Volkswagen CC was the German manufacturer’s first take on the four-door coupe body style. After a fair share of success, the CC retired last year and Volkswagen has revealed its replacement at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. Called the Volkswagen Arteon, it sits above the Passat sedan in the Volkswagen line-up.
Based on the eight-generation Passat, it shares the platform, engine and various other bits with the Passat. The MQB platform is stretched for a wheelbase of 2,841 mm. The fastback styling remains true to the Sport Coupé GTE Concept showcased at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. The aggressive yet subtle fascia of the Arteon is distinct, with all-LED headlamp unit merging beautifully into the horizontal grille. This design motif might be carried forward to other upcoming cars from the manufacturer. The sleeker roofline ending in a fastback style allows 563litres of boot space which would increase to 1,557litres with the seats down. The subtle waistline gives the Arteon an understated Coupe-ish stance, as the car rides on 20-inch wheels.
Stepping inside, the Passat inspiration continues with all the lavishness the German flagship has on offer. The upholstery includes cloth, Alcantara and leather with Nappa finish as an optional extra. The instrument cluster has an analogue display (a digital Active Info Display is optional) whereas the dashboard is dominated by a 9.2-inch infotainment screen which comes with touch and gesture control. The horizontal air vents run all over the dashboard width, similar to the Passat. The stretched wheelbase allows more legroom for rear passenger and the manufacturer says the Arteon can accommodate up to five people in utmost comfort.
The Arteon will be available in three trims – Base, Elegance and range-topping R-Line. Power will come from a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol line-up includes a 1.5-litre TSI ‘Evo’ producing 148bhp. The commonly used 2.0-litre unit will be available in two states of tunes – 187bhp and 276bhp. The oil burners will be offered with a 2.0-litre TDI powerplant belting out 148bhp, 187bhp and 236bhp. Transmission option includes a six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG sending power to the front wheels. However, the 4Motion four-wheel drive system will be standard in the range-topping variants. An electric hybrid will join the roster in later years.
The Arteon will be produced at Emden facility in Germany and will go on sale in June this year, rivalling cars including the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5.
