VW Arteon: The Prettiest VW Ever?
It’s called the “Halo effect”, and according to proponents of this phenomenon, attractive men and woman get treated differently in our societies. They get treated better. Similarly, the difference can be experienced when driving an old beat up rust bucket, vs driving something like this, the incredibly attractive VW Arteon R-Line. Is the Arteon being given the “Halo Effect” treatment, or is it as good as it’s perfect proportions would suggest?
Humble Beginnings
Arteon tells a story of humble beginnings. It didn’t come from wealth. It’s not from “House Audi”, or one of the other German royals. It’s the first of its name and one of the common “Volk”.
In my family, I have four nieces. Each promised to be bequeathed a car for there year-end galas. First was Megan, the eldest. A boisterous rebel, currently travelling Amsterdam. She didn’t see much past the bright red paint on the BMW M3 Competition Pack I sourced for her big night. Her dance partner, however, recognised it’s pedigree and was suitably impressed. So was I with its breadth of abilities and shattering performance.
Next was Amy. The then would-be med student who couldn’t be tempted by trinkets and shiny new things. She wanted something old and stately, and it had to match her dress. So, we hired a vintage Ford. In white of course.
As 2018 drew to a close Jade Page had her turn. I sent her a picture of this, the 206kW VW Arteon. “I know it’s a VW,” I said, “but just look at it!” She shared my sentiments. She wanted it.
Some recognise the Arteon for what it is, a very attractive successor to the VW CC. Some call it a pretty Passat. But no one can deny that Arteon whispers elegance in a way unlike any other VW before, and unlike many other cars costing far more money.
With Golf R underpinnings Arteon reminds us just how far VW’s 4Motion system has come since the Golf MK4 days. No more terminal understeer and I swear I felt one of the rear wheels chirp around a tight right-hander. Arteon has ridiculous amounts of leg room and 563 litres of boot space. That’s more boot space than the A5 Sportback and BMW Gran Coupe!
The Big Night
In the Matric ball queue, the Arteon felt less and less out of place as we drove closer to the entrance. The fresh new look, unfamiliar, yet fetching. Most aren’t sure what it is and once they know it’s a VW are surprised. The 2.0 R-line on test had 206kw. Yes, that’s the same as the Golf R rocketship. 0-100 comes up in a similarly impressive 5.6 seconds and all this can be yours for R699 900. Nothing since the Volvo S90 has rubbed shoulders with the aristocracy quite like this. Interior spec is good, similar to a Golf GTI, which by any measurable standard is fantastic, albeit simpler and cleaner than its royal cousins at Audi. On any given day, this is more than likely the best looking car within a 1km radius, and to some that would more than make up for any lack of interior appointments.
Verdict
Whether the look will age in the coming months and our youngest, Tara will scoff at the idea of a VW for her big night, time will tell. Arteon R-Line has a proven engine and chassis, with good enough spec for the price. It’s certainly more than a pretty face, born a commoner. Some will say that “It’s just a Golf.” I did too. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it?
