7 2017 VW Arteon

Volkswagen is expanding its model range with the debut of the new Arteon at the 2017 Geneva motor show.

Positioned above the Passat and replacing the Volkswagen CC, the premium class Arteon offers a choice of six turbocharged powertrains  and optional four-wheel-drive.

"The Arteon combines the design elements of a classic sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback. An avant-garde business-class gran turismo, it speaks to the heart and the head alike," said Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen head of design.

The front section is radical in comparison to current Volkswagen models and features a bonnet that extends a partially over both wings with a radiator grille that encompasses the vehicle's full width. The LED headlights and daytime running lights, fitted as standard, combine with the chrome-plated cross-bars of the radiator grille and bonnet.

The Arteon promises great flexibility and generous space. Its boot can accommodate 563 litres, or up to 1,557 litres with the seats folded.

All of the engines have four cylinders. The first two power levels of the petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines are identical at 150 PS and 190 PS. The most powerful TSI delivers 280 PS, while the most powerful TDI produces 240 PS. The base petrol engine, the all-new 1.5 TSI Evo which features Active Cylinder Management.

The Arteon's driver assistance and convenience systems include Adaptive Cruise Control which now takes into account data such as speed limits and route information and automatically adjusts driving speed accordingly. The second generation of Emergency Assist offers more safety: if the driver becomes incapacitated for health reasons, the system not only slows the car down within system limits, but now also steers it into the slow lane, traffic behind permitting.

Dynamic cornering lights with predictive beam control use the navigation system's GPS and road data to anticipate when a bend is approaching and illuminate it before the driver actively turns into the bend.

Infotainment will be taken care of by a new Discover Pro 9.2-inch glass touchscreen display. The driver will also benefit from fully digital instruments and a head-up display.

Three trim levels will be available when the car goes on sale later this year. Along with the base version will be Elegance and R-Line.

There will also be a range of options including a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, three-zone automatic air conditioning, massage seats, heated steering wheel and two-tone nappa leather interior.

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