VW Arteon flagship starts at £34,305 09 | 08 | 2017

    VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW FLAGSHIP, the Arteon, has gone on-sale at Scottish dealerships with prices starting from £34,305. The entry-price will drop further, closer to £30,000, when the cheaper, lower powered models arrive later.

    Initially buyers will be able to choose from two trim levels, Elegance and R-Line, with three engine options available from launch. (Related: VW reveals all-new 2017 Polo)

    The current entry-level is the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel in Elegance trim, mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox. It’s also the most economical, returning 62.8mpgThere’s also a more powerful 237bhp 2.0TDI engine, fitted with a DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive. This is available from £39,170.

    For those who prefer petrol-power, the 276bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol is also fitted with a DSG transmission and all-wheel-drive. The sole petrol starts at £38,755 and is capable of 0-62mph in 5.4secs.

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    The range will be further supplemented later this year with the arrival of the new entry-level models. These will include VW’s new 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine, tuned to 148bhp and available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. There will also be a mid-spec 187bhp 2.0TSI petrol mated to a DSG gearbox.

    A new, cheaper entry-level diesel will also arrive in the shape of a six-speed manual version of the 148bhp 2.0TDI. The range-topping R-Line spec carries a £785 premium across all models.

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    Solid, and safe


    The new Arteon is based on VW’s flexible modular transverse matrix (MQB), as found on a variety of models, including the latest Golf.

    From a structural standpoint, the MQB provides extremely high body rigidity resulting from the use of a combination of so-called ultra high-strength and hot-stamped steels. This is critical to achieving optimal handling and superior ride comfort. (Related: VW unveils all-new up! GTI)

    Despite the car’s large rear hatch, body rigidity has been increased by 10% as measured against a comparable saloon model. This allows for the creation of precise steering, responsive handling and optimal ride comfort. Passive safety is also among the best in its class thanks, in part, to the Arteon’s innovative body construction.

    Further supporting its safety credentials, and contributing to its Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, the Arteon’s active bonnet technology protects not only passengers but pedestrians too.

    In the event of a collision, the bonnet is raised via its hinges using pyrotechnic technology in order to reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries. Particularly intended to reduce head trauma, the active bonnet system increases the gap between the hard engine block and the flexible bonnet. It works at speeds ranging from 15mph to 4mph.

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    Slips, and sticks


    Slippery through the air, with fine aerodynamics and a low Cd figure of as little as 0.265 (Arteon 2.0TDI) the new model generates downforce levels sufficient to benefit handling and allow it to deliver impressive grip.

    This has been achieved thanks to a sophisticated overall package of aerodynamic design features, which includes details such as the sharply-contoured trailing edge above the LED tail lights.

    The balance of downforce levels at the front and rear axles stabilises the rear end of the vehicle to help optimise chassis tuning. This results in confident handling and high stability all the way up to top speed. Due to its excellent downforce figures at the rear axle, the new Arteon has no need of a rear spoiler that is deployable at high speeds.

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    Technology to enhance the journey


    The Arteon comes packed with a comprehensive line-up of the latest infotainment, connectivity, and assistance systems and represents the jewel in VW’s technological crown.

    Offered in two trim levels – luxurious ‘Elegance’ or more sporty ‘R-Line’ – the new model boasts a broad range of advanced equipment as standard. These include the latest Discover Navigation system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth audio and telephone connectivity, and VW Media Control which allows remote control of the infotainment system via compatible smartphone or tablet device.

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    Other standard-fit highlights in the Arteon include: digital instruments via the 12.3-inch Active Info Display; minimum 18in alloys; LED self-levelling headlights; LED tinted rear light clusters with dynamic indicators; plush Nappa leather upholstery; Car-Net connectivity with ‘Guide & Inform’, ‘Security & Service’ and ‘App-Connect’ functionality; and Air Care Climatronic 3Zone electronic air conditioning with automatic air recirculation.

    A raft of standard assistance systems in every Arteon include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with predictive cruise control; City Emergency Braking; Front Assist; Speed Assist; Traffic Jam Assist; Lane Assist and Driver Alert fatigue warning system.

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    Numerous advanced systems make their debut in the Arteon and these include a new generation of Adaptive Cruise Control which uses GPS-based road data to ‘see’ speed limits, and adjust the car’s speed as appropriate.

    Meanwhile Road Recognition, using the front camera and route information from the navigation data and working within system limits, predictively adjusts the vehicle’s speed prior to bends, roundabouts and junctions.

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    The luxury of choice


    The Arteon underscores its premium appeal with options such as a head-up display, and VW’s Discover Pro infotainment system featuring a 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control.

    The broader spectrum of optional equipment includes features such as a panoramic roof; front massaging seats; steering wheel heating; Dynaudio ‘Confidence’ sound pack featuring a 16-channel digital amplifier, 700-watt output and 11 speakers, plus subwoofer; and up to 20-inch alloy wheels.

    Related: 2017 VW Touareg

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    Jim McGill

     

     

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