There's something missing in the incoming Malaysian VW Arteon R-Line facelift

With Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) continually teasing about an incoming facelifted Arteon R-Line, it would seem that this model would see daylight real soon. Certainly, this model has been a long time coming, especially with the extra heat it's packing. However, something else piqued my interest.

Eagle-eyed readers, will see it

You see, in the latest teaser video of the facelifted Arteon R-Line's steering wheel, the cruise control buttons look a bit different. What does this mean? Well, for one, there is no control for Adaptive Cruise Control. Surely this is just one feature that gets left out? Well.... no.

Now, I don't know how VW packages its ADAS suite, but I'd imagine you can't have one without the other. Take one, take all. That being the case, the omission of Adaptive Cruise Control would probably mean the Malaysian-spec facelifted Arteon R-Line will not have the IQ.Drive ADAS suite altogether.

I know, I know, it's a speculative guess at the moment, but the inconsistency between the local teaser video and international press photo (which usually has the kitchen sink and more) is rather odd. I mean, if VPCM wanted us to believe that IQ.Drive is forthcoming, they wouldn't tease this detail now, would they?

Also read: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS, more harm than good?

Is it a big deal, really?

Well, normally to me, no, the omission of ADAS isn't a big deal in isolation. BUT, - and this is a big 'but' - let's not forget that this incoming facelifted Arteon R-Line won't exactly be.... cheap. The current 190 PS pre-facelift Arteon R-Line already retails for RM 221,065 (SST discount applied), without 280 PS, without 4MOTION, without ADAS.

Cars far, far cheaper now roll off the showroom floor packing ADAS. The Perodua Ativa, Proton's X50, and Nissan Almera to name a few. And this is the stick that the carbuying public will use to beat VPCM's decision to not package IQ.Drive into the incoming model. 

Of course, in my previous post, I mentioned that, price notwithstading, the facelift Arteon R-Line would be a tantalising prospect as it will have the added grunt (280 PS, 400 Nm) to go with a leap in tech, plus handsome good looks.

With the IQ.Drive ADAS suite out of the equation (remember, this is a speculation, as local specifications have yet to be revealed), would this be a deal breaker for those eyeing this car? For me, I'd still happily take the upgraded performance. But that's just me.

Also read: Coming to Malaysia: Old vs New - VW Arteon, new is always better, right?

Conclusion

Ideally, I'd go picketing and hound VPCM about the omission of IQ.Drive. However, I also understand that adding the feature might baloon the price to unpalatable levels, especially if it is indeed a CBU model. As of now, we cannot confirm whether it will be CKD or CBU, so this is a speculation at best.

If it's of any consolation to VPCM, the Audi A5 Sportback (RM 376,900, SST discount applied) we tested recently, also didn't have an ADAS suite (it did have Lane Keep Assist though). All these being said, I could well end up with egg on my face, should the facelifted VW Arteon R-Line prove me wrong come launch day.