The five-seat Arteon is designed as an avant-garde alternative car for people who want a five-door fastback with an accomplished, elegant design and progressive technology. The newcomer takes its place in the Volkswagen model range above the Passat sold around the globe. Following one level up from the Arteon comes the Phideon that has been specially developed for China.
The new Volkswagen gran turismo is being produced at the German plant in Emden. It is a site with an adjoining sea port, perfectly suited to a car like the Arteon which will be available in practically every country in the world that is relevant to this vehicle class.
The new Arteon is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), a configuration that naturally creates space. A long wheelbase of 2841mm spans the two axles, and accordingly, the body overhangs of the 4862mm long, 1871mm wide and 1427mm high fastback model are short and concise.
One of the most important design elements of the charismatic new Arteon is the front section. Stand-out features include a bonnet that extends a long way forward and partially over both wings, and a radiator grille that encompasses the vehicle’s full width. Designed in the style of a sports car are the striking and powerful shoulder sections at the rear, the muscular wings and the flared arches above the up-to-20-inch alloy wheels. Seen in silhouette between the axles is a waistline that also follows a sports coupe design doctrine.
The Arteon re-interprets the “gran turismo” concept with its combination of avant-garde design, sporty charisma, great flexibility and generous space. Further aspects that would be considered plus points in any vehicle class include excellent rear legroom and luggage space of 563 to 1557 litres.
On the technical front, the new Volkswagen impresses with six highly efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder engines (power output range from 150bhp to 280bhp), front-wheel or all-wheel drive, plus digitalised displays and controls. Further features include an Active Info Display (fully digital and programmable instruments), a head-up display and the new Discover Pro infotainment system with 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control. 
Read our review of the VW Golf “Mk 7.5”.
