Thinking of getting a Volkswagen Arteon?
The style of the car
Volkswagen calls the Arteon a ‘five-door coupe’ but it’s actually a conventional large hatchback. A very good looking one, too. It’s low and wide and sleek, a real head-turner. That sleekness hasn’t compromised practicality, though. R-Line models have bigger alloy wheels and a sportier look than SE and Elegance models.
How it drives
The Arteon is great for long journeys, calm and relaxed at motorway speeds. And the interior is an enjoyable place to spend a few hours. It’s good on winding roads too, but doesn’t feel as sporty as it looks. Around town, the steering is light, the view out is good. Most models have an automatic gearbox; the manual gearbox on entry-level models is light and easy to use. The Arteon’s a long, wide car but it’s not huge. Manoeuvring in tight spaces is relatively easy, aided by parking sensors (high-spec models have a rear-view camera). There’s a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. Entry-level models provide good acceleration, while the more powerful 2.0-litre models are fast. They also have four-wheel drive for extra reassurance on slippery roads. The Arteon can tow 1600kg to 2200kg, depending on the model.
The interior
The Arteon is a large hatchback with five doors and five seats that’s about the same size as an Audi A5 Sportback. Four adults will fit comfortably, although back-seat headroom might be tight for very tall people. There are Isofix mounts for two child seats. The boot is enormous, with space for a few large suitcases, and the back seats fold down to create more space than you find in some estate cars. The interior looks great and has a premium feel, while the seats are very comfortable. All models have climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. High-spec models add features such as heated leather seats and adaptive cruise control.
Running costs and reliability
The Arteon costs less to buy than similar cars from premium brands. Diesel-powered models are very fuel-efficient, with most returning around 50mpg, according to official figures. Some manage as much as 70mpg. Petrol-powered models return around 30mpg to 40mpg. Road tax and insurance costs are relatively low. Volkswagen’s cars are generally well made, so the Arteon should prove reliable. Safety experts Euro NCAP gave the Arteon a full five-star rating. Many driver assistance systems are fitted, including Emergency Assist, which applies the brakes and steers the car to the side of the road if it detects that the driver has become incapacitated.
How it compares with similar cars
The Arteon’s main rivals are the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Kia Stinger. The BMW and Kia are sportier to drive, and the Audi has a more luxurious interior. But the VW is a more practical family car and better value.
