In fact, at the time of writing, we were just about ready to head off and drive the new model at its national media launch, so look out for our first driving impression and more information later this week.

Touted as being an “avant-garde grand turismo” and sitting above the Passat while serving as a replacement for the CC, the fastback styled Arteon measures 4 862 mm in overall length, with a wheelbase of 2 841 mm, height of 1 427 mm and width of 1 871 mm.

Deriving its name from “art” and “eon”, the latter denoting it as a model flagship, the Arteon boasts a total boot space of 563-litres or 1 557-litres with the rear seats folded down, with a bonnet claimed to take inspiration from a sport car, but designed with pedestrian safety in mind.

Able to seat five despite the swoopy roofline, and available in a choice of three new colours (Atlantic Blue, Chili Red and Curcuma Yellow), the Arteon will be offered in two trim levels with power coming from a single TDI or TSI engine both mated to a DSG gearbox.

Starting the line-up off, the Elegance comes equipped with the 6.2-inch Composition Media infotainment display incorporating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and USB, 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime running LEDs, seats, keyless go, tri-zone climate control and as part of the optional Colour & Trim package, black nappa leather seats, Titanium black instrument cluster and panels and a Mistral Grey headliner.

Adding to this, the R-Line gets 19-inch Montevideo alloy wheels, an R-Line specific bodykit, aluminium interior inserts, the 12.3-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, R-Line interior detailing, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with gesture control and featuring a glass face, black boot spoiler and a full Titanium black interior as per the Colour & Trim pack with the front seats with heated.

Notable driver assistance systems, either standard or optional, includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, 360-degree Park Assist, Heads-Up Display and Driver Alert.

Providing forward motivation, both the Elegance and R-Line can be had with Volkswagen’s stalwart’s 2.0 TDI that makes 130 kW and 350 Nm, paired to a six-speed DSG with drive going to the front wheels only. No performance figures were revealed with Volkswagen claiming a fuel consumption figure of 5.6 L/100 km. 

At the sharp end, the R-Line can also be specified with a 2.0 TSI that produces 206 kW and 350 Nm, but which is connected to a seven-speed DSG with drive going to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4Motion system. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking 5.6 seconds. Consumption is a claimed 7.3 L/100 km.

A three year / 120 000 km warranty and five year / 90 000 km maintenance plan are standard across the Arteon range.

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