The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is undeniably a head-turner. From the moment you lay eyes on it, the sleek lines and coupe-like silhouette promise a driving experience as exhilarating as its aesthetics. I was genuinely excited to get behind the wheel, anticipating a blend of Volkswagen’s renowned engineering and captivating design. However, after spending some time with the Arteon, a sense of disappointment lingered. It left me wanting… more. But more of what exactly? Perhaps more power, a greater sense of refinement, or simply, more of that intangible spark that makes a car truly stand out in a competitive market. The question that persisted was: why choose this over its rivals, particularly the compelling offerings from Kia, like the Stinger?
Exquisite Design, Questionable Substance
The concept of the Arteon is, in theory, brilliant. In an era dominated by SUVs, Volkswagen dared to create a striking, fastback sedan, effectively succeeding the Passat CC. The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon emerges as a sportier, more refined, and undeniably more stylish alternative to the traditional Passat. Think of it as Volkswagen’s answer to the Audi A5 Sportback, offering a similar blend of elegance and practicality but at a more accessible price point. It positions itself in a niche segment, perhaps even challenging the likes of BMW’s Gran Coupe models with its unique blend of style and functionality.
The fastback design isn’t just about good looks; it significantly enhances practicality compared to a standard Passat. This design choice also sets it apart from many competitors, with the Kia Stinger being a notable exception, and perhaps the now-discontinued Buick Regal GS. In terms of visual appeal, the Arteon successfully carves out its own identity while subtly hinting at Audi’s design language. This is a commendable feat, especially considering the Volkswagen Group’s tendency for shared components and designs across its brands. The front fascia is particularly striking, characterized by a clean, fluid aesthetic where the LED headlights seem to merge seamlessly into the grille, creating a sense of motion even when stationary. The side profile is equally impressive, flowing into a tapered rear end, adorned with taillights that evoke both the Passat CC and the luxurious Volkswagen Phaeton. From a purely visual standpoint, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is undeniably captivating.
However, the allure begins to fade when we delve beneath the surface, specifically under the hood. The engine options, or rather the singular engine option, is a major point of contention. The 2020 Arteon is powered exclusively by Volkswagen’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine – the same engine found across a wide range of VW models.
This engine delivers a respectable 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While these figures are by no means weak, they hardly set the pulse racing. It comes exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. This configuration allows the Arteon to achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint in around six seconds.
Performance is adequate, but lacks the excitement one might expect from a car with such a striking design. On the positive side, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon comes well-equipped as standard, with limited optional extras. Pricing starts at $47,995. The test vehicle, finished in Chili Red Metallic, included the optional Driver Assistance package ($2,095) and the R-Line aesthetic package ($2,995), which adds 20-inch wheels and a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters. This brought the final price to $53,085.
Driving Experience: More Refined Than Thrilling
The disconnect between the Arteon’s visual promise and its actual performance is palpable. While the car looks like it should deliver an exhilarating driving experience, the powertrain underneath its attractive skin is far from thrilling. The engine’s power delivery, torque, and even its sound are unremarkable, which is a significant disappointment for a car positioned as a sportier offering. It’s not necessarily the amount of power that’s lacking; 268 horsepower is respectable. Even a Toyota Camry V6 now boasts 300 horsepower. The issue lies in the Arteon’s lack of urgency and eagerness to perform.
Historically, Volkswagens, even when not overtly powerful, have always felt quick and spirited. There was a sense of responsiveness and engineered enthusiasm that made them enjoyable to drive. This spirit is noticeably absent in the 2020 Arteon. Instead, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine sounds somewhat coarse, lacks a sporty note, and acceleration feels lukewarm at best.
During the test drive, which coincided with heavy snowstorms, the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system proved to be a redeeming feature. It performed as expected, providing confident traction and enabling some playful drifts in the slippery conditions. However, a minor annoyance was the need to disable traction control every time the car was started. Additionally, the proximity sensors proved overly sensitive, frequently activating due to snow accumulation on the car. While the sensor issue is common in many modern vehicles, it was still a point of frustration.
Despite the engine’s shortcomings, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon does handle reasonably well. Built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, shared with the Golf, it benefits from a solid foundation. While the rear end can feel somewhat elongated, reminiscent of the Tiguan, Atlas, and Jetta, the chassis is generally well-composed. It allows for confident cornering and a degree of driving enjoyment typical of German cars.
Interior and Build Quality: Style Over Substance
Stepping inside the Arteon, the initial impression is positive. The interior design mirrors the exterior’s aesthetic – clean, uncluttered, and functional. The controls are logically laid out, the driving position is excellent, and rear passenger space is generous.
The trunk is also remarkably spacious, offering a substantial 1,557 liters of cargo volume with the rear seats folded, significantly more than the Kia Stinger. The infotainment system is user-friendly, intuitive, and responsive, a definite plus.
However, the illusion of premium quality begins to crumble upon closer inspection. While the materials initially appear upscale, many are revealed to be rather flimsy plastics. In some areas, this cost-cutting is particularly noticeable. The rear cabin light, for instance, mimics the design of those found in higher-end Audi models like the A6, suggesting a touch of luxury. However, a simple tap reveals a lightweight, insubstantial unit that feels almost loosely attached to the headliner.
Furthermore, the test vehicle suffered from noticeable cabin rattles. Typically, Volkswagens are known for their solid, tank-like construction and robust build quality, capable of absorbing road imperfections with ease. This was not the case with the Arteon. Over uneven surfaces, the car felt fragile, exhibiting rattles and clunks that undermined the sense of refinement. Disappointingly, the perceived build quality felt inferior to even a Kia, which is a significant misstep for Volkswagen.
While cost-cutting measures are understandable to position the Arteon below Audi in the market, the starting price of over $45,000 still demands a higher level of perceived quality and refinement. Sadly, in this regard, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon falls short.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In conclusion, the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is a visually stunning sedan that offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, along with a generously sized trunk. It excels in aesthetics and practicality. However, it is let down by its underwhelming engine, lack of driving excitement, and questionable build quality. For Volkswagen to truly compete in this segment and against the rising Korean automakers, particularly Kia, they need to address these shortcomings. The Arteon possesses the visual appeal, but it needs more substance in terms of performance, refinement, and overall quality to justify its price and truly stand out. Volkswagen needs to take the Korean competition seriously, or they risk being overtaken in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon by William Clavey
Pros:
- Stellar looks
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Enormous trunk
Cons:
- Lukewarm performance
- Worrying build quality
- Expensive for what you get
7.5 / 10
Clavey’s Corner is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Prices and trim levels discussed in this article reflect the Canadian car market.
Special thanks: Volkswagen Canada
Photography: Guillaume Fournier
Contact the author: [email protected]
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