Volkswagen Arteon Fastback Review 2022
The Volkswagen Arteon Fastback is an executive saloon car that's a more premium version of the Passat. It comes with a well-built interior, a range of practical features, and various engines, making the Arteon Fastback a good family saloon car.
Rivals to the Volkswagen Arteon Fastback include the Jaguar XE, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, and Audi A5 Sportback.
Our Volkswagen Arteon Fastback review covers:
- Stylish exterior with deep grille and creases in the bonnet
- Well-built interior with an infotainment system and digital cockpit
- 563-litre boot, extending to 1,557 litres with the rear seats folded
- A range of diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid engines
- Three trim levels: Elegance, R Line, and R
Pros:
- Plug-in hybrid option available
- Lots of interior space
- Good range of equipment comes as standard
Cons:
- Boot space decreases in the plug-in hybrid option
- Interior quality is not as good as rivals
- Engines lacking excitement
The Volkswagen Arteon Fastback doesn't disappoint in terms of looks. It has a deep grille with a full-width light bar, creases in the bonnet, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and a dipping back end to top off a very contemporary appearance.
Stylish yet practical, the Arteon Fastback has plenty of interior space. Leg room will be more than enough for anyone over six feet tall, and the width is big enough so passengers in the front won't be touching elbows.
Headroom decreases in the back due to the sloping roof, but the Arteon Fastback still pips the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Boot space is a respectable 563 litres, which can be extended to a vast 1,557 litres with the rear seats folded down 60/40. If choosing the plug-in hybrid model, it's worth noting that boot space decreases to 445 litres.
Cabin comfort is respectable in the Arteon Fastback. Electric adjustment for the driver's seat comes as standard, as well as four-way lumbar adjustment. Elsewhere, the interior is simple and well put together, but it doesn't feel as luxurious as its rivals.
As always with a Volkswagen, technology in the Arteon Fastback is very good. All models get an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system which features smartphone mirroring and a built-in sat-nav. There's also a 10.3-inch digital cockpit which is responsive and standard on all trims.
Three trim levels are available for the Arteon Fastback, including Elegance, R Line, and R.
The entry-level Elegance features 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, travel assist, and a rear-view camera.
R-Line adds to this with 19-inch alloy wheels, interior ambient lighting with 30 colours, a panoramic sunroof, and privacy glass for the rear and side windows.
The top-of-the-range R model comes with 19-inch black diamond wheels, sports seats in the front, an 'R' styling pack, and decorative black carbon inserts for the dashboard and door trim panels.
A range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options are available for the Arteon Fastback.
The first petrol option is the 1.5-litre 150PS TSI, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and will be powerful enough for most; it achieves 0-62mph in nine seconds and returns 42.8mpg. If you want more power, you can upgrade to the 2.0-litre 190PS or the 320PS (only available on R trim).
For the diesel options, the entry-level engine is the 2.0 litre 150PS TDI; it achieves 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and has good fuel economy returning 55.4 mpg. Once again, you can upgrade to a 200PS diesel, available with a seven-speed or 4Motion gearbox.
The range-topper is the plug-in hybrid 1.4 litre 218PS TSI e-Hybrid. It has an all-electric range of 35 miles and returns an impressive fuel economy, with VW claiming a combined 217.3mpg. Oh, and it's also pretty nippy, achieving 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.
When on the road, the Arteon Fastback is most at home as a long-distance cruiser; it's comfortable and quiet to drive, allowing for a reasonably stress-free journey. When around town, the Arteon Fastback has accurate steering and a responsive gearbox, making it easy to shift up and down gears.
The Arteon Fastback provides a good experience for those behind the wheel, and the range of economical engines shouldn't burn a hole in your wallet. However, if you want a bit more excitement, look more towards the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Prices for the new Volkswagen Arteon Fastback start from £39,075.00 OTR* or to lease from £386.39 per month.
Thinking about leasing the Volkswagen Arteon Fastback? It may be cheaper than an outright purchase thanks to a low initial payment, fixed monthly rental, and road tax and breakdown cover included in your deal.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's leading car leasing brokers. We have a range of leasing deals available on both new and used cars to suit your every need.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.
