2018 Volkswagen Arteon

March 1, 2018

Stuart Birch

It is called the Volkswagen Arteon Elegance, only it isn’t—elegant, that is.

Distinctive, aerodynamic, even sporty looking, yes; but elegant? Not really.

The Arteon is yet another model resting on what has become ubiquitous in the VW group: the modular MQB architecture. But this one is posh VW, a range-topper that carries some design cues from the attractive Passat CC and extrapolates them to deliver low stance (height: just 1450 mm [57 in]), headed by a rather menacing front grille/LED headlights combo. The difficulty it presents to the buyer though, is that the Arteon comes to market with Audi pretensions but the “People’s Car” pedigree and badge.

There are the right sounds: with the throttle floored and the 7-speed dual- clutch DSG shifting with enthusiasm, the transversely mounted, 140-kW (188- hp) 2.0-L TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder produces delightful decibels that had overtones of a growly V6. It takes the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a claimed 7.7 seconds (5.6 seconds with the 276- hp version of the same engine).

The low roof and steeply-angled wind-shield provide a snug driving position that is almost like that of a 2-seat sport coupe rather than a 5-seat practical hatchback. The interior is well up to VW’s high quality standards and is pleasantly understated—which might not suit some.

The Arteon demonstrates a fine ride/ handling balance on European roads and good ergonomics for dashboard and minor controls. Oh: there are more than 40 selections for the “tune” of the adaptive ride control. Forty! Does that make the Arteon a car for the decisive— or the indecisive? The buyer will determine that; I can’t make up my mind.