VW Arteon 2017 car review

A bold move some would say, as the market trend has shifted by way of the popular SUV. Volkswagen’s not worried, go premium or go home they say! If you think the market is not big enough for two VW sedans you’re right, the Passat is now only available in wagon form. The Arteon is longer, wider, and lower than the Passat and has a more luxury appeal so it’s not really a substitute. 

Do one thing and do it well - With this in mind there is only one R spec model, pretty much the only decisions left is the colour, panoramic roof, seat upholstery and wheel type. For a very reasonable $74,990 you get a powerful 206kW 2.0ltr turbo petrol engine, 4Motion AWD and a 7-speed DSG transmission. Equipped with a heap of safety assists, one that really stands out is the ability to navigate the vehicle safely to a stop on the side of the road should the driver become unresponsive behind the wheel. 

The Arteon has many luxurious features and super-sleek looks, the gold paint with the black alloys was certainly a pedestrian pleaser. While on paper the turbo 4-cylinder engine pumps out a modest 206kW of power, I think a couple more cylinders would help it to cruise as good as it looks... Does the Arteon do enough to be called a luxury car? I’ll let you be the judge.  

The Arteon has just received the 2017 AA Car of the Year award in the Medium/ Large car class, and well deserving too.

The Arteon as just received a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating.