you from getting too close to the automobile in front, and has a queue-assist function for heavy city site visitors. Lane control applies torque to the wheel, however as always, the driver can override, and is in management. Side site visitors can also be monitored. Arteon will take motion if one other automobile modifications lanes unexpectdly. It's going to try to keep away from contact by braking and/or changing lanes. Should you grow to be incapacitated, the Volkswagen will dab the brakes to wake you up. Should you don’t reply, it can change lanes, and come to a stop together with the highway. It additionally does this if there has been a collision and avoids a secondary occasion by ensuring the automobile doesn’t roll off a cliff, or into other visitors.
We didn’t try the automated parking, but have used it in different VWs, and it works brilliantly. Although in case you can’t park a automobile, maybe you must reconsider your skill. The virtual sprint puts driver info either on a configurable 12” LCD where the dials would usually be, or within the HUD. A nifty glass panel deploys on top of the binnacle to display speed, lane management, cruise management, and Satnav directions. The HUD additionally shows varied warnings. Satnav may also be displayed as a full map on the centre stack LCD, or the driver’s 12” LCD, or each. The centre LCD shows a 360° digicam view which will be chosen to completely different views, together with a entrance view. The nostril of the automobile has a wide angle camera when coming into a busy intersection for example. The identical for the rear digicam, which additionally has cross visitors alert, and will warn you if a P-plated ute is bearing down on you at Bunnings, as you again out of your spot. Rest assured, you petunias are safe. There are 9 airbags including side curtain, and knee models.
