In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Arteon owner reviews

"The Volkswagen Arteon is a polished all-rounder, with the potential to upset premium rivals"

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21 May 2021

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Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.8 out of 5

Price

£44,210 - £60,760

SPECIFICATIONS

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

100%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Engine (1 case)

Review 1 of 4

Tell us what you think about your car?

Having previously run a 60 plate Passat CC for about 3.5 years, I was very interested in the Arteon when it first appeared, although the initial indication was that VW were planning to push it upmarket with a corresponding increase in price. However, when it came to choosing a new company car, some investigation revealed that my budget would stretch to an Arteon so the decision was made (I had also considered the new Peugeot 508 but the release date was slightly too late). I was originally thinking about an R-Line but looking into the relative specs revealed that the differences were minimal, with the variations being revised suspension and cosmetic changes, so I decided that either trim level would be fine. I specifically wanted a manual gearbox as I enjoy the additional interaction and control during the driving process and an auto/DSG just doesn't cut it, even with manual control. Having had 2.0 diesels in my last two cars, I opted to go back to a petrol unit for this one. The availability of the 1.5 turbo played a big part in that decision as it offered a decent blend of performance (148bhp, about the same as the diesels) and economy (I've seen just over 50mpg on a steady run) while it also avoided the 4% diesel uplift for the benefit-in-kind tax. I used to think that the elegant image of the Passat CC was ruined as soon as I started the engine so it's also nice to've ditched that diesel rattle. My chosen vehicle was an Elegance in Pyrite silver with a black interior but, crucially, it was fitted with the 19" Chennai alloys instead of the slightly dowdy standard rims. It also has the reversing camera, which is a handy edition to the parking sensors in such a long car with relatively limited rearward visibility. This was a pre-reg by the dealer so it was basically a brand new car (5 miles on the clock) on an 18 plate and I have to say that I'm really pleased with my choice. Even after 6 months of ownership, I've seen very few other Arteons on the road so I'm also enjoying the current air of exclusivity than something like a 3-Series / A4 / C-Class / XE etc could never hope to achieve. The space in the car is truly impressive, there being enough room for my 6'6" frame in the front with space remaining for me to fit 'behind myself' as well. In addition, the boot is huge and the hatchback, as opposed to the boot lid on the Passat CC, makes it hugely practical too. My son's hockey goalkeeper bag, which used to have to go across the boot of my previous Hyundai Tucson, will fit lengthways in the Arteon leaving half the boot free. The technology fitted to the car works very well, although the digital dash is not quite as configurable as equivalents that I've used from other manufacturers. The display of the sat-nav map between the dials is also nowhere near as slick as the presentation in Audi's Virtual Cockpit. The active function of the full LED headlights works well, providing welcome illumination around corners, and the automatic full beam is a neat feature, allowing the function to remain active by directing the beams around approaching vehicles or those that you're following; the only frustration is that it won't activate in areas with street lighting. My one bugbear with the car, and what has reduced the rating from 5 to 4 stars, is a fault with the 1.5 TSI engine that results in hesitation and jerkiness between about 1,500 and 2,000 RPM, making a smooth getaway quite difficult without using excessive revs. This fault effects both manual and DSG equipped cars and is known by the manufacturer. My local dealer has stated that VW are working on a software fix for this issue but it has been discussed widely on Internet forums, in relation to a number of different VW Group models, and for quite some time before I even got my car, so it appears that VW are potentially just ignoring the issue in the hope that it'll go away. In summary, the Arteon is a rewarding car to own as long as you're not a shy, retiring type (I haven't had so many people ask me about my car since I owned a TVR many years ago) and perfectly fulfils the brief of spacious, practical family car and stylish pseudo-coupe all rolled into one. It's just such a shame about the significant blot on its copybook due to that engine fault.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I’ve been a company car man for the last 15 years and I finally took the plunge and got rid and took the allowance. I was initially a bit giddy about the choice available to me, but settled on the Arteon for its practically and looks. Coming from a Mondeo, I can say that the Arteon is easily as practical and more than adequate for both family and business needs. I’ve had the car for a few months now and very happy I picked the 2.0 TSI 190bhp. I was a bit worried that coming from many years of torquey and efficient diesels, that I’d be a bit disappointed. Obviously, because I’m making the effort to write a review, I needn’t had worried. It has plenty low down grunt and has the added benefit of keeping you pinned in your seat all the way round the rev range, whilst sounding good too. I didn’t think I’d be so quick to ditch diesel, but I’m sold and I’m also confident I’ll get a better resale price when it comes to it. Even though I can’t imagine a time I’d want to sell. The Arteon is a beautiful car to drive and still makes me feel special. I just wanted to tell anyone that’s reading this and is tempted by an Arteon, but worried about some reviews, don’t be. If you really want to be 17 again, buy a Golf R, for everyone else who knows that you spend most your time watching your speed and sitting in traffic, get one of these. Don’t get me wrong, put it in sport and find a nice road, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear, unless you’re used to driving Italian exotics, then obviously it’s not going to excite you too much. But for most of us, owning a car like this is a dream and I’m not disappointed, it’s wonderful and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve never written a review before but felt compelled as I’ve never felt as special in a car as I have the Arteon. Couple that with the fact that used prices for the Arteon are great at the moment, which makes the argument of this having a high list price compared to the other big German makes, irrelevant. I love it and even more so the petrol. Glad I didn’t spend the extra on the 280bhp 4Motion (I was very tempted and if I had more money I probably would’ve bought one) as this feels smooth and very fast when needed. I’m going to stop waffling now, just wanted to share my love for a great car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car has been fantastic, not one problem in 19 months of ownership. I love my Arteon and will definitely have another one

What's the one thing you like most about your car?

The car is so comfortable and drives lovely especially on motorways

If you could improve one thing, what would it be?

Nothing

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I've had lot of cars, included some high-end stuff like Velar 3.0 and BMW 640 3.0 Gran Coupe (probably the best ever) but found myself with a crazy specced Golf R as I approached retirement, which great as it was, was too harsh for an oldie like me. I wanted to swap (with little outlay) to something more cosseting. I found an ex demo Arteon R Line 2.0 TSi, the 272ps version which was the top of the range before the facelift and introduction of the "R". This was one of the last of the pre-facelift. For £28.5K, it's a crazy amount of car. It has plenty of power, and is indecently quick if pushed. The Arteon would be lovely with a six-cylinder 3.0, but VW in their wisdom has decided against this for some reason. This four-cylinder has been engineered to be quiet and soothing, though does sound like a hot hatch when extended. This jars a bit with the car's relaxed gait, though once at speed, it settles down and is inaudible. For long journeys it is simply fantastic, and as relaxed as the Jag XFs I had a while back. I tend to keep it in comfort mode, in which it's a rather lazy and gives a limo type ride on the motorway. Slightly floaty. A quick tug on the shift to "sport" enlivens it a great deal. It still crashes over sharp ridges, as does everything on large wheels and thin rubber. Including my air-suspended Velar. The interior is too plain, but well built, and whilst the facelift has pimped it up a bit, also changed the physical heating/AC to VW's horrible new touch slide controls. I'm happy I have the buttons. The standard equipment on the R-Line is fantastic, with nappa leather throughout, LED auto lights, active cruise, lane assist, heated seats, 4WD, fully digital dash, endless safety tech and much more. The only penny pinching omission is a rear view camera, which I had fitted for £800 (and is very helpful - this is a big car). Critics always say it's priced against BMW 4 Gran Coupe and Audi A5, both of which are better handlers on the limit, but if you add in all the spec that comes with the Arteon, this is nonsense. You simply won't find either of those second hand with all this gear, and if specced up from new, they're £1000s more. It's huge inside, with loads of room. With the space in the rear, you could run this as a wedding car. Boot is massive, and with the rear seats down, it's swallowed crazy loads down to the local tip! And, of course, it looks fantastic - especially in this colour. Cons are few. The metal trim on the dash can reflect badly in the door mirrors. The satnav is flaky, but it has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. I'd prefer a BMW type control for the info, rather than the touchscreen. I'd also like a powered tailgate (was an option, now standard I believe). It's rather thirsty. Best I've managed is 36mpg on a very gentle run. Usually averages about 28. I have been thinking of a change, purely as we've retired to Bath and it's too big for the tiny and super steep roads where we live. I simply can't find anything else with the amount of equipment and capability, so this will be kept for many years. The Arteon is a massive amount of car for the money and makes a fantastic used buy.

What's the one thing you like most about your car?

The looks/design

If you could improve one thing, what would it be?

Nice 6 cylinder lump

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up