The 2018 Volkswagen Arteon is now on sale in Australia, with the single-spec range kicking off at AUD 65,490 before on-road costs. Serving as the German brand’s new passenger car flagship, the Arteon sits above the related Passat – with which it shares its MQB architecture and is only available in one trim grade with one powertrain option locally.

That sole option is named the 206TSI R-Line, fitted with the company’s familiar 280 Hp/350 Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, sending drive to Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system through a seven-speed DSG transmission.


Peak power arrives between 5700 and 6500 rpm, while maximum torque comes in between 1800 and 5600 rpm. Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, while combined fuel use is rated at 7.5L/100km. As reported back in December, the Arteon will come fully loaded with equipment, including some brand-first features and technologies.

New features include a head-up display (HUD), a surround-view camera system, dynamic light assist, an electric tailgate, three-colour ambient interior lighting, Emergency Assist with Emergency Lane Change Assist, dynamic indicators, frameless side windows, heated outer rear seats, 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloy wheels, rear-sensing proactive occupant protection.


There’s also a new theme for the Active Info digital driver’s display and unique R-Line seats, while other standard kit includes adaptive cruise control, city-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane assist, park assist, adaptive chassis control, power folding door mirrors, massage and memory function for the driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, along with a 9.2-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system with gesture control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Arteon is quite practical, too. This is largely thanks to the liftback body style, which hides a 563-litre boot – expanding to 1557L with the rear seats folded. While the seats up figure is slightly behind its Passat sedan sibling (586L), the maximum load volume is 400L more capacious than its relative (1152L). Additionally, the Arteon’s 2837 mm wheelbase is 46mm longer than that of the Passat, meaning there’s more space for rear passengers too.


For those who aren’t content with the standard specification of the Arteon, there are two cost options to choose from. First is the Sound and Style Package (AUD 2500), the other is a glass sunroof (AUD 2500). The Sound and Style Package adds the Dynaudio premium sound system, along with larger 20-inch ‘Rosario’ dark graphite alloy wheels (pictured).

Buyers will be able to choose from seven exterior colours – one solid and six premium (AUD 900); Pure White (solid), Pyrite Silver (metallic), Manganese Grey (metallic), Chilli Red (pictured, metallic), Atlantic Blue (metallic), Turmeric Yellow (metallic), and Deep Black (pearlescent).