VW Arteon returns from under $60k + ORC

THE Volkswagen Arteon is returning to Australian showrooms, growing from one variant to a range of four after what will be a two-year hiatus from the brand’s local line-up when it arrives in the fourth quarter of 2021, with prices starting from $59,990 plus on-road costs.

Opening the revised Arteon range will be the 140TSI Elegance fastback, while the Shooting Brake 206TSI R-Line wagon stretches budgets to $68,990 before on-roads.

Compared to the previously single fully loaded, high-performance variant, the refreshed range will consist of two powertrains and two bodystyles, the Euro-minded Shooting Brake being brought Down Under for the first time.

Both engine options are turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinders and, as alluded to by their respective nomenclatures, generating either 140kW/320Nm or 206kW/350Nm depending on the variant, all of which have a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The wagons carry a $2000 premium over their sedan counterparts, although both bodies are equipped identically in the name of simplicity.

Standard gear on the entry-level Elegance trim includes Volkswagen’s latest IQ.Drive driver assist and safety suite, Nappa leather trimmed comfort sport seats with heating, ventilation and 12-way power-adjustment plus massage function on the driver’s side, Digital Cockpit Pro with head-up display, a 360-degree parking camera, tri-zone climate control, powered boot lid/tailgate and 30-colour ambient interior lighting.

There is also a 9.2-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system with gesture and voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and audio piped through a Harmon/Kardon premium sound system.

Exterior touches include IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights and premium LED tail-lights with dynamic indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, and power folding mirrors with surround lighting and memory.

All Arteons also have adaptive chassis control suspension.

“Even though the entry price is lower than ever before, by no means is the Arteon Elegance lacking in specification,” a Volkswagen group Australia (VGA) spokesperson said in a statement.

“In fact, the Arteon Elegance has even more specification as standard than the outgoing Arteon.”

Stepping up to the R-Line adds VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system as well as more power, 20-inch Nashville alloy wheels, 14-way power adjustable sports seats with integrated headrests and R-Line Carbon Nappa leather-appointed trim plus more aggressive exterior styling courtesy of the R-Line Exterior pack.

An R-Line multi-function sports steering wheel is also included. 

Just two optional extras will be offered in addition to the raft of standard equipment on either trim level, those being a panoramic sunroof ($2000) and pearlescent white paint ($800).

No official performance figures have been published by VGA as yet, however the superseded model flaunted a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, a time expected to carry over to the new 206TSI R-Line.

2022 Volkswagen Arteon pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs