• Three petrols, two diesels and a plug-in hybrid
• Performance-focused R model at the top of the range
• All-wheel drive available

Petrol engines

You can choose from three petrol engines. There’s a 150hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit at the bottom of the range and two 2.0-litre four-cylinder units above, all of which are good. Even the 1.5-litre makes light work of motorways and never really feels down on power in A- and B-road driving.

The first 2.0-litre unit produces 190hp and 320Nm of torque and, on paper at least, it isn’t that much quicker than the 1.5-litre. However, it’s much easier to drive, delivering plenty of punch from low speeds.

Bear in mind that it’s an automatic-only option. However, that shouldn’t upset too many drivers, as Volkswagen’s DSG transmission is pleasant to use in daily driving. It feels a little lazy in the Eco drive mode, though, and almost too sporty in Sport mode.

Speed freaks can opt for the much faster Arteon R. Its 2.0-litre engine produces a meaty 320hp and 420Nm of torque, which is enough to propel the car from 0–62mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.

Diesel engines

In this market sector, diesel is still very important, so it’s no surprise that Volkswagen is offering a choice of three 2.0-litre diesel units. The cheapest model produce 150hp and 340Nm of torque – and it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Above that, there’s a DSG-equipped version of the same engine. It produces the same amount of power, but it has 360Nm of torque. Despite the extra grunt, the manual and the automatic share the same 9.5 second 0–62mph time.

At the top of the range, there’s a variant with 200hp and 400Nm of torque. It comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard, although buyers can choose to have four-wheel drive as an optional extra. However, it’s difficult to recommend the more powerful versions when the base model is such a consummate all-rounder.

Plug-in hybrid engine

If you’re looking to potentially save fuel in the most tax-efficient manner, the eHybrid is an interesting way to go. It mixes a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack of around 13kWh for a combined output of 218hp and 400Nm of torque. That makes it quick in a straight line, with a 0–62mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, that’s assuming you have the battery fully charged.

If you really want to maximise the car’s electric range (WLTP-backed 39 miles) you’ll need to drive more gently. From our testing, a 30-mile range is achievable. 

What’s it like to drive?

• Only tested on Dynamic Chassis Control suspension so far
• This offers a vast number of adjustment choices
• Fast and flat in the corners as a result – but not thrilling

The Arteon is available with several suspension setups – choose a four-wheel drive model and you get Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension as standard, which lets you adjust the firmness of the shock absorbers depending on the type of driving you’re doing.

If you want this with a two-wheel drive model, though, you’ll need to pay extra for the privilege. Meanwhile, those who opt for an R Line model can choose between two DCC versions – the normal version and a second sportier lowered suspension setup.

The Arteon is by no means a bad car to drive, as its handling is excellent in most situations. In fact, it covers ground very quickly if you want it to, with limited body roll and plenty of composure. It’s just not very communicative about its direction changes. The steering feels too light. If you want something coupe-shaped and communicative, the BMW 4 Series is the one to choose.