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Volkswagen Arteon – a stylish alternative to premium saloons on long-term test

Volkswagen Arteon long-term test - Rii Schroer
Volkswagen Arteon long-term test - Rii Schroer

As soon as the Arteon was announced, we thought it interesting. Could a volume manufacturer such as Volkswagen really produce a saloon to rival the big-hitters in the sector such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz?

Our car: Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 2.0 TSI 190 PS 7spd DSG List price when new: £34,290 OTR Price as tested: £42,835 Official fuel economy: 47.1mpg (EU Combined)

Read more long-term tests

June 12th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 34.1mpg

How time flies. No sooner was I about to write about how I'm really getting accustomed to the Arteon's blend of style and comfort, than Volkswagen sent a reminder that it was due to go back.

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I must say that I was a bit sad, as I haven't really scratched the surface of its abilities. Regular readers may think that some of my impressions of the car have been rather lukewarm, but that couldn't be further from the truth - only the interior's lack of standout styling is cause for criticism, and only then that it doesn't quite match the promise of the sleek external styling.

It's a bit too, well, generic Volkswagen.

The Arteon has been a big favourite for airport and train station runs thanks to its spacious interior with comfortable seats, generally cosseting ride and a vast boot (even with the rear seats upright).

However, I was surprised when, having pulled over to take a phone call one evening after work, the passenger door opened and a slightly inebriated woman asked if I was her taxi. She should be so lucky...

It'll be gone in a few days and I'll genuinely miss the Arteon, which has become a comfortable favourite, like a well-worn pair of jeans or your favourite sofa. Only, if I was buying one, I might well go for a diesel - both for economy and the act that its power delivery would be more suited to this car's strengths. 

June 5th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 35.7mpg

Over the years I've become infamous on the Telegraph Cars team for kerbing alloy wheels - usually the day before a test car is due to be returned to its rightful owner after a week in our tenure.

This week, however, it's wheel issues of a different kind as the Arteon suffered a puncture in the offside rear tyre thanks to a one-inch screw that buried itself in the 245/40 R19 Pirelli P Zero.

arteon puncture
The offending article embedded in the right rear Pirelli P Zero. Apologies for the image being upside-down - it appears to be a quirk of our CMS

Fortunately this model of Arteon has a full-size spare in the boot for just such occasions. Like most Telegraph readers who seek the advice of Honest John, I prefer the reassurance of a proper spare wheel rather than a skinny space-saver spare or, worse, a can of gunk that you spray into a tyre to (hopefully) seal it so that you can limp to the nearest tyre fitter for new rubber.

I've had problems in the past removing the wheel nuts of new cars because they've been fitted at the factory using an airgun, but fortunately no such problem here. 

And this throws up one of the unexpected benefits of VW ownership, in that all the tools are clearly laid out and the jack hoisted the bodyshell effortlessly despite the car's 1.6-tonne weight, making this tedious task much easier than it otherwise might have been.

And the puncture has made me appreciate low-pressure warning systems - if it hadn't been for that, I'm fairly certain I would barely have noticed the flat tyre during day-to-day driving. Clearly, it would have beeen more evident on the front tyre of this front-wheel-drive car, but even so it alerted me to the problem straight away.

I'm just glad that it didn't occur during a motorway journey.

arteon puncture
The shiny new full-size spare wheel and tyre waiting to be fitted

So all is as good as new, apart from having to get a new tyre fitted. All I have to do now is wash the car so it's as shiny as the new wheel. 

May 15th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 35.2mpg

At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, the Arteon hasn't seen much use over the past few weeks. However, a few test cars from Jaguar, Audi and BMW in that time have enabled a comparison between them and the Arteon's pretension to be a premium player.

VW Arteon long-term - Credit:  Rii Schroer
The multi-configurable main instrument dial is now common across the VW Group range, but it's easy to overlook just how good it is Credit: Rii Schroer

In terms of fit and finish, not to mention equipment, the Volkswagen compares well with a 2.0-litre petrol-engined Jaguar XF that I sampled. They have a similar starting price, too, but I'm afraid that although I've grown to appreciate the Arteon's many strengths it lacks some of the special feeling that you get in a Jaguar.

I reckon the Arteon has the best VW interior yet, but I can't help thinking that, at a glance, it is too similar to the rest of the model range.

And I'm still not a fan of the DSG gearbox. Once on the move it's fine, almost unobtrusive, but the initial hesitation on taking up drive can be irritating and, very occasionally, a bit scary. I'm not alone in this, as Honest John's postbag indicates. 

VW Arteon long-term - Credit: Rii Schroer
The boot is long and wide. Just as with a regular hatchback, the rear seats split and fold and the parcel shelf can be removed to provide an impressively large, practical load space Credit: Rii Schroer

Where the Volkswagen scores from my point of view is in having a large hatchback rather than a conventional bootlid, making it eminently more practical in day-to-day usage.

Given that that means carrying a racing bicycle for much of the time, it's a very welcome feature.

Also welcome is another slight improvement in economy. I can't think of any reason for that other than being due to the engine bedding in, as my driving and usage have not changed during my tenure.

May 1st, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 33.2mpg

A mixture of car launches and/or long hours in the office have meant that the Arteon hasn't seen a lot of use in the past few weeks.

Although it's thoroughly Volkswagen, with restrained cool rather brimming with excitement, that's fine by me. Much as I enjoyed the madness of driving the £165,000, 190mph Lamborghini Urus SUV, it was a pleasure to get back in the relaxed, comfortable Arteon for the drive home from the airport.

Talking of which, with a few (slightly) longer journeys thrown in, the economy is improving all the time.

April 17th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 32.3mpg

Under the Arteon's sleek hatchback lies a 563-litre luggage space. This figure is meaningless to most of us, including myself, unless you can picture consuming 563 steins of beer during Oktoberfest. That is getting on for 1,000 pints.

In practical terms, there's plenty of space for four people's baggage. Or, since spring finally seems to have arrived, a bag of compost or several. The picture below shows a 60-litre bag taking up hardly any space in the Arteon's boot.

VW Arteon L/T Hudson 
Signs of spring: planting compost along with some firewood (just in case it turns chilly again)

It is a practical shape, too, with a low loading lip, minimal intrusions and plenty of convenience features such as hooks and a cargo net to secure awkward items. Volkswagen will probably hate me for saying this, but a used Arteon would make a great taxi to the airport thanks to its combination of style and space - for luggage as well as passengers.  

With the 60:40 split rear seats folded, the load space rises to a whopping 1,557 litres (or about 2,740 pints). I'll be putting it to the test by carrying my almost-forgotten bicycle to trips in the Surrey Hills for some much-needed exercise.

Apart from spring finally springing, another reason to be cheerful is a marked improvement in economy. My journeys have stayed roughly the same, so it's purely due to the warmer weather. Long may both continue.

April 5th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 30.1mpg

A couple of longer runs have shown the Arteon in a new light. Slightly ponderous and thirsty around town it may be, but on a journey its laid-back nature and excellent overall refinement come to the fore.

The 1,984cc, four-cylinder turbocharged engine develops its 187bhp peak from just over 4,000rpm to 6,000rpm, giving a long-legged feel and the impression that you could cruise all day (an impression heightened by the excellent front seats).

I digress, but I found myself secretly wishing I had the time to drive to a forthcoming Porsche launch in the south of France rather than flying, the better to appreciate the Arteon's mile-munching abilities.

Being a turbo engine, it also has plenty of torque given the relatively small capacity, with the maximum produced between 1,500rpm and 4,180rpm.

These figures are significant in that the peak torque is developed right up to the point in the rev range where maximum power chimes in, which translates into seamless acceleration (particularly noticeable - and impressive - when joining a motorway or applying a burst of speed to avoid those drivers who appear unable to stay in lane).

It's not the fastest thing in the benchmark 0-62mph sprint, but that's not the point of this car. It is sufficiently powerful to get you out of potential scrapes, which is all that matters.

The interior continues to delight thanks to a combination of space and comfort, while the fold-down rear seats and large tailgate will be put to the test now that spring finally seems to have arrived and cycling forays in the Surrey Hills beckon.

Actually, I've changed my mind. Maybe I will drive to that Porsche launch after all - my bicycle will take up a bit of space, but there will be more than enough left for wine and cheese.

March 27th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 31.3mpg

That's more like it. A couple of longer runs have led to a welcome increase in economy. Of course, it's still nowhere near the official EU Combined figure of 47.1mpg, but I'm a glass-half-full person and consider a fuel consumption that is two thirds of the official average a radical improvement on only 50 per cent.

Volkswagen Arteon long-term - Credit: Rii Schroer
So far, so Volkswagen... although it's a cut above the norm Credit: Rii Schroer

The interior is really growing on me. Initially, I thought it too similar to the interior of a humdrum Golf, but it's better than that (as, perhaps, you'd expect of something that's pitched against Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes).

It is leagues ahead of the frankly dull interior of the Passat. The strip of alloy-effect material running running the full width of the facia immediately lifts the ambience, while the fit and finish are exemplary.

I'm looking forward to a properly long journey, too. The front seats have so far proved supremely comfortable. There's none of the firmness you get in an Audi or BMW, neither are they sized for super-sized German posteriors a la Mercedes.

With electric height adjustment, plus a wide range of reach and height adjustment on the steering wheel, I reckon there's sufficient scope for drivers of all sizes to get comfortable.

Volkswagen Arteon long-term - Credit: Rii Schroer
The reversing camera lives under the VW badge on the boot Credit: Rii Schroer

The thoughtful touches are many. I particularly like the reversing camera built into the boot badge. When you select reverse, the badge hinges through 45 degrees so it can do its thing - which helps when you're driving a saloon that's almost five metres in length.

As well as being neat, it also means that the camera doesn't get covered in road grime.

March 20th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 25.4mpg

Best-laid plans and all that... winter's sting in the tail last weekend meant that my longed-for lengthy journey to cover the Goodwood 76th Members' Meeting failed to materialise.

Hence I still have no idea what the Arteon will deliver on a long run, although the economy is gradually improving as I (slowly) accumulate more miles.

It feels like a large car on the move, an impression back up by the numbers. According to the spec sheet, the Arteon is 4.86 metres long and 2.13 metres wide. That's 6.1cm longer than the CC which it replaces. It has a much longer wheelbase, too, which helps provide an impressive amount of interior space (both front and rear).

Its sheer size means it is not the ideal urban car, although it more than makes up in comfort what it lacks in nimbleness. The only gripe is that the steering lock still feels rather mean - a 180-degree turn in a narrow road requires more shuffling around than I'd like.

March 15th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 23.2mpg

A trip to Switzerland to cover the Geneva motor show meant that the Arteon has been languishing in the Telegraph's splendid subterranean parking facility for much of the past few weeks, but on the rare occasions it's seen the light of day it is beginning to grow on me.

Unfortunately I still haven't been able to give it a much-needed run; a commute of only a few miles miles means that the economy is still pretty poor. However, I shall be on duty at the 76th Members' Meeting at Goodwood this weekend, the first event of the historic motorsport season, and I can't wait to point the Arteon's sleek snout south towards West Sussex.

At least the weather has warmed up a little, meaning a slight improvement in economy as the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is able to get up to operating temperature far more quickly than it did when the Beast from the East held much of the country in its icy grip.

One item of standard equipment that I've come to appreciate is the auto-hold function of the electromechanical handbrake.

Like many Telegraph readers, I'm not a huge fan of this style of parking brake as they can be quite jerky in operation - and the alternative is sitting with your foot on the brake while stationary, which I detest.

In the Arteon, engaging the auto-hold function allows you to sit in stop-start traffic with the car still in Drive and when it's clear to proceed a simple tap of the accelerator disengages it smoothly.

Naturally, it also works on inclines - if you're one of those who can't get to grips with a non-manual parking brake, I seriously recommend this feature. They're gradually appearing on most VW Group cars, as well as BMW and Mercedes models.  

The Arteon is a comfortable car, too. The suspension soaks up all but the worst of rutted urban roads and I'm becoming a huge fan of the seats. While not quite up to Volvo standards, neither are they as unyielding as the seats of many rivals.

There's plenty of space inside, the rear-seat accommodation being particularly impressive (although the sloping roofline necessitates stooping a little on entry).

All I need to do now is to escape the metropolis and hit the open road where, touch wood, this car will be in its element.  

February 27th, 2018

Fuel economy this week: 22.9mpg

Well the Arteon has succeeded on one part of its mission, which is to look sleek and handsome – although it's a very discreet car, it has been attracting plenty of covetous looks.

I love the subtle creases in the bodywork that instantly distance the Arteon from the previous Passat CC, with the coupé-like roofline adding a dash of style sometimes lacking in VW products.

It also looks larger than it actually is, although at 4.86 metres in length and 2.13 metres wide it's clearly a sizeable car. That translates into excellent interior space, with plenty of legroom in the back and a wide and deep, 563-litre boot.

For extra practicality, the seats fold to provide a whopping 1,557 litres. I shall be testing its versatility with a range of bicycles in the back (my stock method for assessing the day-to-day practicality of a load area).

Our car has the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine developing 187bhp (190PS), which drives the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

For the record (although we're unlikely to test any of this), the top speed is 149mph, with 0-62mph acceleration in 7.7 seconds.

Although it is early days, I love driving the Arteon. It feels as though it doesn't like to be hurried. Rather it's a comfortable cruiser.

Part of that relaxed feel is due to the DSG gearbox. I must admit I'm not a fan of these VW Group automatics because of their tendency to hesitate when you demand instant acceleration, although of course I'm willing to give it a chance to shine, this being a long-term assessment.

My only other gripe so far is the steering lock. I must admit that I've been spoiled by running a Renault Twingo, which can turn on the proverbial sixpence, but the Arteon can be a struggle to manoeuvre in tight urban spaces.

Only the frankly shocking fuel economy has given genuine cause for concern, although to be fair to VW (which, let's face it, has had more than its share of negative press recently) the car has so far only been used for very short urban commutes in viciously cold weather; circumstances that will wreck the economy of any car.

Expect it to pick up with more miles on the clock and some longer journeys thrown into the mix.

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