Volkswagen Arteon
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about an executive car that breaks the mould? The Volkswagen Arteon might be exactly what you’re looking for. This striking four door coupe combines elegant styling with practical usability, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional executive saloons. It’s the car for people who want something distinctive without compromising on comfort or space.

From the moment you see it, the Arteon commands attention. Its sweeping roofline and bold front grille create a presence that rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A3 simply can’t match. But the real surprise comes when you open the boot. Despite its coupe styling, the Arteon is actually a practical hatchback underneath, offering far more versatility than you’d expect. The interior reflects Volkswagen’s attention to detail, with quality materials and an intuitive layout that feels premium throughout.

Driving the Arteon is a refined and comfortable experience. The engines are smooth and powerful, making motorway cruising effortless while remaining economical for daily use. It handles with composure and precision, offering engaging dynamics without sacrificing ride comfort. It’s a car that successfully bridges the gap between style and substance. While it commands a premium over mainstream alternatives, you’re investing in distinctive design, excellent build quality, and a driving experience that makes every journey feel special.

What's the Volkswagen Arteon Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Arteon offers a range of refined engines designed for smooth power delivery and efficiency. The entry level 1.5 TSI petrol engine produces 150 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most driving situations. For those wanting more grunt, the 2.0 TSI delivers up to 272 horsepower in the R variant, offering genuinely quick acceleration and effortless overtaking. There’s also a 2.0 TDI diesel option that combines strong torque with impressive fuel economy.

Where the Arteon really impresses is in its overall composure and refinement. The steering is well weighted and accurate, giving you confidence on winding roads while remaining light enough for easy parking. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, soaking up road imperfections while keeping body roll well in check. This makes it an exceptionally comfortable executive saloon for long distance cruising, yet still engaging enough when you want to enjoy a spirited drive through the countryside.

Inside the Volkswagen Arteon: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Arteon and you’re greeted by one of the most impressive interiors in its class. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system that controls most functions. Materials throughout feel genuinely premium, with soft touch plastics, quality switchgear, and available leather upholstery that wouldn’t look out of place in a much more expensive car. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and customisable, adding to the high tech atmosphere.

The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, perfect for long journeys with plenty of electrical adjustment available. Despite the sloping roofline, rear seat passengers enjoy surprising amounts of headroom and legroom, making this a genuine four seater. The cabin is impressively quiet at all speeds, with excellent sound insulation that keeps wind and road noise to a minimum. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration, climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems that work seamlessly in the background.

The Volkswagen Arteon succeeds brilliantly as a stylish alternative to conventional executive saloons. It delivers an impressive combination of distinctive design, genuine practicality, and refined driving dynamics that few rivals can match. The interior quality is excellent, the ride comfort is superb, and the boot space is genuinely useful. It’s a car that stands out in any car park while remaining practical enough for everyday use.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Volkswagen Arteon Expensive to Run?

As a premium executive car, the Arteon’s running costs reflect its positioning, but they’re competitive within its class. The efficient TSI petrol engines deliver real world fuel economy in the high 30s to low 40s MPG, while the TDI diesel can achieve over 50 MPG on longer runs. Insurance groups range from moderate to high depending on the engine choice, with the more powerful variants commanding higher premiums.

The initial purchase price positions the Arteon as a premium offering, typically costing more than mainstream alternatives but offering significant value compared to German luxury rivals. Depreciation has historically been reasonable, and the strong build quality means fewer unexpected repair bills. For those looking to spread the cost, car finance options can make ownership more accessible. Overall, while not the cheapest car to run, the Arteon offers compelling value when you consider its combination of style, space, and refinement.

How Practical Is the Volkswagen Arteon?

For a car with such striking coupe styling, the Arteon is remarkably practical. The 563 litre boot is genuinely cavernous, easily accommodating large suitcases, shopping, or sports equipment. The wide hatchback opening makes loading awkward items simple, and the rear seats fold flat to create an enormous cargo area. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces for phones, bottles, and other everyday items.

Where the Arteon truly excels is in combining style with genuine usability. While some four door coupes sacrifice rear seat comfort for looks, the Arteon manages to offer reasonable space for adult passengers. It’s an excellent choice for small families or couples who occasionally need to carry passengers. The high driving position and excellent all round visibility make it easy to place on the road. Compared to other used Volkswagen cars, the Arteon offers a unique combination of practicality and distinctive styling that’s hard to match.

The Volkswagen Arteon stands out in the executive car segment by offering something genuinely different. It packages distinctive fastback styling, impressive practicality, and refined road manners into a compelling alternative to traditional saloons. While it may not have the badge cachet of some German rivals, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving comfort, space, and build quality.

You choose the Arteon because you want an executive car that doesn’t look like every other car in the company car park. Its combination of striking looks, excellent interior, and surprising practicality makes it ideal for buyers who refuse to compromise. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading off on a weekend break, the Arteon delivers a premium experience that feels special every day, especially when considering flexible Bad Credit Car Finance Guide options that can make ownership accessible.