Despite the car’s large rear hatch, body rigidity has been increased by 10% as measured against a comparable saloon model. This allows for the creation of precise steering, responsive handling and optimal ride comfort. Passive safety is also among the best in its class thanks, in part, to the Arteon’s innovative body construction.
Further supporting its safety credentials, and contributing to its Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, the Arteon’s active bonnet technology protects not only passengers but pedestrians too. In the event of a collision, the bonnet is raised via its hinges using pyrotechnic technology in order to reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries. Particularly intended to reduce head trauma, the active bonnet system increases the gap between the hard engine block and the flexible bonnet. It works at speeds ranging from 15 mph to 34 mph.
Slips, and sticks
Slippery through the air, with fine aerodynamics and a low Cd figure of as little as 0.265 (Arteon 2.0 TDI) this lithe new Volkswagen generates downforce levels sufficient to benefit handling and allow it to deliver impressive grip – colloquially: it sticks to the road.
This has been achieved thanks to a sophisticated overall package of aerodynamic design features, which includes details such as the sharply-contoured trailing edge above the LED tail lights. The balance of downforce levels at the front and rear axles stabilise the rear end of the vehicle to help optimise chassis tuning. This results in confident handling and high stability all the way up to top speed. Due to its excellent downforce figures at the rear axle, the new Arteon has no need of a rear spoiler that is deployable at high speeds.
Technology to enhance the journey
The Arteon comes packed with a comprehensive line-up of the latest infotainment, connectivity, and assistance systems and represents the jewel in Volkswagen’s technological crown.
Offered in two trim levels – luxurious ‘Elegance’ or more sporty ‘R-Line’ – the new model boasts a broad range of advanced equipment as standard. Among the many highlights are, as a minimum, the latest Discover Navigation system with eight-inch colour touch screen, eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth audio and telephone connectivity, and Volkswagen Media Control which allows remote control of the infotainment system via compatible smartphone or tablet device.
Other standard-fit highlights in the Arteon include: digital instruments via the 12.3-inch Active Info Display; minimum 18-inch alloy wheels; LED self-levelling headlights; LED tinted rear light clusters with dynamic indicators; plush Nappa leather upholstery; Car-Net connectivity with ‘Guide & Inform’, ‘Security & Service’ and ‘App-Connect’ functionality; and Air Care Climatronic 3Zone electronic air conditioning with automatic air recirculation.
A raft of standard assistance systems in every Arteon include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with predictive cruise control; City Emergency Braking; Front Assist; Speed Assist; Traffic Jam Assist; Lane Assist and Driver Alert fatigue warning system.
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