2022 Volkswagen Arteon review: VW swims against the SUV current

German brand has decided to move in the opposite direction of nearly every other car maker on the planet with its latest new car.

Volkswagen is pinning its hopes on traditionalists with the relaunch of its Arteon fastback.

Despite ever-dwindling sales of cars, the maker believes there is a place in its line-up for a top-end four-door and wagon.

If you enjoy driving – and if your idea of adventure and an “active lifestyle” is a weekly game of golf – that’s a good thing.

Volkswagen has launched a new sedan.

Volkswagen’s Arteon disappeared for a while in 2019, but now it’s back with a cheaper version that sits neatly above the Passat on the totem pole. Priced from $61,740 plus on-road costs, it’s about $9000 more than the top-line Passat that shares the same engine.

A sportier, more generously equipped and more powerful R-Line model starts from $68,740 and for the first time there’s a wagon variant for each model that costs another $2000.

The Arteon isn’t strictly a traditional sedan, even though it looks like one from the outside. It’s a liftback design, which means the boot opens up more like a hatchback, giving you a wider opening for bigger items.

The Arteon brings luxury at an affordable price.

For golfers, that means it will easily swallow your clubs and buggy and you can leave them in the car after a round without worrying that your precious cargo is on display to aspiring thieves.

The cheapest Arteon is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine making 140kW and 320Nm of torque, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. It’s a smooth and willing unit that has enough power to satisfy a driving enthusiast, while delivering excellent fuel economy on the freeway. Those who want a little more grunt can step up to the R-Line, which puts out a lusty 206kW and 350Nm, tamed by the extra grip and traction of all-wheel-drive.

It is available in liftback and wagon body shapes.

Both variants have adaptive suspension, allowing you to adjust the feel of the car from comfy to firm and sporty. Aim at a series of corners and the Arteon will put a smile on your dial. When pressed, it remains composed and predictable, inspiring confidence with eager turn in and communicative steering.

Cruising around town in comfort mode, it does a great job of absorbing bumps and lumps, although the auto can be a little jerky at low speeds.

The Arteon has all the creature comforts you need.

The cabin has an impressive blend of quality materials, interesting surface finishes and hi-tech digital readouts on the dash and in front of the driver. The customisable driver readout can be configured to display satnav maps, driving information or your album choices. There’s also a head-up display that shows your speed and the prevailing speed limit, handy in these days of covert speed-camera cars.

The Arteon is a hoot to drive.

Creature comforts include Nappa leather seats (heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable in the front), a Harman Kardon sound system, electric tailgate and ambient lighting with a choice of 30 colours. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to hook the smartphone up to the centre screen, but the lack of a wireless phone charging pad means you’ll still have to bring a USB cord with you to charge the phone on longer journeys.

There’s a comprehensive package of driver aids that includes auto emergency braking, lane-keeping, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The Arteon can also brake, accelerate and steer automatically on the freeway. While some lane-keeping technology is hit and miss – the car will pinball from one side of the lane to the other – the Arteon’s inputs are smooth and precise.

The step up to the R-Line doesn’t come with a lot more features. It’s more about style and performance, with the bigger engine, all-wheel-drive, 20-inch wheels, sportier looking seats and exterior styling tweaks.

There are no flat colours in the range, but Volkswagen doesn’t charge for metallic paint. For those who like white, there is a pearlescent scheme that costs an extra $800.

Overall, the Arteon proves that while sedans may no longer be the dominant shape on our roads, there’s still a niche for well-appointed, well executed traditional four-doors.

VERDICT 4/5

It may not be particularly fashionable, but the Arteon is well equipped, beautifully finished and fun to drive.

2022 VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON VITALS

Price: About $68,100 drive-away

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, 140kW/320Nm

Warranty/servicing: Five-year/unlimited km, TBA

Safety: Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera

Fuel use: 6.2L/100km

Spare: Full size

Cargo: 563L

Originally published as 2022 Volkswagen Arteon review: VW swims against the SUV current