Making The Grade

Volkswagen launches a new assault on the executive express market with its Arteon fastback. Motoring editor Andy Russell finds out if it is a class act

- Andy Russell

FOR ALL its quality models, Volkswagen has struggled to break into the prestige market. The Phaeton luxury saloon was a technological tour de force but pricey, the coupe-like Passat CC saloon was just that – a smarter Passat – and then calling it CC was not an image-changer. Now it has taken the plunge again with an executive express called the Arteon.

LOOKS AND IMAGE

 This five-door fastback, in luxurious Elegance or more sporty R-Line trims, looks fabulously classy. Sleek and sporty, with frameless side windows, it passes the “will it wow the neighbours” test with flying colours – especially dark metallic ones.

UNDER THE BONNET