The Volkswagen Arteon – R-rated

Imagine paying RM100 for a pen.

To some, that’s an extravagant amount to spend on a writing instrument.
But if it’s for an original Mont Blanc Meisterstuck LeGrand Ballpoint Pen, that’s a bargain.

That’s the thing about price;

Price is meaningless without context

Context, in the example I gave above about the pen is derived from Values buyers associate with the product.
It doesn’t matter if that particular pen was sold at 10% of its original asking price, it will always be “too expensive” to someone who doesn’t appreciate the intrinsic values of luxury brand like Mont Blanc.

This is why there will always be people commenting that the price of a newly launched model is too expensive;
these are people who does not relate nor care about the brand values.
To them who are not emotionally invested to the brand , a car is a car, made up of features that is compared point-for-point, price-for-price

Thus, a pen like a Mont Blanc is just a pen – and if Mont Blanc were to build their company appealing to these naysayers, nothing great will ever come out of the brand.

Coming back to the Volkswagen Arteon R-line, there were many who felt its asking price of RM221,065 was steep, especially when it was launched on a stage where its similarly sized sibling, the Passat R-line was on display and priced almost RM20k cheaper. Well, calling them siblings might be pushing it a little since the Arteon is a Fastback (coupe-like silhouette, the entire tailgate opens) whereas the Passat is a sedan. First cousins, perhaps?

That said, I think there is a case to be made with the Arteon – one that after a few days living with it, I’d say it’s not just for vanity’s sake that one would pick one up to go home with.

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Design

I say vanity isn’t the sole reason for its appeal – but the Arteon’s handsome fascia does carry a significant influence in swaying potential buyers its way. The aggressive front chrome grill with R-Line badge, flanked by a pair of LED headlights is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. If you think the Arteon looks good in pictures, it looks better in person than in any 2-dimensional image. So much so that I often catch myself looking back after I parked.

Cliche of buying a car that makes you look back aside, I think there is merit in this argument.
You see, at the asking price of the Arteon, premium entry level sedans such as the BMW 320i and Mercedes-Benz C200 are within reach.
But these models are pretty common on our roads – so much so if you ever step out from one, another unit is probably parked or driven by nearby.
Hardly any incentive to look back unless you’re worried someone is going to bang it.

The Arteon on the other hand is a pretty rare sight. The lower roofline, frameless doors and a rear slope that continues down to the tail makes it clear that you’re stepping out (and stepping in) to a vehicle that’s a lot more special than another similar D-segment vehicle.

Up front, we’ll find an all-LED headlight system, equipped with Dynamic Cornering Lights while the rear taillights comes with sequential turn signals. Do note that the headlight system features All Weather Light, a special lighting pattern that offers wider illumination to enhance visibility depending on the weather condition. Alas, wasn’t driving at night in the rain so I couldn’t attest to this feature.

Measuring 4,862mm (L) x 1,871mm (W) x 1,450mm (H) with a wheelbase of 2,837mm, the Arteon is longer by 87mm, wider by 39mm, lower by 12mm versus the Passat. It’s wheelbase is also longer by 51mm which does give the appearance of better legroom but due to the sloping roofline, the poorer headroom somewhat negates the feeling a spaciousness for the rear passengers.

For wheels, the Arteon sports 19″ Montevideo two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 Pirelli P Zero tires.

At the back, we have taillights with dynamic indicators, a rugged black rear spoiler and lower chrome trimmings.

 

 

Performance

The Arteon R-Line is offered with a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine producing an output of 190PS @ 4,180-6,000 rpm & a max torque of 320Nm @ 1,500-4,180 rpm paired to a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). This set up is identical to the Passat. Both also shares the same combined fuel consumption of 6.3litres in combined urban & sub-urban driving.

I took it on a drive to Ipoh & I can say the power is more than sufficient to outpace all other traffic on the roads. Between speeds of 110kkm/h to 160km/h, it is effortless to change its velocity – something many non-turbocharged or low engine cc engine vehicles struggle to cope within a short period of time. Opening up on the highways & watching a tailgating Myvi going smaller on the rear view mirror is most satisfying.

That said, the acceleration characteristic are identical to the Passat on a straight road – which is a bit of  a shame since the Arteon does look and feel (more on this later) like it’s able to munch kilometers much more quicker than its sedan cousin. Don’t get me wrong – a 2.0litre turbocharged engine is more than enough for any highway here. It’s just that for its looks, a better endowed engine would suit it better.

 

Ride & Handling

While its attractive look carries the bulk of its appeal, the handling of the Arteon is the other reason why one might consider it over the Passat. Now, I’ve not tested the Passat R-line which comes similarly equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and XDS Electronic Different Lock as the Arteon R-line but compared to the base model Passat Elegance, the Arteon is way better at hugging corners at high(er) speeds. Maybe it also has something to do with the Pirelli P Zero Ultra High Performance tires it wears.

DCC  is that system that allows up to 15 selectable increments and five different driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual whereas XDS allows you to grip the road when cornering fast and improves the response of the car to ensure an even safer drive.

I am curious how the Passat R-line fares against this but from what I’ve gathered, the Arteon would still come off ahead when it comes to sheer driving dynamics. My experience with it has reminded me of another VW model that also had a similar handling profile; the Scirocco. Poised, in complete control as you enter the bend and the Arteon carries you through with predictable precision. The Arteon is one of those cars that calls to you to take it a little bit further – “go on, take the next corner faster. Don’t worry, I’ve got you”.

And it does have your back. The way the vehicle is set up on its MQB platform where for those with a bit more experience on the roads, you can gauge how the vehicle’s weight will shift while giving you ample time to plan what you want to do next.

It’s funny that with the R-line being (just) a front wheel drive car & is already so capable in providing such entertainment on the roads, how much more would the 4MOTION all-wheel drive variant offer. Alas, no test unit for that but with it being RM50k dearer than this unit, only those who really appreciate it would part that kind of money.

 

Cabin Convenience

Where the outside is stunningly different from the Passat, the same cannot be said about the interior which is strikingly similar sans the analogue clock in the center, aluminium pedals and sportier-looking R-line steering wheel.

There’s nothing wrong with it as the fit & finish is excellent with top scores on ergonomics & functionality. On the driver’s seat, you’ll find a high resolution 11.7” Digital Cockpit that displays various driving data with six customizable screen views and over 30 combination options, including 2D and 3D navigation and a full 100% map view. I’ve always found VW front seats to be comfortable for long drives & those 14-way ErgoComfort seats in the Arteon is no exception. Better than in some of the more affordable models as the Arteon’s come with massage function & wrapped in Nappa carbon-style black leather.

For entertainment, the Arteon features a 9.2” Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system that allows drivers to connect wirelessly via Apple Car Play and is available for Android Auto and Mirrorlink via a Type C USB port. The system offers voice control, gesture control and is even customizable to feature a split screen view.

Though the Discover Pro infotainment system is the same as the Passat R-line, the Arteon has a premium Dynaudio audio system offers 11 speakers and 700-watt subwoofer (12 speakers vs 8 in the Passat R-line) and the sound system is one of the better systems in the market. Not exactly audiophile levels of precision & clarity (then again, Dynaudio isn’t well known for that) but for most pop & jazz music, this system shines.

 

As mentioned before, rear passengers won’t be complaining of the legroom and the only issue here are for passengers who’re 178cm (that’s me) or taller whose head will be touching the sloping roofline. Personally, it’s not really a big issue since I can sit a bit lower thanks to the legroom.

Boot space is 563litres and being a fastback, the entire rear window is lifted as well. This allows you a much wider aperture to load your cargo but do note that the boot lid is quite high so you need to be a little mindful of carrying heavy load up and over the bumper. Lowering the rear seats will open up a ginormous 1,557litres of space for you to fit a small elephant.

One cool feature not mentioned by VW Malaysia is aside from Easy Close (the system that uses sensors to detect foot movement to open the boot handsfree), the Arteon is the first VW model sold in Malaysia to feature Easy Close which automatically closes the boot after you walk away. Perfect for those who sometimes struggle to close the boot after their hands are occupied. Perfect for grocery runs!

Interesting to note that the Arteon has a full sized spare tire in today’s age of space saving tires. And it’s a P Zero as well so this is already a couple of thousand extra value added to the car.

 

Safety

The Arteon R-Line is packed withsafety features such as Post Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision; Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) that takes preventive measures during a collision by cutting the fuel supply, unlocking the door and turning on the hazard lights; and Electronic Different Lock (XDS) that improves traction and reduce understeer.

Other standard safety features are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Hill-hold Control, Proactive Passenger Protection System and Active Bonnet for pedestrian protection.

The Arteon also comes with Area View 360 camera that combines the use of all four cameras to offer a complete bird’s eye view. This screen is customizable and available in full or split views.

Other standard safety features are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Hill-hold Control, Proactive Passenger Protection System and Active Bonnet for pedestrian protection (yes, that Pyrotechnischer Aktuator Typ 16.7 which raises the bonnet a few millimeters when it senses frontal impact to prevent possible further injury to pedestrian’s head if they hit the bonnet and connects with the hard engine top below the bonnet)

The Arteon also comes with Area View 360 camera that combines the use of all four cameras to offer a complete bird’s eye view. This screen is customizable and available in full or split views.

• 7 airbags (x2 front, x2 front side, x2 curtain, x1 driver knee airbag)
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
• Anti-skid regulator (ASR)
• Electronic Differential Lock (XDS)
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Driver alert system
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Area View camera (360°)
• Park Distance Control (Front & Rear) with Maneuver Braking
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with pressure display
• Anti-theft alarm system with immobiliser, interior monitoring
  and towing protection
• Wheel locks with extended theft protection

Specifications

• Rain and light sensor
• Driver ergoComfort seats 14 way seat with memory and electric lumbar support
• ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with 3 zones
• Engine start-stop system with regenerative braking
• Dynamic Chassis Control
• Driving Mode Selection
• ‘Montevideo’ alloy wheels 19” with 245/40 R19 tyres
• R-Line front and rear bumper
• R-Line logo on fenders, and front grille
• R-Line rear boot lid spoiler
• R-Line ‘Nappa Carbon’ leather seat upholstery
• R-Line leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel, with paddle shifters
• R-Line stainless steel pedals and scuff plates
• R-Line Titanium Black headliner
• ‘Silver Rise’ aluminum decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim
• 563 litres of trunk space
• ‘Easy Open’ & ‘Easy Close’ for tailgate
• Start and Stop button with Keyless entry
• LED rear lights with dynamic lighting system
• Dynamic headlight range control with dynamic cornering light
• Automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ function and manual ‘Coming Home’ function
• Electrically adjustable, foldable, auto-dimming driver’s side mirrors with memory
• Rear fog light
• Headlamp washer system
• Ambient Lighting with 3-colour options
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Cruise control system with speed limiter
• ‘Piano Black’ decorative inserts for center console
• Electromechanical parking brake with Auto Hold
• Analog clock in dashboard
• Rear center armrest with 2 cupholders
• Digital Cockpit with multiple configuration profile
• Adjustable front driver’s center armrest with storage
• ‘Discover Pro’ 9.2” touchscreen Navigation infotainment system with SD card slot, AUX-IN
• 60:40 split-folding rear seat backrest with load-through hatch
• USB type C x2 (x1 centre console and x1 centre armrest)
• Bluetooth interface
• Wireless App-Connect® smartphone connectivity
• Premium sound system “DYNAUDIO Confidence”,
• 11 speakers plus subwoofer 700W
• Voice Control
• LED front footwell lighting
• LED reading lights (Front & Rear)
• 12v socket in front and center console rear

Ownership

The all-new Arteon R-Line is priced at RM225,490 and comes with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. With the current sales tax break, the recommended retail price of the all-new Arteon R-Line is RM220,043.28 and you get to choose between five colours; metallic colours are Manganese Grey, Turmeric Yellow and Pyrite Silver; and two pearl-effect colours the Deep Black and Oryx White Pearl.

Now, at this price range, there are plenty of options; not withstanding are premium models such as the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport (RM211,367) and if you top up a bit more, the Mercedes Benz A-class sedan A200 Progressive Line can be yours for RM229,888.
Both of which d0es not have the cabin space nor engine capacity to match the Arteon but there’s no denying the brand snobbery that comes with “Hey, I drive a BMW/Merc”.

To compare against non-premium D-segment sedans such as the Camry, Accord, Sonata, Mazda 6, etc is not quite right as the Passat is positioned against them there.

This means the Arteon, like the VW CC before it doesn’t really have a competitor in this segment as the Audi A5 Fastback is on a different league.

Can it find the customer niche that makes a case for it?

I think so, yes.

If one puts greater emphasis on practicality, then the Passat may be a better fit (though I find the Arteon to be pretty practical to be used as a daily drive)

But after living with it for a few days, I begin to appreciate the feeling of wanting to be unique,
in driving something that is both elegant yet dynamic,
reflecting your good taste & admiration of quality & performance.

That is the profile of an Arteon owner.

One that I don’t mind being.