Volkswagen Arteon 'Q-CAR' returns after its WLTP holiday

Volkswagen Arteon ‘Q-CAR’ returns

The Volkswagen Arteon 2.0-litre TSI makes a return to the Arteon range after some necessary fettling for WLTP compliance. Costs from £39,065.

It’s only a bit over a year since the Volkswagen Arteon – effectively a replacement for the VW CC – went on sale in the UK, but the arrival of WLTP testing in September saw perhaps the most interesting Arteon – the 2.0-litre TSI – disappear from the range. But it’s back.

Yes, the necessary WLTP tweaks have seen this Arteon’s power drop by a few horses to 268bhp, but torque remains the same and performance does too – just 5.6 seconds to 62mph.

That makes the 2.0 litre TSI Arteon the quickest Arteon by far, and not far off being the quickest car Volkswagen actually makes ( just the Golf R is quicker). Bundled in with the powerful 2.0 litre TSI there’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a DSG ‘box, so it’s a properly appealing package.

VW UK’s Arteon Product Manager, Joe Laurence, said:

Every Arteon of course offers great equipment and competitive running costs, but the new 272 PS version incorporates power and grip advantages – thanks in part to its 4MOTION all-wheel drive – that really underline the car’s premium appeal.

What is hugely appealing about this Arteon is its understated looks, especially in Elegance Trim (you can have a shoutier R-Line trim too), delivering proper hot hatch performance but looking like a sensible family car.

At a touch under £40k the Arteon 2.0 TSI isn’t bargain basement, but give it a couple of years and you’ll be able to grab one for under £20k.