After the Volkswagen Arteon made its global debut in Geneva in 2017, the successor to the coupe-roofed CC made its first Malaysian appearance at the paultan.org Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2018. Local brand custodian Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has been taking orders for the Arteon from July.

The Arteon is built upon the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, and it measures 4,862 mm long, 1,871 mm wide and 1,427 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,841 mm. Rolling stock features the 19-inch Montevideo wheels as seen on the display unit at PACE 2018, shod in 245/40R19 tyres front and rear, paired to the R-Line bodykit.

The added dimensions relative to its predecessor, the CC offer an interior with 1,016 mm of legroom, while luggage capacity is 565 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,557 litres with the rear seats folded.

A turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine continues to be the order of the day, specifically a 2.0 litre TSI mill producing 280 PS and 350 Nm of torque. These outputs are sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

Switchable drive modes courtesy of Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is comprised of Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes, working with the XDS electronic differential lock. Inside, this is complemented by an Active Info Display digital instrument panel, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system featuring gesture control and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A 360-degree view camera setup is also present in the Arteon, with further safety equipment including six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, ABS with EBD and brake assist as well as ISOFIX mounts for child seats in the rear passenger compartment.

For the Malaysian market, Volkswagen’s gran turismo gets a range of eight exterior colours – Manganese Grey, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Romance Red, Urano Grey, Turmeric Yellow, Oryx White Pearl and Pyrite Silver. The Volkswagen Arteon is a fully imported model, and is manufactured at the company’s plant in Emden, Germany.

Official pricing will be announced in due course, with the Arteon previously estimated to cost between RM290,000 and RM310,000. Its Malaysian launch is expected to take place in October.

-paultan