VW unveil new Arteon coupe

Volkswagen has revealed the Gran Turismo Arteon at the Geneva Auto Show. The four-door coupe will join the line-up in 2017 following the end of the Phaeton last year. The Arteon features a newly-designed front and grille with LED daytime running lights and chrome-plated crossbars, which Volkswagen have branded ‘avant-garde.’ An R-Line package offers new fascias. A range of powertrain options will be available, starting with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW of power. A 2.0-litre petrol will also be available, with either 140kW or 206kW of power. A 2.0-litre diesel will also be offered in the Arteon, with 110kW, 140kW and 175kW power options. The Arteon contains VW’s latest generation emergency assist system, which knows when the driver is having a medical emergency and is able to slow and move the car autonomously. Lane assist now reacts to swerving trucks, and the car’s headlights are now linked to the GPS system, and can sense and adapt to upcoming corners. Tom Ruddenklau, general manager of Volkswagen New Zealand, says, “As our flagship model, we are extremely excited to offer our customers a premium car.” The Arteon R-Line will be available on New Zealand shores in September 2017, and will feature the 206kW 2.0-litre engine.