In summary

Volkswagen Group Australia has launched its evocative new passenger car flagship, the Arteon 206TSI R-Line.

In addition to essaying an evocative new design direction, the Arteon bristles with a level of standard technology that, where it is matched by prestige brands, comes in expensive optional bundles.

Volkswagen Australia's General Manager of Marketing and Product Ben Wilks says: "A halo car should include the highest level of standard specification and this is just one aspect in which our new gran turismo sets benchmarks.

"Democratising German technology is the key to fulfilling our target of being the Premium for the People brand. Moreover, unlike some SUVs and comparable cars from German prestige brands, the Arteon is made in Europe."

Mr Wilks says that the only options on the Arteon (due in for Australian release in October, before which pricing will be announced) will be metallic or pearl effect paint, panoramic glass sunroof and Dynaudio Premium Sound System with 20- inch Rosario Alloys (as seen in the accompanying images).

The non-optional colour is Pure White. Metallic hues are Pyrite Silver; Manganese Grey; Turmeric Yellow; Chilli Red (as shown) or Atlantic Blue. The pearl choice is Deep Black.

New and unique specification for the Arteon includes:

• Head-up Display
• Area View
• Dynamic Light Assist
• Easy open and close tailgate
• 3 Colour Ambient Interior Lighting
• Emergency Assist including Emergency Lane Change Assist
• Dynamic Indicators
• Frameless side windows
• Row 2 heated outer seats
• 19" Montevideo Alloys
• Proactive Occupant Protection (Rear Sensing)
• Unique Active Info Display theme
• Unique style of R-Line seats
• Larger wheelbase for extra interior space
• Coupe design with liftback tailgate

Standard equipment also includes:

• 7-speed DSG
• 4MOTION all-wheel-drive
• Active Info Display
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking
• Side Assist
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Lane Assist
• Park Assist
• Adaptive Chassis Control
• Driving Profile Selection
• Power folding door mirrors
• Massage and memory function for the driver
• Discover Pro 9.2" Infotainment System with Gesture Control
• App-Connect
• Keyless access and push button start
• Tinted (65%) rear windows

Firsts for Volkswagen

The Arteon features a Head-up Display. Supplementing Volkswagen's standardsetting Active Info display, HUD enhances safety and customer comfort by displaying speed, assistance systems and navigation directions directly in the driver's field of vision.

The Proactive Occupant Protection System utilises the sensors of the Side Assist system to register the position and speed of the cars behind the Arteon, both when the car is moving or stationary. If the Proactive Occupant Protection System detects an imminent risk, the Arteon quickly flashes the hazard warning lights in an attempt to warn the other driver.

Occupants inside the cabin are alerted with the emergency collision alert signal and the system simultaneously closes all windows (except for a narrow gap that improves the bracing effect of the front head airbags) and the sliding sunroof.

In parallel with this the front seat belt tensioners pull the front safety belts taut.

The Arteon is the first Volkswagen equipped with the Emergency Assist including Emergency Lane Change Assist system. When using Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist, Emergency Assist becomes active immediately after the extended hands-off warning of the Lane Assist does not receive driver feedback. The system alerts the driver with an intermittent gong, brake and steering jolts. It uses Lane Assist to keep the vehicle in its own lane and activates the hazard warning lights to alert other road users. With Emergency Lane Change Assist, the system also uses Side Assist to safely change lanes by indicating and moving to the far left lane or emergency lane (depending on traffic and road conditions) to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

The look

The look of the new Arteon is defined by its frameless side windows, wraparound bonnet and finely detailed dynamic lines in the style of a gran turismo, but its defining feature is the liftback tailgate. The wide-opening hatch is hinged at the top, giving easy access to the 563-litre luggage compartment. The Arteon has a longer wheelbase (+50mm) over the Passat to create a spacious premium class accommodation for rear passengers. Legroom is longer (+45mm to 1,016mm) and rear headroom is also excellent thanks to the long roof and extra body length (+95mm) compared to the Passat.

Exterior Highlights

• LED headlights with Dynamic Light Assist
• R-Line 'C'-Signature air intakes in high-gloss black
• R-Line badging
• Frameless windows
• Dynamic indicators
• Easy open/close liftback
• High-gloss black spoiler

Interior Highlights

• Heated outer rear seats
• Titanium black headliner
• Unique R-Line black carbon Nappa leather upholstery
• 3 colour ambient lighting
• Active Info and HUD

The Volkswagen Arteon 206TSI R-Line deploys the brand's 2.0-litre turbo petrol four which realises 206kW between 5700-6500rpm and 350Nm from 1800-5600rpm. Driven through the new DQ381 7-speed wet-clutch DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive transmission, it reaches 100-km/h from standing in 5.6 seconds.

In brief

The Arteon speaks to the heart and head alike

Volkswagen gran turismo. There are traditional saloons. And there are sports cars. The former offer a great deal of space and comfort, while the latter feature sharp styling and pure performance. Volkswagen is now bringing a new model to market that combines these two automotive worlds – the Arteon. This is a sporting gran turismo featuring an avant-garde design and a great deal of space in addition to the latest generation of assistance systems. It is efficient and powerful with a distinct performance character, yet it is also comfortable like a luxury saloon. Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff summarised the character of the new five-door car: "The Arteon combines the design elements of a traditional sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback. It is an avant-garde, business class gran turismo that speaks to the heart and the head alike." Whether for business or personal use, this is a vehicle that captivates dayin, day-out.

Made in Germany. The Arteon is positioned above the Passat, which is offered in multiple versions worldwide. Following one level up from this new model is the Phideon, which has been specially developed for China. The Arteon is being produced at the German plant in Emden. It is a site with an adjoining sea port – ideally suited to a car like the Arteon that is being launched in practically every country in the world of relevance to this vehicle class.

Turbocharged petrol engine. The Arteon is offered in Australia with the performance-derived 206 kW TSI (petrol) engine.

Dual clutch gearbox standard. In keeping with its grand tourer premise, the Arteon comes equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) as standard.

One equipment line. Volkswagen Australia is offering the gran turismo in one, high-level equipment version: the 'R-Line', which is packed with features.

Equipped with items such as LED headlights, innovative progressive steering, Lane Assist lane departure warning system, Front Assist area monitoring with City Emergency Braking, 19-inch alloy wheels and the Discover Pro infotainment system. Being an R-Line model, the Arteon's design puts sportiness even more at the heart of the vehicle's configuration.

High-tech features. The Arteon underscores its appeal with standard inclusions such as Active Info Display (fully digital and configurable instruments), a headup display, and the Discover Pro infotainment system featuring a 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control. The broader spectrum of optional equipment includes features such as a panoramic roof, and a range of optional packages.

A spacious five-seater. The new Arteon has been designed on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) vehicle platform. Here, "transverse" refers to the front transverse-mounted engines; a hallmark of the Volkswagen MQB models are their axles which are located far outward on the vehicle. Between them is a long wheelbase measuring 2,837 mm. Accordingly, the body overhangs of the 4,862 mm long fastback model are short and concise. The Arteon has a width of 1,871 mm and a height of 1,435 mm. Owing to its long wheelbase, the MQB-based model allows for above-average rear legroom and generous boot volumes of 563 to 1,557 litres. These are figures that a traditional saloon cannot match.

Avant-garde design. One of the most significant design elements of the Arteon's decidedly dynamic proportions is its new front end. Stand-out features of this include a bonnet that extends a long way forward and over both wings and a radiator grille that encompasses the vehicle's full width. The LED headlights, daytime running lights and turn signals combine with the chrome-plated radiator grille cross-bars as well as the bonnet. The result is a front-end design that would be a match even for high-calibre sports cars. Also designed in the style of a sports car are the powerful shoulder section at the rear, the muscular wings and the flared wheel arches above the up to 20-inch alloy wheels. This positions the Arteon as a new alternative to the traditional saloon car for all those looking for a sporting five-door fastback with expressive design, progressive technologies, great flexibility and excellent comfort.

Pricing:

* Retail pricing only. Excludes dealer and statutory charges

Prices subject to change without notice. The Recommended Retail Price is a suggested retail price only. It does not take into account cost savings which may be realised by dealers under The New Tax System. Dealers have an independent obligation to comply with the price exploitation provisions in the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), which may require them to adjust this RRP. Prices quoted are Manufacturer List Prices excluding dealer delivery charges, which may vary from dealer to dealer and statutory charges, which vary from state to state.

In Detail

Car body concept

A fastback design with extraordinarily high body rigidity

Platform and dimensions. The new Arteon has been based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). It is a modular assembly matrix in that it can be used for a wide range of vehicle classes; the term transverse refers to the transversely-mounted front engines. All of the brand's MQB models – currently ranging from the Golf to the US-built Atlas SUV – are characterised by their distinctly dynamic proportions and their above average spaciousness resulting from axles positioned far towards the front and rear of the vehicle. This applies to the new Arteon as well. A long wheelbase of 2,837 mm spans the axles of the gran turismo. Accordingly, the body overhangs of the 4,862 mm long fastback model are short. The Arteon has a width of 1,871 mm and a height of 1,435 mm. The highly dynamic proportions of the vehicle body are a product of these dimensional interrelationships.

High body rigidity. From a structural standpoint, the MQB provides extremely high body rigidity resulting from a combination of ultra high-strength and hotstamped steels. This is one of the most critical factors with respect to achieving optimal handling and superior ride comfort. Despite the large rear hatch of the Arteon, body rigidity has been increased by 10% as measured against a comparable hatchback model. This allows for very precise steering, high vehicle responsiveness and optimal ride comfort, with the latter manifesting itself in very sturdy body attributes when passing over road bumps. Ultra high-strength steel is used in areas of the vehicle such as the side sills, as well as the side members and cross-members of the body. Hot-formed steel is used for the B-pillars, centre tunnel, bulkhead (front transverse panel between the interior and the engine compartment), rear side members and roof side members. This results in an extremely comfortable and agile car whose passive safety is among the best in its class thanks in part to its innovative body construction.

Re-Active bonnet. The Arteon protects not only passengers, but also pedestrians. This is accomplished using re-active bonnet technology. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the bonnet is raised via its hinges using pyrotechnic technology in order to reduce the severity of injuries. Triggering of the re-active bonnet is particularly intended to reduce a person's head trauma (head acceleration) caused by head impact.

This is achieved by increasing the gap between the hard engine block and the flexible bonnet. The relevant speed range for system triggering lies between 25 and 55 km/h.

Aerodynamics lead to fine driving dynamics. When tuning the Arteon's aerodynamics, a balanced compromise was achieved between a low Cd figure, which is to say low aerodynamic drag associated with low fuel consumption, and downforce levels which benefit handling. This was achieved thanks to a sophisticated overall package of aerodynamic design features, which includes details such as the sharply-contoured trailing edge above the tail lights. The balance of downforce levels at the front and rear axles stabilises the rear end of the vehicle to help optimise chassis tuning. This results in confident handling and high stability all the way up to top speed. Due to its excellent downforce figures at the rear axle, the new Arteon has no need for a rear spoiler that is deployable at high speeds.

Car body design

Arteon ushers in a new era of Volkswagen design

Back to the future. Two years ago, Volkswagen presented an avant-garde Arteon concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show. The statement it made at the time was clear: this gran turismo will usher in a new phase of Volkswagen design. Now, the concept car that garnered worldwide attention has entered production nearly unchanged. Looking back, Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff explains: "The fact that the Arteon has gone into production with only minimal design changes from the show car demonstrates Volkswagen's appetite for innovation. Exactly like the concept car, the Arteon generates that 'I want it' feeling. As forecast in 2015, this car does indeed mark the start of a new design era."

Automotive avant-garde. Tobias Su¨hlmann, responsible for the Arteon's exterior design, explains: "The athletic lines of the Arteon incorporate a highly functional overall concept. Form and function find common ground here in a progressive way. Thanks to its long wheelbase, stretched roofline, coupé-style fastback design and a large rear hatch, this gran turismo provides more space and flexibility than conventional saloons."

The design of the Arteon develops from the front end

Design overcomes class barriers. Viewing the Arteon's front end without focusing on the details, the first visual impression is that of a dynamic gran turismo that borders on being both a sports model and a saloon. But as soon as the details are considered it becomes clear how expressive and logical, harmonious and precise the design is. That is because good design is no accident. Rather, it is a symbiosis of creativity, precision and a high level of handcrafting art.

The bonnet of a sports car. The overall car design appears to develop from the re-active bonnet (with integrated safety mechanism for pedestrian protection) and the inseparably interconnected grille. The fact is that in the automotive world, a bonnet that extends over the entire front end up to the wheel arches is primarily a feature of classic sports cars. "The Arteon has one of the largest bonnets in the entire Volkswagen Group", according to Tobias Su¨hlmann. The designer continues: "It is really like that of a sports car. When you open the bonnet you see the wheel housing shells. That is unconventional for a car of this type."

LEDs and radiator grille merge. All of the contoured lines of the bonnet extend into the radiator grille – and vice versa. The grille, in turn, emphasises the significant width of the Arteon in its cross-bars. There is no Volkswagen radiator grille that is wider than the one on this gran turismo – it is the 'face' of a new Volkswagen generation. The upper cross-bars enclose the LED headlights, and they simultaneously use finely integrated LED light conductors to perform the functions of daytime running lights and position lights, and, in the top version, the indicator light function. The lighting elements, radiator grille and bonnet now form one harmonious unit. The bonnet, which extends slightly over the LED headlights, makes a major contribution to the superior qualities of the front-end design. The bonnet lip runs over the headlights while continuing the lines of the radiator grille further into the sides and to the rear of the Arteon. On the sides, the sharp bonnet lines that extend just over the wheel arches give the car an extremely low and sporty look.

Side profile of a superior gran turismo

Elegant, low, coupé-like. "We have a line", says Klaus Bischoff, "that runs through the entire car and brings the volume of the Arteon even closer to the ground. This line starts in the radiator grille at the front and runs cleanly over the side profile and into the tail lights." On the car's sides it creates what is known as the character line. At the rear, it develops into a sharp undercut, which visually reduces the Arteon's height and carries the strong shoulder section upwards. Above this, there is the long line of windows (known as a 'DLO' – daylight opening) that extends into the C-pillar. As with a coupé or convertible, the side door windows themselves feature a frameless design. Surrounding the DLO is an elegant chrome frame. The DLO gives the Arteon a sophisticated, low and coupé-like look together with the character line that runs from the bonnet rearwards into the tail lights.

Rear section follows styling of a classic sports car

Shoulder section is athletic and muscular. Viewed from the rear, it is easy to see just how dominant the shoulder sections of this fastback are. The muscular form stretches to the side and into the rear bodywork. From a slightly elevated perspective this produces a rear end design which, in its lines – a coupé-shaped glasshouse (roof and glass surfaces) on strong flanks – follows the example of a classic sports car and yet offers the volume of a business class gran turismo. Also creating a powerful image from this perspective is the striking width of the Arteon. Creating an unmistakable design at night are the LED tail lights which include a sequential turn signal.

Interior concept

Five-seat long-distance vehicle with a variable luggage compartment

No compromises. The new Arteon is a five-seat car which is well-tailored for long journeys due to its high level of comfort and spaciousness. Thanks to its large rear hatch and its 1/3 to 2/3 foldable rear seat backrest, the Arteon boasts an SUV-like amount of luggage space.

Lots of space for driver and front passenger. In front, the driver and front passenger benefit from the excellent package provided by the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB); a lot of space is created by the transversely mounted engine and the forward positioning of the front axle. The clean and expressive design, uncompromising ergonomic efficiency and new interactive interfaces between human and machine create a cosy yet high- tech atmosphere in the Arteon. The generous front interior width of 1,500 mm provides a very real sensation of superior spaciousness. This also holds true for the interior height, which reaches a maximum of 1,008 mm in the front.

Best in class rear legroom. Volkswagen has also exploited the potential of the long 2,837 mm wheelbase to provide excellent space for the three rear seating positions. Consider legroom, for instance: the figure of 1,016 mm attained here is the best in the competitive field. In this regard the Arteon competes with luxury saloons in the over five metres category. Rear headroom is also excellent at 940 mm thanks to the long roof. The outer seating positions take the form of contoured individual seats which offer outstanding ergonomics. In terms of design, the third seat in the centre also meets the standards of a touring car. The rear interior width of 1,481 mm offers enough space for three adults as well as easy integration of child seats (ISOFIX retaining rings on the outer rear seats as standard).

Up to 1,557 litres of boot volume. As outlined above, the asymmetrically- folding rear backrest is standard. The middle seat position also features an armrest which can be folded down, and behind it there is a large pass-through opening which can be used to accommodate items such as skis. Thanks to its folding rear seat bench and generous interior length, the Arteon offers a measure of flexibility which far exceeds that of a traditional saloon. This is effectively illustrated by the vehicle's boot volume of 563 - 1,557 litres, which is more reminiscent of an SUV than an exclusive gran turismo. In the five-seat configuration, the luggage compartment has a length of 1,181 mm; if the rear backrest is folded down this figure rises to a considerable 2,092 mm.

Interior design

Glass-clear and exclusive cabin design

Avant-garde on the inside as well. The Arteon is reinterpreting the idea of the 'gran turismo' in its interior as well with its combination of avant-garde design, sporty charisma, great flexibility and generous space. The interactive and digitalised interfaces found in this interior include technology features such as the Active Info Display (fully digital instruments) and a head-up display. Volkswagen has redesigned the infotainment systems. The top Discover Pro system has a tabletlike glass surface; its 9.2-inch display features innovative gesture control.

Air vent band as a design statement. The way in which a line – designed as a single visual unit of the dashboard and door shoulders – appears to wrap around the five passengers like a cocoon is unconventional and unique. The horizontally oriented dashboard of the Arteon transitions homogeneously into the front door trim panels. The team, led by Volkswagen Head of Interior Design Tomasz Bachorski, designed the dashboard with a simplified layout that runs in a straight line with a clean form. The central design element of the dashboard is an innovative air vent – designed as a functional yet decorative element – that extends across the entire width of the interior like a band. This impression is completed by fine chrome trim strips on the vent louvres, which create a visual link to the cross-bars of the Arteon radiator grille.

Elegant ambient lighting. Beneath the air vent and a decorative panel there is a very low-profile ambient lighting strip that continues into the doors. Its wraparound lighting effect defines the space and creates a particularly soothing ambience with a choice of three colours: white, blue and yellow. The centre console fits in well with the Arteon's avant-garde and sporty character. As in a sports car, it ascends towards the dashboard, where it meets the air conditioning controls and the latest generation infotainment systems.

Colour & Trim. Sportiness and elegance are the dominant aspects of the Arteon. The Colour & Trim design area has also coordinated its selection of materials and colours to these aspects in the interior of this gran turismo. The black interior colour theme matches the range of exterior colours. As an R-Line model, the Arteon's interior ambience tends toward sportiness. At the same time, it is sophisticated: the Arteon R-Line employs sporty black ("Carbon Style/ Titan Black") Nappa leather interiors. All Nappa leather features have contrast stitching. The style elements always appear in harmony with the sporty side of the Arteon too. An example of this is the 'Silver Rise' aluminium trim combined with 'Piano Black' panels in the area of the centre console.

Digitalised and connected cockpit

Active Info Display and gesture control

The Arteon R-Line comes with the top version radio navigation system, the Discover Pro with a 9.2-inch display and gesture control, part of the new generation of Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) devices. The new MIB Systems are tailored in both appearance and functionality to work with the Arteon's standard 12.3-inch Active Info Display; which gives rise to a new, fully digital world of displays and controls.

New infotainment system

Discover Pro. As outlined, the Discover Pro system is equipped with gesture control and an impressive, completely glass-covered 9.2-inch display (1,280 x 640 pixels, 23.4 cm screen diagonal). All control inputs are made via the touchscreen and five capacitive touch controls along the left border of the infotainment system.

As intuitive as a smartphone: pressing the "Home" button takes the user back to the home screen from any submenu in a fraction of a second. The range of equipment offered with the Discover Pro system also includes an amplifier with 4 x 20 watts of output power, a DVD drive, a USB port (Apple compatible), two SD card slots, AUX-IN, an SSD drive with 10 GB of storage, a full range of music playback options, a movie player, jukebox, podcast player, as well as navigation.

Individually configurable home screen. The driver can customise the home screen of the Discover Pro. Always arranged in a large field on the left side of the display is the navigation function; on the right, two smaller fields are available, one above the other. Functions can be custom-assigned to these two interactive display panels. The panels are also interactive – for instance the user might place the radio or media library in the top panel and their phone favourites in the bottom panel.

Gesture, touch and voice control. The Discover Pro system is now operated by gesture control, touch functions and voice control. Of course, the Discover Pro is also equipped with a proximity sensor that makes other menu items appear on the display when a hand approaches the screen.

Digitalised instruments

Active Info Display. All of the instruments are displayed virtually via software on the 12.3-inch Active Info Display. Its 1,440 x 540 pixel resolution enables extremely precise and sophisticated rendering of all details. There are five different information profiles, in which the kind of information and graphics displayed changes in certain areas. The driver can select from one of the following profiles: 'Classic', 'Consumption & Range', 'Efficiency', 'Performance & Driver Assistance' or 'Navigation'. The interactive elements of the Active Info Display are illustrated well by the Navigation profile. Here, the speedometer and rev counter are relocated to the sides to make more room for the navigation map in the middle. Information on driving, navigation and assistance functions can also be integrated into the speedometer and rev counter graphics as necessary.

Data such as telephone contact images and CD covers can also be displayed in the Active Info Display.

Head-up display. The head-up display projects key information such as vehicle speed or navigation pictograms directly into the driver's primary field of vision.

Thanks to this projection, drivers can keep their eyes on the road while looking at data such as speed. Using the infotainment system menu the driver can decide which information should be displayed: current speed, speed limit, navigation instructions, information from the assistance systems and/or warnings. The head-up display of the Arteon is a "combined solution": the data is projected onto an extendable glass panel in front of the windscreen. When it is not being used, the display panel is protected by being lowered into the dashboard, and the opening has a flush closure.

Connectivity via apps

App Connect. The latest generation Modular Infotainment Matrix creates the right conditions for connecting the Arteon with today's Apple and Android smartphones via App Connect. Along with MirrorLink™ (Android), App Connect now also integrates Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (Google) into the infotainment systems.

Media Control. The Media Control app can be used to govern many infotainment system functions conveniently from a smartphone or tablet. Passengers simply connect their devices via the WiFi hotspot of the Discover Pro infotainment system. The systems that can be controlled include the radio, all audio and video sources as well as the navigation system. Standard features in the navigation menu are supplemented by an address-search function that uses the Internet and which can also be used to enter selected search results as destination inputs. Passengers can now also send the calendar events and address book entries of a tablet or smartphone to the infotainment system for use as navigation destinations.

A pleasant climate on board

Air Care Climatronic. The three-zone (driver, passenger, rear) automatic climate control system in the Arteon is the Air Care Climatronic system with an innovative filtering technology. Here, an air quality sensor with an active biogenic filter maintains air quality at a consistently high level and prevents the infiltration of pollutants, even fungal spores and allergens. A unique technology to date.

Assistance systems

Interactive technologies look ahead for safety

New generation of assistance systems. The Arteon's innovative driver assistance systems match its avant-garde concept. Significantly updated new generation versions of seven of these systems are available on the new gran turismo: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Dynamic Light Assist, Emergency Assist, proactive occupant protection system, Side Assist lane change system including Lane Assist lane departure warning, and Rear Traffic Alert. Additional technologies adapted from other Volkswagens include the park distance warning, park assist steering, Rear View reversing camera system and Area View surround view camera. A detailed look at key assistance systems:

Emergency Assist. The second generation of Emergency Assist offers more safety. If the driver becomes incapacitated for health reasons, the system not only slows the car down within system limits, but now also steers it into the slow lane, traffic behind permitting. The new Emergency Assist combines ACC (adaptive cruise control), Side Assist (lane change system), Lane Assist (lane departure warning) and Park Assist (park assist steering) into a single system.

Once the sensors determine that the driver has not operated the accelerator or brake pedal or steering wheel over a specified period of time, the system network implements specifically targeted countermeasures. The driver is initially warned and "awakened" by means of acoustic, optical and haptic signals (braking jolt). If the driver still does not respond, the Emergency Assist system initiates the above-mentioned emergency stop. During this process the hazard warning lights are activated; additionally the Arteon initiates slight steering manoeuvres using Park Assist (electromechanical power steering intervention) and Lane Assist (camera-based lane detection) in order to alert nearby road users to the hazardous situation. For its part, ACC enables automated braking and can work to prevent collisions with traffic ahead thanks to the radar sensor located in the vehicle's front end. At the same time, the Arteon's systems steer the vehicle onto the outer slow lane in a controlled fashion; meanwhile, Side Assist is monitoring traffic behind the car using its radar sensors in order to minimise the risk of collision while changing lanes.

Proactive occupant protection system. For the first time, the Proactive occupant protection system sensors are not only able to react to car handling processes (for instance, as registered via ESC) and acute collision hazards from the front (detected via Front Assist), but also to hazards from the rear. The Proactive occupant protection system uses sensors of the Side Assist lane change assistant. The system uses radar sensors to continuously monitor the positions and speeds of the cars behind the Arteon. The proactive rear occupant protection system evaluates this data. It does this not only while the vehicle is in motion, but also when it is stationary (with the motor running or in start-stop mode); such as when waiting at a red light. When another vehicle approaches the new gran turismo, the system calculates the probability of a collision using data on the positions and speeds of both cars.

If there is an imminent danger of a collision, the Proactive occupant protection system assistance system reacts in the blink of an eye. The hazard warning lights activate immediately; at the same time all windows are closed to just a small gap (for optimal bolstering of the side airbags) as is the sunroof. While this is happening, the belt tensioners tighten the front seatbelts. Last but not least, the electrically adjustable front seats are aligned. The belts, head restraints and airbags are now able to provide maximum protection.

Side Assist plus Lane Assist and Rear Traffic Alert. The Arteon comes with the Lane Assist lane departure warning system and the Side Assist lane change system as standard. The two systems are combined with Rear Traffic Alert. Side Assist, activated from 10km/h, can help prevent serious accidents, particularly in the following two situations. First, on the motorway, because it detects both fast overtaking vehicles and slower ones in the blind spot, warns the driver and even countersteers via Lane Assist. The second situation relates to reversing out of a parking space: the sensors detect vehicles approaching from the side that are not visible to the driver.

Traffic Jam Assist. Volkswagen developed Traffic Jam Assist based on Lane Assist (lane departure warning system) and ACC. The system makes traffic jams and stopand- go driving much more comfortable. The interplay between assistance systems enables the new car to drive semi-autonomously at speeds up to 60 km/h. The basis for this system is Lane Assist and its functionality of adaptive lane guidance. The second assistance system integrated into Traffic Jam Assist is ACC, which performs automatic acceleration and braking.

Engine

High-tech and efficient TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine

206kW AWD power. The new Arteon features a turbocharged direct injection engine, which produces 206 kW of power. The engine complies with the Euro 6 emission standard and is combined with an automatically shifting 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox, and the Volkswagen 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. 4MOTION is Volkswagen's permanent all-wheel drive system. It distributes the engine's power to all four wheels by means of an all-wheel drive coupling as the situation demands. 4MOTION offers a high level of active safety, reliable traction and optimal directional stability at all times. The all-wheel drive system operates together with all of the car's handling control systems such as ESC, ASR and EDS.

Detailed overview of 206TSI engine

2.0 TSI. The TSI engine features innovative detailed solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger (to efficiently reduce full-load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct injection and multi-port injection. Thanks to its fully-electronic coolant control system, the four-cylinder engine also offers highly efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase; this reduces friction losses, and thus fuel consumption. In addition, the TSI has variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. Additionally, valve lift on the exhaust side is adjustable in two stages, which optimises performance, fuel economy and exhaust emissions.

206 kW with 7.5 l/100 km. The high output TSI engine comes standard with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and all-wheel drive. Comfortable and agile in equal measure, the turbocharged direct injection engine produces a peak power output of 206 kW between 5,700 and 6,500 rpm from its 1,984 cm3 of displacement. Its considerable maximum torque of 350 Nm is available over an engine speed range of 1,800 to 5,600 rpm. The 206kW engine propels the Arteon from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds; its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h. The combined fuel consumption of the Arteon 2.0 TSI 4MOTION is 7.5 l/100 km (urban 9.4l/100 km; extra-urban 6.3 l/100 km). The corresponding CO2 emissions amount to 170 g/ km (combined).

Running gear

Luxury saloon comfort, sports car performance

Running gear components. The front wheel suspensions feature coil spring struts (coil springs with telescopic shock absorbers) and lower wishbones (track-stabilising scrub radius). The four-link independent rear suspensions have gas-filled shock absorbers with separate springs. Both axles are equipped with anti-roll bars.

Handling. The running gear of the new Arteon has been specifically enhanced when compared against comparable Volkswagen MQB models, thus tailor making it for use in the gran turismo. Unique in its competitive class, the well-balanced blend of excellent handling dynamics and superior ride comfort becomes particularly evident on versions with DCC chassis control; DCC comes standard. The new near-infinitely adaptable shock absorbers together with an increased range of adjustment deliver a quality reminiscent of vehicles equipped with an air suspension. The Arteon distinguishes itself in particular through its highly direct and precise steering response, its extremely low roll angle and its neutral handling. Thanks to its large track widths (1,587 mm front / 1,577 mm rear), the gran turismo impresses with its excellent lateral dynamics; in addition to the suspension layout, the long wheelbase also provides added comfort. Last but not least, the car achieves a successful balance of good ride comfort, well controlled body movements and excellent isolation of high-frequency vibrations.

Virtual Slider Control. In addition to the familiar settings of the driving mode selection (Comfort, Normal, Sport), for the first time the controlled shock absorbers on the Arteon can be almost infinitely adjusted across an expanded range from the individual settings submenu (Comfort+ to Sport+). Beyond the familiar 'Comfort' setting, the driver can increase ride comfort of the Arteon even further by moving the control slider to the left (Comfort+); a setting that is sportier than the familiar 'Sport' setting can be set by moving the slider to the right (Sport+). The driver can make adjustments between the Comfort, Normal and Sport profiles. Thus, the driver has the ability to choose a truly personalised setting.

Progressive steering. The Arteon is equipped with electromechanical power steering. It contributes considerably to the Arteon's agile performance character. The steering ratio is tuned to be direct and responsive even at the centre position without jittery reactions in situations such as when travelling on fast motorway sections. Thanks to progressive steering, the driver does not need to turn the steering wheel as much to achieve the desired steering angle. The progressive steering requires only 2.1 turns from end stop to end stop. Background: conventional steering systems operate with a constant gear ratio; the Arteon's steering system, in contrast, operates with a progressive steering gear ratio. This noticeably reduces steering work when manoeuvring and parking. On winding country roads and when turning at junctions, drivers will notice enhanced dynamic handling thanks to the more direct layout.

Optional packages

Options

The Arteon 206TSI R-Line wants for nothing in terms of performance, innovation and luxury equipment. However, for those customers who wish to add further levels of personalisation and 'the best of everything' to their new vehicle, a small number of options are available for the Arteon R-Line.

Sound and Style Package. Adding a Dynaudio Premium Sound System and 20-inch 'Rosario' Dark Graphite alloy wheels, this package adds a touch sophistication, and a lot of sonic power to the Arteon for $2,500.