Volkswagen Goes Upmarket

Does the fastback hatch stand a chance in the U.S?

- Chris Clonts

Volkswagen dislikes the popular narrative that the 2019 Arteon is simply “replacing” the CC (aka the Passat Comfort Coupe). You can kinda see why: The Arteon is far more visually striking and a better performer, and it takes the automaker in new directions of assistance and safety technology.

VW is calling the Arteon a “five-seat GT car.” We’d call it a good-looking midsize hatchback. Discussing the car for the U.S. is rather straightforward. The world gets three gas and three diesel engine options, but we’ll receive only a 2.0-liter turbo generating 276 hp and 256 lb-ft.

Volkswagens have always been known for having generally favorable European driving dynamics and functional but plain interiors. The Arteon separates from those attributes with a more upscale interior as well as a lauded exterior design that is largely unchanged from the concept unveiled two years ago. During our drive of a Reflex Silver Elegance model, a front-seat passenger had to reach far forward and downward to find completely hard plastic surfacing.

The Arteon will launch in Elegance and R-Line trims, and a base model will follow shortly. The Elegance, as you’d imagine, comes with upscale aesthetic enhancements: LED taillights with indicators that illuminate sequentially from inboard to outboard as they signal, a continuous chrome strip on the lower body, and heated windshield wiper nozzles. Inside comes contrast stitching on seats and mats, aluminum-look pedal covers, Alcantara and leather seat covers, and heated front seats.

The R-Line has a more aggressive front end with intakes in gloss black and different bumpers. Inside, the roof liner goes black, door plates get the R-Line logo, which is also stamped on the seats, and it gets a flat-bottomed R-Line steering wheel.