DRIVING TOWARDS 2030
The executive-class Volkswagen Arteon may not be as technicallyinnovative as the Phaeton forebear but, despite its running gear being used on other Volkswagen Group models, Rob Marshall states that it is still an interesting model.
You are looking at a 2030’s used-car bargain. Slotting above the Passat in image and price tag, the Volkswagen Arteon’s relatively unimpressive showroom performance means that few people are aware of its existence. In a sector, where luxury saloons and SUVs dominate, Volkswagen introduced the Arteon as a fastback (defined as a hatchback with a coupé-type roofline), although a ‘Shooting Brake’ estate arrived at the 2020 facelift.
Touareg SUV excepted, the Arteon is Volkswagen UK’s most expensive non-EV offering, even though they share the same MQB chassis, a platform that underpins other transverse-engined models too, including Audi’s TT (which is about to cease production). The Arteon, therefore, is less of a Phaeton replacement and more of an updated Passat CC. Instead of an exciting W12 beneath the bonnet, the running gear is almost pure Passat, employing tried-and-tested mechanical entrails. This bodes well for repair and maintenance, as the car ages.
Covering the basics
The smallest 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine has been in production since 2016 and powers other Volkswagen Group models, since it replaced the 1.4-litre TSI. Belonging to the EA211 family, the direct-injected unit boasts a relatively high 12.5:1 compression ratio, Early Intake Valve Closure (EIVC) and cylinder deactivation help to reduce CO2 emissions and raise fuel efficiency. The manufacturer claims that the variable geometry turbocharger is the first of its type to be controlled electronically in a direct injection petrol (GDI) application. Yet, this engine appears not to be entirely trouble-free. Hesitation is the main complaint, when warming up. CM has heard that Volkswagen has employed software updates primarily to correct the issue but we understand that the problem persists. If you are considering any Volkswagen Group car with this 1.5-litre unit, ensure that you start your test drive with a stone-cold engine.
Ralf’s engine
The Arteon uses two versions of the familiar 2.0-litre EA888 directinjection turbocharged petrol unit. The lower output 190PS option employs the Budack Cycle, named after Ralf Budack, one of Volkswagen’s powertrain engineers. This method closes the inlet valve before the piston reaches Bottom Dead Centre (BDC), unlike the Atkinson/ Miller Cycle (as used
