Geneva 2017: Volkswagen Arteon World Debut - Replacement Of The VW CC

The much anticipated Volkswagen Arteon fastback sedan has made its world debut at the 2017 Geneva 2017 Motor Show. Dubbed as the replacement of the aging VW CC fastback sedan, the Arteon heralds a new design direction for VW’s sedan models.

The Arteon takes its place in the Volkswagen model range above the Passat. The new Volkswagen will be assembled at the company’s Emden plant initially and will go on sale in mid-June in Germany.

Inspired by the VW Sport Coupe Concept GTE, first unveiled at Geneva in 2015, the Arteon is designed on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. The architecture allows for a long 2842mm wheelbase, the car measures 4862mm in length. A broad 1872mm width and 1427mm height further emphasize the car’s sporty proportions and visual stance.

Volkswagen Head Designer Klaus Bischoff added, “The Sport Coupé Concept GTE is another milestone of expressive design. Unmistakably reinvented, from the first to the last stroke. A stylistic compass. In this concept car, Volkswagen is not only presenting the new design of a new model, but also initial glimpses of a new era in design."

Among the most important design elements of the Arteon is the completely new front section which features a 'clamshell' front hood design that extends a long way forward and over both fenders and a radiator grille that encompasses the vehicle's full width. The standard LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights combine with the chrome-plated crossbars of the radiator grille and hood.

The new Arteon will be powered by a range of six turbocharged direct-injection engines. All are four-cylinder units.

There are three petrol engines at the outset, starting with entry-level petrol 1.5-litre (TSI) petrol which develops 148hp, the 2.0-litre engine is available in an 188hp form and the most powerful 276hp version. Three diesel engines, all with a displacement of 2.0-litres, are offered in 148hp, 188hp and 236hp guises.

All the engines, except the 148-hp TSI in Germany, can be combined with the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The most powerful TSI and TDI models will be fitted with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system as standard.

The Arteon also introduces a host of technology features such as the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system. The Arteon’s latest generation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now takes into account data such as speed limits and/or route information and automatically adjusts the speed accordingly.

Combining GPS navigation and road data, the Arteon’s new dynamic cornering light system with predictive beam control recognizes when a bend is approaching and is already lighting it before the driver actively turns into it.

Further added safety is provided by the second generation of Emergency Assist: if the driver becomes incapacitated by illness, the system not only (within its system limits) slows the car down, but now also steers it into the nearside lane, traffic behind permitting.

The Arteon will be offered in two equipment lines – the Elegance and R-Line, Elegance is focused luxury and design, while the Arteon R-Line, emphasises on sportiness, with the addition of visual exterior and interior highlights - high gloss black exterior details, R-Line bumper, 18-inch ‘Sebring’ alloys, R-Line Steering wheel and ‘Titan’ black headliner.

All models will feature as standard – LED headlamps and tail lamps, keyless entry and start, auto climate control, power adjustable front seats, driver alert systems and what VW dubs as the “Progressive Steering System”.