MOTORING NEWS - Volkswagen has introduced an entirely new model to their range - the Arteon. The name Arteon is made up of two component parts: "Art" describes the fastback's harmonious lines and emotional appeal. The ending "eon" identifies it as a premium model, in the same way as Volkswagen's top model for the Chinese market, the Phideon.

The Arteon is Volkswagen's top passenger model and the new Volkswagen gran turismo is produced at the German plant in Emden. The five-seat Arteon is an ideal avant-garde alternative - a car for people who want a five-door fastback with an accomplished, elegant design and progressive technology.

A long wheelbase of 2 841mm spans the two axles. Accordingly, the body overhangs of the 4 862mm long fastback model are short and concise. The Arteon is 1 871mm wide and 1 427mm tall. These dimensional relationships deliver truly dynamic proportions

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.

The LED headlights and daytime running lights, fitted as standard, combine with the chrome-plated cross-bars of the radiator grille and bonnet. The Arteon aims to re-interpret the gran turismo concept with its combination of avant-garde design, sporty charisma, great flexibility and generous space.

On the technical front, the new Volkswagen impresses with two highly efficient engines, front wheel or all-wheel drive, plus digitalised displays and controls.

The gran turismo will be available in two exclusive equipment lines: the Elegance and R-Line.

INTERIOR
The standard configuration of the Arteon Elegance is focused primarily on the fusion of sophisticated styling and premium luxury. The Arteon R-Line puts sportiness and premium class equipment at the heart of the vehicle's configuration - as is typical of all Volkswagen R-Line models.

Based on the different orientations of these two equipment lines, the fastback model presents two vastly different personas. The range of standard equipment on R-Line includes features such as a panoramic sunroof, Air Care Climatronic three-zone climate control, front sport seats with massage functionality and nappa leather / carbon style interior.

The interactive and digitalised interfaces in the interior include optional high-tech features such as the Active Info Display, which is standard on the range.

Volkswagen has developed new infotainment systems (6,5" to 9,2"). The new top system, the Discover Pro, has a tablet-like glass surface. It manages its tasks efficiently and entirely without analogue buttons. The 9,2" display is also equipped with intuitive gesture control.

Beneath the air vent and a decorative panel there is an extremely low-profile ambient lighting strip that continues into the doors. Its wrap-around lighting effect defines the space and creates a restful feel. Ambient lighting is standard on the R-Line model in blue, white and orange.

The centre console fits in well with the Arteon's highly modern and sporty character.

Two interior colour themes (black / dark grey and dark grey / light grey) match the range of exterior colours.

In the Elegance, you get Titanium Black seats, instrument panel and carpets with a Mistral Grey headliner. In the R-Line, you get Titanium Black seats, instrument panel, carpets and headliner.

SAFETY
It boasts adaptive cruise control (ACC) with front assist and city emergency braking; the latest generation now also integrates speed limits (camera based) and navigation data into its control.

In the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, the active bonnet of the new Arteon is raised in a matter of seconds. By triggering this hinge, the bonnet lifts up about 60mm, which increases the deformation space across very hard parts of the cylinder block and provides a cushion in the event of a collision. This is standard across the range.

The head-up display brings important driving information into your field of vision. It is directly in front of the windscreen and is optional across the range.

Park Package with Area View makes use of cameras positioned around the vehicle to create a 360 degree birds-eye view on the infotainment system display.

PERFORMANCE
The new Arteon is launching with two turbocharged direct fuel injection engines. All the engines have four cylinders. The diesel engine delivers 130kW while the powerful TSI delivers 206kW. All engines are only available with an automated dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The TSI engine also has 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. The diesel models have front-wheel drive. Dynamic chassis control is standard.

The four-cylinder diesel 2,0 TDI with 130kW power output has 350Nm of torque that is available between 1 608 and 3 500rpm. The combined fuel consumption is 5,6 litres per 100km. The engine is available with a 6-speed DSG transmission.

The top-of-the-range petrol engine is the 2,0 TSI with 206kW power output. It has 350Nm of torque that is available from 1 700 up to 5 600rpm. The 0 to 100km sprint is achieved in 5,6 seconds and the car has a top speed of 250km. The published combined fuel consumption is 7,3 litres per 100km.

The 206kW engine is only available with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

The standard configuration of Arteon Elegance is focused primarily on sophisticated and classic styling features, offering the following standard specifications:

Exterior:

• Chrome wing mirror caps
• LED tail lights with dynamic indicator light function
• 18" 'Muscat' alloy wheels
• Continuous chrome trim strip on lower bodywork
• Heated windscreen washer jets
• Chrome strips on side windows
• LED tail lights
• LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Alloy wheels (from 18")
• Keyless Go locking system

Interior:

• Aluminium pedals
• Instruments, dashboard and door panels with individualised look and trim in brushed aluminium
• Contrast stitching on seat covers and floor mats
• Seat covers in nappa leather
• Stainless steel door tread plates, front and rear
• Composition media infotainment system, including eight loudspeakers, AUX-IN and USB (Apple-compatible)
• 3-zone electronically controlled air conditioning system
• Multifunction steering wheel in leather (with shift paddles on DSG models)
• Driver alert system
• Progressive steering

The Arteon R-Line, in addition, includes the following features:

Exterior:

• 'C'-signature of the front air intakes in high-gloss black
• 19" 'Montevideo' alloy wheels
• Heated windscreen washer jets
• Unique R-Line bumpers
• Continuous chrome trim strip on lower bodywork
• Chrome-plated exhaust system tailpipes
• Black boot lid spoiler
• Privacy glass
• Power folding mirrors

Interior:

• Leather sports multi-function steering wheel in R-Line design
• Aluminium pedals
• Roof liner in Titanium Black
• Stainless steel door tread plates front and rear with R-Line logo on front plates
• Nappa leather / carbon style seats with R-Line logo
• Front seat heating

DETAILS:
Arteon prices with all taxes included are: 2,0 TDI 130kW Elegance DSG - R599 900; 2,0 TDI 130kW R-Line DSG - R649 900 and 2,0 TSI 206kW R-Line 4MOTION DSG - R699 900.

The Arteon comes standard with a five year or 90 000km maintenance plan, three year or 120 000km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and space saver spare wheel. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

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