As with the Golf R, VW’s 2.-liter turbo I4 (known internally as EA888 Evo 4) makes 300 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm — gains of 32 hp and 37 lb.-ft. in excess of the 2021 Arteon’s motor. The 2022 model receives a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, replacing very last year’s eight-speed automatic, and though foundation Arteons proceed to use front-wheel drive, the relaxation come standard with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-travel technique. (Interestingly, this 4Movement setup is dependent on the Mk 7 Golfing R’s Haldex AWD technique, not the new Magna just one in the Mk 8 Golfing R.)
Electric power supply is excellent but not fantastic. Simply because this 2.-liter motor depends so intensely on turbocharging to deliver its thrust, you will find noticeable lag during acceleration the Arteon isn’t as snappy as, say, a Kia Stinger 2.5T. However, the Arteon is a bit extra productive than its Korean rival, and I locate it uncomplicated to see the EPA-approximated 22 mpg metropolis, 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined in serious-world driving.
When the engine is on boil, it offers loads of punch, but the Arteon’s chassis feels a lot less keen to get down and boogie. That is for the reason that the Arteon is principally tuned for comfort and ease above all, and even with its adaptive dampers in their stiffest setting, this sedan doesn’t truly feel particularly composed on canyon roads. The mild steering and extensive wheelbase really don’t assistance listed here, possibly.
But while Golf R electric power isn’t going to promptly deliver Golfing R sportiness, there is certainly nevertheless a lot to like about the Arteon. It is really tremendous comfy and would make a great everyday driver. Additionally, the liftback style and design usually means you can find 56.2 cubic feet of place if you fold the rear seats flat — a variety that bests some compact and midsize SUVs.
Introducing to that convenience, entrance and rear passengers have 37.7 and 37. inches of headroom, respectively, and legroom isn’t really way too lousy, either, with 40.2 inches for backseat riders. I’m 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and there’s a lot of space for me up front. Even the again just isn’t as well bad — I am additional snug here than I’ve been in more substantial luxury vehicles.
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The Arteon’s inside is snug but the touchscreen is a little small.
The Arteon’s interior isn’t going to improve for 2022, continuing to use a mostly button-cost-free structure in favor of haptic contact controls. I never enjoy these, but aside from that, the Arteon’s interior is cleanly made and properly appointed. My best-of-the-line SEL R-Line High quality tester has perforated Nappa leather-based seats that are heated and ventilated up entrance, but just heated out back. Other niceties include a heated steering wheel and significant panoramic sunroof.
VW’s MIB3 infotainment process is wonderful, with normal wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Vehicle, but the multimedia monitor alone is a minimal very low-res, and variety of small at 8 inches. Thankfully, VW’s Electronic Cockpit Professional is typical on each individual Arteon. Driver-help technologies like adaptive cruise management with lane-centering, blind-spot checking, automatic unexpected emergency braking, automatic superior-beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers and parking help are all normal, much too, which is outstanding.
Exterior, the 2022 Arteon isn’t really considerably diverse than prior to, considering that the 2021 product presently acquired a first rate overhaul. There is certainly a new Moonstone Grey paint shade available (like the 1 on our very long-phrase Golf GTI), and you will find a new style for the base 18-inch wheels. In general, the Arteon remains a handsome vehicle that hides its hatchback style nicely.
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The liftback design and style implies this sedan is super purposeful.
A base, entrance-wheel-drive Arteon SE R-Line starts off at $41,945 including a $1,195 place fee. The midlevel SEL R-Line goes up to $46,745 and the major-tier SEL High quality R-Line comes in at $50,745. At all those costs, the Arteon is a first rate worth as opposed to likewise sized luxurious cars and trucks, but yet again, Kia’s Stinger is a a lot much more attention-grabbing driver and also provides liftback operation, building it a pretty hard competitor.
The 2022 Arteon provides heaps of practicality, snug accommodations and a cozy ride. You should not concentrate much too hard on the extra impressive motor and you will nevertheless be left with a extremely great car.