DRIVEN + VIDEO: Does The Volkswagen Arteon Show That VW Has Got Its Groove Back?

Here we go, Spies. One vehicle I've been curious about has finally gotten into reviewer's hands.

Called the Arteon, this is Volkswagen's successor to the Passat CC, which was known simply as the CC towards the end of its life. The CC was a brilliant vehicle that felt more like an Audi and boasted some rich touches. Personally, if I was in the market I probably would have skipped the A4 and just taken home one of those.

But, we've got to wonder if VW has the same magic as it used to. Frankly, its vehicles haven't been quite the same in years. The engines are meh and the interiors have become super cheap.

So, does VW have its groove back? Let's see in Roadshow's quick review, below.



Volkswagens's 2019 Arteon blends the flowing proportions of the now-discontinued VW CC with the sportback design of Audi's A7. The result is a handsome new flagship with a stylish flair of its own.

skytop - 5/11/2019 3:58:17 PM

+2 Boost

Definitely. VW clearly demonstrates they know how to design and build a driver's car. VW is in the groove.

MDarringer - 5/11/2019 4:22:02 PM

-4 Boost

The Arteon is a colossal stumble. A $46K Passat is not what buyers want and this is definitely NOT what dealers want. Had the Arteon been the new Passat instead of the warmed over bag of excrement we're getting, it would still be a miss. $46K is Audi A4 money or BMW 3 Series money or C Class money. Buy one of them instead. As for a similarly priced Stinger, the VW will not be able to be that good. But one thing is for certain VW will have lower build quality, poor reliability, and will cost a lot to repair out of warranty.

TomM - 5/11/2019 6:19:36 PM

-1 Boost

VW still has not gotten it

IT is not the styling - although I admit a VERY WELL styled affordable car MIGHT be a good step -the problem is - VW is not trusted - and VW reliability and cost of repairs need a major overhaul. They won't get that.

MDarringer - 5/11/2019 6:26:11 PM

-5 Boost

A $46K sedan is not what VW needs. This would be an excellent replacement for the Audi A3/4/5

CarCrazedinCali - 5/12/2019 6:13:52 PM

+1 Boost

The front end ruins it for me, plus the cost.

jtz7 - 5/11/2019 6:48:28 PM

-8 Boost

Who copied.who's black B pillars the Mercedes AMG or this VW? If Kia did it then that's what would had been said.

cidflekken - 5/12/2019 2:03:24 AM

+4 Boost

Who cares? The 1979 Saab 96 had blackened B-pillars. Porsche has been doing black B-pillars since the 80’s.

cidflekken - 5/12/2019 2:03:24 AM

+4 Boost

Who cares? The 1979 Saab 96 had blackened B-pillars. Porsche has been doing black B-pillars since the 80’s.

jtz7 - 5/12/2019 8:22:45 AM

-6 Boost

Make excuses for other manufacturers for copying but when it comes to Hyundai/Kia they cant. That's what you saying huh? All the better to put alllll the designs to the kitchen table.

carsnyc - 5/12/2019 5:20:14 PM

+4 Boost

Even after the long wait VGA has winner here.

MDarringer - 5/12/2019 6:06:12 PM

-4 Boost

No. This will tank immediately. It will be a $10K off special like the CC that they could not give away.

MDarringer - 5/12/2019 9:44:16 PM

-4 Boost

Tell yourself that. And I have a friend who will gladly sell you an Arteon above list price given your mentality.

The Kia will be more reliable, more durable, and a lot cheaper to fix should that be needed. VWs are terrible for reliability, durability, and they are costly to fix and maintain.

Truthy - 5/13/2019 10:44:36 PM

+2 Boost

I've seen and sat in the Arteon and driven a Stinger. The Arteon interior is disappointingly cheap looking. Nothing to see here. VW reliability is suspect. it is a FWD based car. I wanted to like it as the exterior is nice.
However, the Stinger is RWD based and the interior is much better executed. You cn drive a loaded V6 GT for less than the Arteon. Stinger wins hands down even before considering the quality and warranty.

trboaccord - 5/13/2019 10:03:53 AM

+2 Boost

LMAO anyone comparing the stinger has obviously not driven one or spoke with anyone who owns one! The Stinger is already showing it age with endless complaints about the quality(or lack thereof) and excessive squeaks, rattles and more. kia will never come close to any european brand in any aspect.. the only thing they can do is make cheap noisy cars

Truthy - 5/14/2019 2:48:38 PM

+2 Boost

Only the rear hatch and only in early production models. You compare the Kia to German luxury makes to justify the VW quality?!?
Do you know anybody that has owned a German luxury car?? I do and I am running back to Asian.