Volkswagen’s all-new flagship fastback, the Arteon has landed in Australia. According to CarAdvice, it’s available in the sole 206TSI R-Line only, retailing for AUD 65,490 before on-the-road costs.

The 206TSI badge represents its 206 kW output, meaning it packs a turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol pushing 276 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed DSG (wet type, DQ380), sending drive to all four corners through the company’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. This allows the Arteon a century sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.5 litres per 100 km.


On the outside, the car comes with adaptive LED headlights with LED DRLs, which “merges” with the front grille. The lower extremities get flanked by a pair of “C-signature” front air intakes finished in high gloss black, and it sits on 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloy wheels as standard. Round the back, LED tail lamps (with dynamic indicators), a sleek spoiler and dual exhaust outlets complete the sporty look.

In terms of sizing, the Arteon dwarfs its successor, the CC, and has a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the latest Passat despite riding on the same MQB platform. According to Volkswagen, the Arteon boasts 1,016 mm of legroom, and it promises excellent rear headroom thanks to the long sloping roof. Luggage space is rated at 563 litres, expandable to 1,557 litres with the rear bench folded down.


The Australian model also brims with tech, including some of Volkswagen’s latest, such as head-up display (HUD), 360-degrees surround-view camera, dynamic light assist (active bending lights), dynamic indicators, powered tailgate, three-colour interior ambient lighting, Emergency Assist with Emergency Lane Change Assist, heated outer rear seats and rear-sensing proactive occupant protection.

On the safety side, it gets adaptive cruise control (ACC), VW’s second-generation Emergency Assist, Lane Assist, predictive cornering lights with predictive control, PreCrash, Side Assist, and Sign Assist. Other features and conveniences include, dynamic chassis control, massage and memory function (driver side only), Nappa leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, as well as a 9.2-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system with gesture control. The head unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.


Buyers can further opt for the Sound and Style Package as well as a panoramic sunroof, both costing AUD 2,500 each. The former adds Dynaudio premium sound system and larger 20-inch ‘Rosario’ dark graphite alloy wheels. Paint wise, seven colours will be offered, but metallic options cost an additional AUD 900.