Volkswagen has revealed a replacement of the Passat CC and calling it the Arteon. The car will be positioned above the Passat sedan and will be new flagship in the German manufacturer’s line-up.
Geneva 2017: Volkswagen reveals Arteon flagship
The Arteon is based on the eight-generation Passat, sharing the MQB platform which 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.
Geneva 2017: Volkswagen reveals Arteon flagship
On the 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.
Geneva 2017: Volkswagen reveals Arteon flagship
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.
