Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz could be the standard suspects that you consider when contemplating a luxurious quick-back saloon, but now Volkswagen needs in on the action. It’s adamant that this isn’t a replacement for the Passat CC - the Arteon is a bigger automotive - but for all intents and purposes, it might as effectively be. But this is a vogue-conscious machine in a segment where picture and model kudos issues. Can the VW Arteon persuade badge snobs to part with more than £33k and never remorse it? The Volkswagen Arteon is a nicely-executed car with handsome looks and a high quality feel. It isn’t probably the most involving car to drive in its class, but spec the Dynamic Chassis Control, and the motorway miles tick by as you bask in its refinement. The Arteon’s hatchback makes it a practical factor, able to swallow extra of life's luggage than the equal A5 Sportback or four Series Gran Coupe.
Ultimately, then, Volkswagen ought to be commended on what is a very good automotive. However, it has jumped right into the center of an extremely competitive boxing match - one where what logo sits in the grill is a giant factor. It’s a looker, isn’t it? The Arteon points to the future of Volkswagen design - a future where the corporate is keen to make a mode assertion. This automotive sticks very closely to the Sport Coupe Concept GTE seen back in 2015 - no dangerous thing. A large chromed grille that stretches out and into the headlights immediately makes a premium assertion. Pin-sharp creases run from nostril to tail, creating an athletic-trying form that is additional enhanced by the tapering fastback profile. After all it carries the obligatory polished alloys and chrome-work, however it additionally options extra intricate details like scrolling indicators. The Volkswagen Arteon is eye-catching, but not crass. It has an air of sophistication about it.
The cabin is very properly executed, both in terms of design and ergonomics. Neat clusters of buttons are housed on the wheel whereas other button-primarily based clutter is kept to a minimum by an 8- or 9.2-inch display. Soft-touch materials convey a way of top of the range, as does the ribbon of brushed aluminium trim that circles the inside. You'll have to root around and under knee height before you may find some more durable plastics. An analogue clock crowns the centre console and even the air vents function a design component, spanning the width of the dash. Entry-degree Elegance cars are equipped with heated Nappa leather seats that are perfect for prolonged stints in the automotive. But in the event you fancy something a bit sportier, R-Line fashions get a pair of more heavily bolstered seats with contrast stitching. Rear visibility is usually a difficulty for vehicles with sloping backs, but not so much in the Arteon. The glass still sits at a shallow angle, but its giant measurement helps to ship a good view out to the again.
That stated, we’d still suggest the array of cameras provided to make life easier. The age-outdated battle of model versus substance arises right here because the coupe-esque roofline eats into rear headroom. Space in the rear isn’t terrible - legroom is vast, however tall adults won’t need to spend too much time within the again. A hatchback opening makes life straightforward when filling the 563-litre boot, but an aggressively sloping rear window does limit tall objects. The rear bench splits 60/forty and in case you fold it flat a generous 1,557 litres is all yours. There are a few nice choices for the boot together with a luggage net to prevent things from sliding around, or a boot liner to guard the automobile. At about £50 they aren’t badly priced either. Every Volkswagen Arteon comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that's responsive and generally straightforward to navigate. Ticking the field on the optionally available Discovery Navigation Pro will increase the display screen to 9.2 inches and adds voice control, gesture management, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It'd value the thick finish of £500 but it is a worthwhile improve on one thing we are all increasingly dependent on in our vehicles.