Volkswagen Arteon 140TSI 2022 Review

The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon is currently priced from $63,640 plus on-road costs for the front-drive 140TSI Elegance on test and from $71,240 plus ORCs for the all-wheel drive 206TSI R-Line.

That represents a $1900 (140TSI) and $2500 (206TSI) increase over the launch range detailed late last year, which had in turn copped a $1750 hike above the prices previously announced when the facelifted flagship fastback sedan was finally confirmed some months earlier.

Shooting Brake wagon versions continue to add $2000 to the bottom line.

The Volkswagen Arteon 140TSI Elegance is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers 140kW and 320Nm to the front wheels, moving the sleek sedan from 0-100km/h in 7.2sec.

All Arteon models in Australia are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with stop-start technology and feature four drive modes of Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual.

Whereas the 140TSI Elegance is front-wheel drive only, the 206TSI R-Line offers a higher output – 206kW and 400Nm – and all-wheel drive.

The Arteon 140TSI sips premium unleaded fuel, has a 66-litre tank and a claimed combined-cycle consumption figure of 6.2L/100km.

LED matrix headlights with dynamic cornering, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights including over the licence plate and rear fog lights are standard, as are 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber.

The 140TSI Elegance is the entry-level Arteon but equipment levels punch well above this.

A Nappa leather interior, aluminium and chrome accents, piano black trim throughout, intuitive smart technology, 30 hues of ambient lighting and supreme comfort sets the scene inside the striking five-seat sedan.

It’s a more is more approach to the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon 140TSI Elegance’s safety and technology credentials that equip it well to make a strong impression in the premium mid-size passenger car segment.

Standard safety and driver assist equipment includes Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite of driver fatigue monitoring, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, forward and parallel park assist (helped by front and rear sensors), rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, a speed limiter, 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving capability.

A head-up display (HUD) is always a welcome inclusion, but the Arteon’s execution is somewhat flawed. Handy information like speed and sat-nav directions are duly noted, but its size, shape and position proved a constant distraction (read visual annoyance) for this tester.

Remote central locking with keyless entry and push-button start are also standard.

Infotainment comes to life through a 9.2-inch colour touch-screen incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation, plus an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

There’s no wireless charging, but you’ll find a 12V outlet up front and two USB-C ports in the centre arm rest. A chilled glove compartment is a cool (sorry, couldn’t resist) but seemingly rarely used feature that adds to this lengthy equipment list.

The 360-degree rear-view camera is a great feature, but it’s of a disappointing resolution and is slow to respond to movement.

Weighing in at 1580kg and stretching 4866mm in length, the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon 140TSI Elegance has considerable volume and mass at hand.

On the move, however, this translates to planted and solid, and the Arteon definitely has road presence that the Volkswagen Passat, for example, lacks.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged unit in the 140TSI delivers ample power, and while the seven-speed DSG suffers some lag from standstill, it makes up for any lethargy once rolling.

Quiet and perfectly composed on the freeway, this is where the Arteon shines. Cruising in comfort.

Drive modes of Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual allow for greater personalisation. A quick switch to Sport via the gear shift delivers the more attentive throttle response that eradicates some of that previously mentioned lag.

No matter the drive mode, there’s good traction and sharp braking.

The suspension – MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear – does a fine job of cushioning the Arteon’s drive experience with a focus on comfort and composure, which is great news if you plan on settling in for a long-haul trip.

The 11.9m turning circle is standard play for a car of this size and the Arteon’s crisp steering adds to the overall ease of handling around the suburbs.

We didn’t tow with the Arteon 140TSI but it has a braked towing capacity of 1800kg for those who want to lug a trailer around.

The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon 140TSI Elegance delivers polished dynamics in a comfortable, luxurious cabin.

This all plays out in the sophisticated manner that you’d expect from an executive sedan.

The Arteon does not beg you to enthusiastically tip into corners and whip hard through the bends, although it’ll do that competently if or when you give it a go. If you have such eager aspirations I’d suggest the 206TSI R-Line is your go-to. Or dare we say a Volkswagen Golf R?

The Arteon’s calm character will most definitely appeal to a more subdued and pragmatic driver behind the wheel. Someone who calmly stands toe-to-toe with their Audi-driving neighbours talking about value for money.

Front of cabin is a plush experience. There’s a customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and perforated leather electric-adjust seats with two-position memory, heating, ventilation and even a massage function. You’ll want to linger longer.

Small but sufficient oddment storage provides place for a phone, while there’s two cup holders and a small lidded arm rest with two USB-C outlets.

The 9.2-inch colour touch-screen sits flush in the centre stack, flanked by piano black surfaces. It’s easy to see and navigate, although gesture control and haptic touch pads take a bit of getting used to.

Below this sits the dedicated climate control area (also haptic touch), which means you don’t have to ignite and navigate a touch-screen when you need to add some oomph to your fan speed, stat!

The second row is fit for three but best for two, a large transmission hump hindering middle passenger foot space. Outboard seats are heated, and the tri-zone climate control offers rear temperature control but not fan speed.

There’s a USB-C and 12V outlet and the centre arm rest contains two cup holders.

There are two ISOFIX positions and three top-tether anchor points for child seats. You’ll also find two roof-mounted lights, seatback pockets and in-door storage.

Large, comfortable outboard seats make the second row a nice space for long journeys, but a sloping roofline makes headroom slightly compromised for tall passengers.

The Arteon’s liftback body style is where this sedan proves it can go head-to-head with SUVs for flexibility and practicality. It’s both voluminous and versatile.

Boot space boasts 563-1557 litres of easy-access load space, depending on whether the rear seats are folded.

The liftback opening is ideal for loading large items while 40/60-split folding seats with thru-load, two bag hooks, four anchor points and a light is ready, willing and able to accommodate a family of over-packers.

The Arteon is covered by Volkswagen’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service plans are available for three- ($1500) or five-year ($2500) periods.

Better late than never, the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon is a welcome addition to VW’s line-up and a point of difference in a market/nation full of SUVs.

Enticing entry-level pricing makes this luxury (yes, it is) family sedan with a lengthy equipment list hard to ignore.

You owe it to yourself to at least drive it… before you buy an SUV.

How much does the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon 140TSI Elegance cost?
Price: $63,640 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 140kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 142g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)

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