The Volkswagen Arteon is a Golf R with a boot, estimated prices: RM290k – RM310k

- Successor to the Volkswagen CC returns under a new Arteon name

- Open for bookings, estimated prices RM290k – RM310k

- Only one CBU (from Germany) variant available – 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line

- Powertrain shared with Golf R, interior shared with Passat

Following its preview at November’s Premium Auto Car Expo in Setia Alam, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia have announced that it is now accepting pre-bookings for the Volkswagen Arteon.

Like the previous Volkswagen CC, the Arteon is based on the Passat, sharing the same MQB platform and powertrain options.

However unlike the locally-assembled Passat (RM176,690 – RM195,390), the Arteon will be imported from Germany, hence the significant difference in prices.

Only one variant will be made available here – the 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line. It produces 280 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque – 10 PS/30 Nm less than the Golf R. The engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels via a Haldex-type 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive system.

All of the above means that the Arteon is basically a Golf R that’s been repackaged in a sexier, coupe-like body, with the added benefit of having a boot.

Inside, the Arteon’s interior is similar to the Passat, but with higher levels of equipment. There’s Volkswagen’s signature full colour LCD Active Info Display instrument panel, but the infotainment has been upgraded to a Discover Pro unit with a larger 9.2-inch touch screen that also supports gesture control. With AppConnect, the system also supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. There’s also a 360-degree parking camera.

The fastback Arteon’s rear hatch opens to reveal a 563-litre boot space, which is 23 litres less than the conventionally styled Passat.

As an R-Line model, the Malaysia-bound Arteon also benefits from the full suite R-Line styling options. Most obvious are the R-Line fenders and R-Line grille.

Eight colours are available - Manganese Grey, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Romance Red, Urano Grey, Turmeric Yellow, Oryx White Pearl and Pyrite Silver.   

In the months leading up to the Arteon’s official launch, the display model will touring the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Interested buyers can view the model at the following locations:

• Volkswagen Juru, Penang: 24 – 25 July
• Volkswagen Ipoh, Perak: 27 – 28 July
• Volkswagen Kuantan, Pahang: 2- 3 August
• Volkswagen Skudai, Johor: 8 – 9 August
• Volkswagen Tebrau, Johor: 11 – 12 August
• Volkswagen Batu Pahat, Johor: 16 – 17 August
• Volkswagen Melaka: 24 – 25 August
• Volkswagen Semenyih, Selangor: 6 - 7 September
• Volkswagen Balakong, Selangor: 13 – 14 September
• Volkswagen Klang, Selangor: 21 – 22 September
• Volkswagen Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur: 28 – 29 September
• Volkswagen TTDI, Kuala Lumpur: 5 – 6 October
• Volkswagen Glenmarie, Selangor: 12 – 13 October
• Volkswagen Gombak, Kuala Lumpur: 18 – 19 October
• Volkswagen Puchong, Selangor: 26 – 27 October