Volkswagen’s new Arteon fastback has a languid, wide-body style that is the height of German ingenuity. The format creates a high-style car that is also the weekend adventurer with traction, cargo space and keen drivability. And it mostly works.
By European specs, the 2019 Arteon has the interior space of a large sedan, but in North America it is more of a large midsize, comparing, somewhat, to the Acura TLX, Kia Stinger, Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon. It also is an extension of Volkswagen’s previous and also-rakish CC sedan, based on the at.
The Arteon is now VW’s flagship sedan, though the company considers it a grand tourer. And as an architecture partner with Audi, there is some sharing of elements but without the luxury refinement.
Sold in five trim levels in front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive, all models have a 268-horsepower, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 258 foot-pounds of torque at 1,950 rpm. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, with paddle shifters on some trim levels.
Starting prices range from $36,840 for the front-drive SE to $47,205 for the SEL R-Line; pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Emden, . Today’s tester is an SEL 4Motion, $42,790 with no options. Worth noting is VW’s long warranty coverage of 6 years or 72,000 miles, including powertrain, with roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
All models feature 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED headlights and electronic adaptive suspension (DCC). Safety technologies include rear traffic alert, automatic post-collision braking system, forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, side assist (blind-zone monitoring) and pedestrian monitoring.
The Arteon has an engaging style statement and the view from the driver’s seat is that of a soaring grand touring car. But it is also that wide body and low ride height, with a wide 39-foot turning circle, that will take it off the list for some buyers.
he cabin has a sporty coupe-like presence with contemporary design and horizontal lines to accentuate width. But it is a drop into the driver’s seat and then there is a not overly tall 37.7 inches of headroom, with the sunroof. The front sport seats, with serious side and cushion bolsters, are firmly ive with long thigh .
The low ride height will be apparent when sitting at a traffic stop as the driver looks into the taillights of the car ahead.
Sightlines are clear at the side mirrors and down the hood, but the smallish back glass and sloped sides can be an issue. When parking, the wide-screen rearview camera with guidance lines enhances visibility.
Ergonomics and access to controls are smartly arranged with an easy to use 8-inch touch screen. But the shift console is tight on space for a charging area and there is one USB on the console with one 12-volt plug, plus one more USB in the armrest console. Small storage areas are limited in the cabin.
The 12.3-inch-wide digital gauge display (trickle down from Audi) is useful for its selectable elements, such as the navigation map as background or to highlight a digital speed readout or gear position.
Back seat
Access to the back seat is also a bend-and-drop sequence, but legroom is grand-touring comfortable at 40.2 inches — and the window seats have adult thigh . The narrow transmission tunnel helps center-seat legroom, but the window seats are far more comfortable. And while there is one 12-volt plug for charging, there are no USB ports.
There is a fold-down armrest and ski -through to the cargo area, which is wide and deep (40 inches by 45 inches wide). Fold the seatback for about 6 ½ feet of length, but a low ceiling of about 26 inches limits load height; bikes will have to go on the roof.
Powertrain
The 268-hp spools up quickly for responsive acceleration with dependable ing power at 65 mph, but there is noticeable engine noise on a hard takeoff. Programmable driving modes can finesse the power and suspension settings. I frequently used Sport to keep the power on edge, but at times it can feel too edgy.
The eight-speed automatic has an electronic differential lock to keep AWD power flowing before wheelslip is detected. And there was no noticeable hesitation or electronic distraction in routing power four ways.
Fuel economy ratings are light for a four-cylinder sedan: 20 mpg city, 27 highway and 23 mpg combined, on the recommended . But the AWD curb weight of 3,854 pounds is a little heavier than the competition.
Despite the standard electronic damping system, the ride quality is not as svelte as expected. Cornering is sharp, but there will be clunks and bumps. And while the cabin is snug at lower speeds, there is noticeable tire noise (Continental Pros) on the highway. Braking is quite capable from 13.4-inch vented front discs and 12.2-inch solid rear rotors.
For those who value low and wide rather than tall and wide (SUV), Arteon’s style and function elevates the common sedan.
2019 VW Arteon 2.0T SEL 4Motion
- Body style: large-midsize, 5-enger, 5-door liftback with AWD
- Engine: 268-hp, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with cancellable stop-start at idle; 258 lb.-ft. torque at 1,950 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic; w/electronic differential lock
- Fuel economy: 20/27/23 mpg city/hwy/combined; fuel recommended
SPECIFICATIONS
- Fuel tank: 17.4 gal.
- Cargo space: 27.2-55 cu. ft.
- Front head/leg room: 37.7/41.2 in.
- Rear head/leg room: 37/40.2 in.
- Length/wheelbase: 191.4/111.7 in.
- Curb weight: 3,854 lbs.
- Turning circle: 39 ft.
FEATURES
- SEL Standard equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, 8-speaker audio system, navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio connection, rearview camera, 12-way power adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, digital cockpit, electric parking brake, LED headlights-taillights-running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 60/40 folding back seat
- Safety features include: 8 air bags, blind-spot monitor, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, brake-force distribution and hydraulic brake assist
PRICING
- Base price: $42,790, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $42,790
- Options on test vehicle: none
- Where assembled: Emden,
- Warranty: 6-years/72,000-miles, including powertrain; 3-years/36,000-miles roadside assistance
