Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion Long Weekend Test Drive Review

October 20, 2021

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After a long weekend with the Volkswagen Areton R-Line this is what we have this to say.

In January 11^th 2018, some three years ago we met the Volkswagen Arteon for the very first time, at the Singapore Motor Show. We saw a sleek ‘gran tourismo’ with enough ‘jewelry’ to impress any Datin. We were very taken by its purposeful lines and strong shoulders. This was a handsome looking car and it was surprisingly long and wide.

Later, in July 2019, bookings for the Volkswagen Arteon opened in Malaysia with a suggested price of between RM220,000 to RM240,000. The local office shared details of the model to be local assembled for Malaysia and it was the 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line.

It was to be powered by a 2-litre TSI engine mated to a 7-speed wet clutch DSG, plus it was to get an all-wheel drive system. The engine was rated at 280PS and 350Nm of torque which at the time was the highest output of any petrol-powered Arteon allowing for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 5.6 seconds. Yes, that is the segment best time.

Then, we must pay tribute to the 700-watt 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system which easily delivers the best audio experience in its segment. From the rocking sound of Led Zepplin to the soothing tunes from Grover Washington Jr we were adequately entertained.

However, it was only in July 2021 that this handsome sedan was officially launched in Malaysia, at a selling price of just RM247,670. So, why are we saying its price is ‘JUST’ RM247k.

Arteon R-Line Rivals

What about the segment rivals? It starts with the Audi A5 Sportback Quattro which is priced at RM377k, the BMW 3 Series M Sport which is priced at RM288k, the Mercedes-Benz C Class at RM248,888, the recently launched Jaguar XE R-Dynamic at RM395k and lets no forget the just arrived 2021 Lexus ES250 F Sport at RM295,663.

So, as you can see, this Arteon R-Line has a selling price advantage over all its segment rivals, even by a small amount.

Arteon R-Line Dimensions

With a length of 4,862 mm, width of 1,871 mm and a height of 1,450 mm the Volkswagen Arteon is proportioned to carry five people in considerable comfort, while the generous wheelbase of 2,837 mm allows best-in-class legroom of 1,016 mm.

Luggage space is 563 litres with the rear seats in place, rising to a cavernous 1,557 litres of available carrying capacity when the rear seats are folded.

Therefore, against its abovementioned rivals, it would be the biggest and the best equipped, plus it has enough power to challenge all of them.

Arteon R-Line Drive

This Arteon set standards for sporty dynamics, luxurious ride comfort and excellent driving safety with its ‘Personalised Driving Experience’ where the driver is able to customize their drive with the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with up to 15 selectable increments and five different driving modes, which is Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual. For city traffic, we just left it in ‘Comfort’ and when the roads opened up we left it in ‘Sport’ of course. This is all you need.

But is its bark as powerful as its bite? We pushed it to get the answers. Ignite the TSI and there is only a mild rumble. In neutral gear we ‘played’ the accelerator pedal and had the engine revolution jumping across its power band returning a glorious sound that can only be best described as entertaining.

One of the best traits of this Arteon is its drive attitude that comes from its high levels of grip and strong brakes that inspire the kind of confidence that lets you probe further than your drive instinct would normally allow.

This is a very well-balanced sedan with quite a tenacious grip and eager performance. At speeds, turn-in is sharp and it points where it is intended, however it is shaken a little on our pot-holed corners and uneven surfaces around Selangor with its super firm suspension and tight chassis.

This Arteon shows its best foot forward on the highway where it presents itself as an immaculately refined long distance high speed cruiser. High speed stability and noise insulation levels are excellent, making this an excellent machine to cover your regular PLUS or Karak highway long distance runs.

This Volkswagen is a riot to drive when you exploit its engine and chassis. The rest of the test drive weekend was conducted in a rather sane mode. With its very smooth engine combined with the slick shifting gearbox, this car is very easy to live with in city traffic.

All that is left now is to visit a Volkswagen showroom to test drive this car and decide if it fits your bill for the coming months.