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It’s hard not to like the new Volkswagen Arteon

HANOVER (Germany) — The Volkswagen Arteon literally has some big shoes to fill. With the long-serving but unloved Phaeton luxury sedan no longer in production, the latest offering from the German car manufacturer has become its de facto flagship.

HANOVER (Germany) — The Volkswagen Arteon literally has some big shoes to fill. With the long-serving but unloved Phaeton luxury sedan no longer in production, the latest offering from the German car manufacturer has become its de facto flagship.

Based on the Passat platform, the Arteon cuts a much shapelier figure thanks to its fastback silhouette and classy, coupe-like details, including frameless windows and a powerful haunch around the rear door that hints at the large rear wheels it houses.

In front, the Arteon has a large clamshell bonnet that opens to reveal not just the engine, but the front wheel arch housings, like a race car.

The rear windscreen and boot lid lift in unison, effectively making this car a hatchback, despite its billing as a “four-door coupe”. The Arteon is spacious enough to accommodate five occupants comfortably — something not many cars in this segment can do.

That said, the headroom for the rear passengers can be on the low side if they are tall. However, the legroom is ample, even if the front seats are moved back.

Up front, the large touchscreen of up to 9.2 inches gives the front occupants access to a wealth of functions such as climate control, entertainment, connectivity and navigation.

A large multi-function high-resolution display replaces the traditional instrument panel. Besides the speedometer and rev counter, other customised functions, such as maps, can be called up. The head-up display (showing speed and navigation) means you can keep your eyes on the road.

We sampled the R-line model with a 280hp 2-litre turbocharged engine; a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automated gearbox; and the 4Motion all-wheel drive system on the roads near Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg headquarters, and the Arteon certainly impresses by accelerating to 100kmh in just 5.6 seconds — impressive even for many sports cars.

The progressive steering system also proved itself on one occasion when faced with an oncoming vehicle: In one quick swerving movement, the car automatically tightened its turning radius without my arms getting crossed up.

Additionally, the Arteon is full of innovations.

Its highly advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system can automatically stay within the speed limits, such that when you travel from a 70kmh zone to a 50kmh one, it will slow down accordingly.

If the in-car sensors detect that the driver has fallen asleep at the wheel, the system will initiate a series of audio and visual signals, and even a braking jolt, to wake the driver. If the driver still does not respond, the system can even autonomously pull the car, over with the hazard lights flashing to alert other road users.

The refined and comfortable ride, together with its style, performance and safety features, make the Arteon a highly likeable car that is hard to fault. Expect it to be in Singapore towards the end of the year.

Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 2.0TSI (DSG) 4MOTION

Engine: 1,984cc, in-line four, turbocharged, 280hp, 350Nm

Performance: 250km/h, 0-100km/h 5.6 seconds, 7.3l/100km, 164g/km

Price: To be announced

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