Talking further about the Volkswagen Arteon, a flagship four-door coupe launched last September in just one model – the 206TSI 2.0-litre turbo petrol 7-speed automatic 4-MOTION all-wheel-drive at $65,490. Based on the Volkswagen Passat platform the Arteon according to VW is a GT car combining the space and comfort of a saloon with the sharp styling and performance of a sports
car. It’s an interesting car with a stylish body, a very appealing and different frontal treatment and a stylish lift-back profile. Roomy, very highly spec’d with the latest technology, active and passive
safety elements, a stack comfort and convenience features and some very nice interior touches.
However, it doesn’t feel sporty – the four-cylinder with a lusty 350Nm of torque feels strong but never feels really sporty like an equivalent Audi A5, BMW 4-series of Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The
dual-clutch automatic giving the Arteon more a workmanlike feel than a sporty one – the car feeling more like a classy Passat than a stand-alone GT. In some areas however the Arteon excels – in
style, engine torque, interior room especially in the rear and with a very high level of technology and specification for the money. The Volkswagen Arteon also a pleasant and comfortable driver, as
I said earlier, superbly built in Germany with a high level of fit and finish. But as a GT or Gran Turisimo car, as it’s maker suggests, it is oversold as sporty, more an upmarket Passat and up
against some excellent coupes from Mercedes, BMW and Audi that have more sports character. I’m David Berthon.

2017 Volkswagen Arteon.

2017 Volkswagen Arteon.

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