Australian specifications for the upcoming 2018 Volkswagen Arteon have been announced this week ahead of its launch in October. The Arteon is essentially a four-door coupe version of the Passat. Only one trim level will be offered, the 206TSI R-Line, likely positioning the Arteon in the AUD 60,000+ bracket.

Headlining equipment appointments include a brand-first head-up display (HUD), an ‘Area View’ surround camera system, dynamic light assist, dynamic indicators, ambient interior lighting with three colour choices, frameless side windows, heated rear seats (outward), and 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloy wheels.


The Volkswagen Arteon will debut the company’s proactive occupant protection system, which uses the blind spot monitoring sensors to detect imminent risks from behind the vehicle, and if so turns on the hazard warning lights and closes all window and sunroof openings. The seatbelt tensioners also pull the belts taut. 

Also, its the first model offered with Emergency Assist 2, which acts in conjunction with adaptive cruise control and lane assist functions if the driver takes their hands off the wheel for too long, particularly when suffering a sudden medical condition like a seizure or stroke.


Other unique features include frameless side windows, liftback tailgate (which conceals a 563-litre boot), and a 50 mm longer wheelbase than the standard Passat. The Arteon’s overall length also adds 95 mm over its Passat sibling.

Volkswagen has confirmed the Arteon 206TSI Highline will come standard with the 12.3-inch Active Info digital driver’s cluster, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), side assist, rear cross traffic alert, park assist, adaptive chassis control, selectable driving modes, power folding door mirrors, driver’s memory function for the electrically-adjustable front seats, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with gesture control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless access with push-button start, along with keyless entry and push-button start.


The Arteon will also be equipped with LED headlights with dynamic light assist, R-Line body kit and badging, high-gloss black rear spoiler, titanium black headliner, and R-Line black carbon-look nappa leather upholstery. Under the bonnet is the same 280 Hp/350 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine seen in the related Passat and Skoda Superb – with peak torque arriving between 1700 and 5600 rpm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via the company’s front-biased 4Motion all-wheel drive system via a new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Volkswagen claims the Arteon 206TSI can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.

Despite the already-comprehensive equipment list, optional equipment includes a panoramic glass sunroof, a Dynaudio premium sound system, and 20-inch ‘Rosario’ alloy wheels (pictured).


The Arteon will be available with one solid exterior paint (Pure White), five cost-option metallic colours (Pyrit Silver, Manganese Grey, Turmeric Yellow, Chilli Red (pictured) and Atlantic Blue, along with an optional pearl hue (Deep Black).

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, as previously mentioned, though with the Passat 206TSI R-Line starting at AUD 57,990 before on-road costs for the sedan, expect the Arteon to carry a AUD 5000-10,000 premium.