The new Volkswagen Arteon, which was revealed in Geneva back in March 2017, has finally arrived in South Africa. The five-door, five-seater (MQB-based) fastback – built at VW’s Emden plant in Germany – is positioned above the Passat and essentially fills the gap left by the CC.
At launch, the local range comprises three derivatives, all employing four-cylinder engines (a six-cylinder model is rumoured to be in development) mated to dual-clutch transmissions.
The 2,0 TDI Elegance is priced at R599 900, the 2,0 TDI R-Line at R649 900 and the flagship 2,0 TSI R-Line 4Motion at R699 900. A three-year/120 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km maintenance plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) are included.
The 2,0 TDI mill makes 130 kW and 350 N.m, and is mated to a six-speed DSG. This front-wheel-drive powertrain sips at a claimed 5,6 L/100 km.
The flagship 2,0 TSI, meanwhile, is worth 206 kW and 350 N.m (available from 1 700 to 5 600 r/min), completing the obligatory zero to 100 km/h sprint in a claimed 5,6 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h. This model uses a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive, and consumes fuel at a claimed 7,3 L/100 km.
Two equipment lines will be offered: Elegance and R-Line. In addition to its R-Line bumpers, the latter includes standard features such as 19-inch alloys (the Elegance runs on 18s), a panoramic sunroof, front sport seats (with a massage function), Nappa leather and VW’s active info display.
Pricing:
Volkswagen Arteon 2,0 TDI Elegance DSG: R599 900
Volkswagen Arteon 2,0 TDI R-Line DSG: R649 900
Volkswagen Arteon 2,0 TSI R-Line 4Motion DSG: R699 900