It’s not twice as expensive if you take a look at it.
Although the new Volkswagen Arteon might not be a big seller in the U.S.A, it will play an important role in drawing attention to the VW brand.
Hinrich Woebcken CEO, Volkswagen North American Region, says, “It stands as our brand-shaper, on top of Passat.” “I would call it the flagship in terms both of styling and sportiness.”
With its strong exterior lines, and a coupe-like roofline that looks like a four-door coupe, the Arteon puts style first, just as the CC. Although the Arteon’s rear door opens in a liftback style and hinges at the roofline, Volkswagen doesn’t like to use the term “hatchback”. Instead, it is referred to as a “coupe sedan”.
Woebcken says, “It’s one of the most beautiful coupes you will find in the lineup.”
Woebcken assures that the Arteon, despite its design-focused positioning above the Passat three-box sedan is not too costly – it will be “very similar” to other midsize sedans with full-loaded cargo.
He says, “If you take a look at it you will wonder why it’s not twice as expensive.” It’s an excellent price-performance package for this car category.
The Arteon is practical, but that’s not to suggest it. Woebcken, who is 6’4″ tall, says that he likes the car’s back seat. He also notes that 4Motion is a key distinguisher in a sedan of this size and price that offers all-wheel drive.
He says, “A coupe with all-wheel drive can be pretty cool.”
The Arteon will only have one powertrain in the market. It is the turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-four that already boasts 268 horsepower. Woebcken specifically excludes an electric version.
Although the car will not be the top-selling model in this country, it is acceptable as long as it attracts potential buyers to VW.
Woebcken states that the Arteon is a niche volume.
The Arteon will be arriving in U.S. showrooms next summer. But don’t let that fool you. Volkswagen’s most popular model, the Passat is still a top seller. The all-new Passat will be available next year, as the company stated in Detroit. Woebcken emphasizes that this will not be a modified version of the Jetta.
He says, “I can tell the successor to the Passat… It’s going be a great successor and absolutely you will notice a different form from what it has currently,”