Finally, after over a year of waiting, Volkswagen Passenger Cars
Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the highly-anticipated, all-new Arteon
R-Line in Malaysia. However, the wait is actually worth is as instead of a more expensive fully imported variant, it is now offered in a locally assembled form (CKD) at an attractive price of RM220,043.28 until the 31st of December 2020
Assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan, Pahang the five-door fastback is
Volkswagen’s flagship model and offers the perfect combination of
cutting edge design with dynamic handling. Its name is a true
reflection of its appearance – ‘Art’ describes the fastback’s
harmonious lines and emotionality, while ‘eon’ identifies’ it
as a premium Volkswagen model.
And again that price - it would appeal to those looking for a premium performance oriented sedan / fastback at a really good price. Previously, VPCM estimated its price to be around RM300,000 if it were fully imported. So this is a very good move by Volkswagen to actually listen to the folks at VPCM and get it locally assembled. Especially in the R-Line variant which gets an even sportier look to an already swoopy looking fastback.
As an R-Line model, the
Arteon’s gets an aggressive
front chrome grill with R-Line badge, LED headlights and taillights
with dynamic indicators, a rugged black rear spoiler, 19”
Montevideo alloy wheels, and lower chrome trimmings. Of course, since it is a fastback, or something with 5 doors, it also offers a best-in-class boot space of 563 litres, accessible
with an Easy Open boot function. So sporty yet practical.
In terms of performance, the Arteon for Malaysia is fitted with a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a new and improved 7-speed double wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). It produces an output of 190PS and torque of 320Nm. It comes in front wheel drive, and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which offers up to 15 selectable increments and five different driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual. So it should offer decently good sub 8 seconds 0-100kmh performance and speeds upwards of 235kmh. More than enough for most Malaysian roads.
But speaking of the performance factor, it features Dynamic Chassis Control
(DCC) with Driving Mode Selection.This allows the driver to customise and
select up to 15 driving style preferences and effortlessly stay
connected with a personalised Digital Cockpit and
wireless App-Connect Apple Car Play. Comfort is redefined as the
front seats are 14-way ErgoComfort seats in Nappa carbon-style black
leather with massage function.
Other highlights include
a premium Dynaudio audio system offers 11 speakers and 700-watt
subwoofer, and area view camera 360°.
Erik Winter, Managing
Director of VPCM was delighted to introduce the all-new Arteon R-Line
to the Malaysian market. “The stunning Arteon really needs no
introduction, and this is a model that Malaysians have been patiently
waiting for. As our new flagship, the Arteon elevates the Volkswagen
brand for us as it beautifully captures design, performance and
function while offering a greater feeling of exclusivity. Having it
as an R-Line model, adds sportiness even more to the heart of the
Arteon.”
The new Arteon offered should be tempting as I stated above. The price undercuts a lot of European premium sedans and since it also looks good, many looking at the other brands may be swayed by it. VPCM did something good by making the Arteon locally assembled rather than fully imported. Import taxes here would have actually made this quite hard to move and with the price, the performance and the styling offered, I personally think that this is a good package especially when you add it with the 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. You don't have to worry about maintenance costs for quite a while actually!
I am truly impressed. Rarely get impressed these days when it comes to new cars but this has actually got me. The competitive nature of VPCM and their seemingly never ending quest to make the brand better has made the Volkswagen brand a whole lot better than what it was previously under Volkswagen Group themselves. Trust me, I know as last time, things were so bad that people protested outside Wisma Volkswagen and I witnessed it.
This time, this is actually very enticing! Kudos to VPCM.
Bookings and test drive
arrangements can be made at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships
nationwide. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
There is currently a Volkswagen roadshow where the new Tiguan Allspace is also featured with this car. It is on till the end of this week - 16 August 2020. So if you want to view the car, head over to the One Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya.
The official Product Summary of the 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is down below after the photographs of the launch event.
The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line
Exterior
The
Arteon R-Line’s design is defined by a lower roofline, frameless
doors and a rear slope that continues down to the tail, making it
more aerodynamic
and stylish, giving it a more upmarket appearance and clearly
distinguishing it as a fastback. Both elegant and
dynamic, it offers a remarkable amount of space and comfort with its
coupé-like lines.
Sporting
an all-LED headlight system, front headlights are equipped with
Dynamic Cornering Lights while the rear taillights comes with
sequential turn signals. A first, the Arteon comes with All Weather
Light, a special lighting pattern that offers wider illumination to
enhance visibility depending on the weather condition.
Interior
The
interior of the Arteon R-Line exudes sporty luxury. Front passengers
are spoilt for comfort with a 14-way ErgoComfort seat decked in
R-Line badging, while the driver is able to enjoy an additional
massage function. For audiophiles, the Arteon is fitted with a
Dynaudio sound system that offers a premium audio experience with its
11 speakers, 16 channel digital amplifier, one subwoofer and 700W of
sheer sound luxury.
Adding
to the luxurious ambience are Silver Rise aluminium inserts, Titanium
Black headliner, an analog clock and 3-color ambient lighting.
Engine
and Performance
The
Arteon R-Line is offered with a 2.0TSI turbocharged
engine and a new and improved 7-speed double wet
clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). It produces an output of 190PS and
torque of 320Nm for a truly dynamic driving experience.
For
those wanting to customise their drive, the all-new Arteon R-Line
comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which offers up to 15
selectable increments and five different driving modes – Eco,
Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual.
Connectivity
With
sharp resolution and higher clarity, the 11.7” Digital Cockpit
allows drivers access to driving data with six customizable screen
views and over 30 combination options, including 2D and 3D navigation
and a full 100% map view.
Connectivity
at your fingertips, the 9.2” Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment
system allows drivers to connect wirelessly via Apple Car Play, and
available for Android Auto and Mirrorlink via a Type C USB port. The
system offers voice control, gesture control and is even customizable
to feature a split screen view.
Safety
With
safety at the core of all Volkswagen models, the Arteon R-Line is
packed with premium world class safety features such as Post
Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision;
Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) that takes preventive
measures during a collision by cutting the fuel supply, unlocking the
door and turning on the hazard lights; and Electronic Different Lock
(XDS) that improves traction and reduce understeer.
Other
standard safety features are Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Hill-hold
Control, Proactive Passenger Protection System and Active Bonnet for
pedestrian protection.
The
Arteon also comes with Area View 360 camera that combines the use of
all four cameras to offer a complete bird’s eye view. This screen
is customizable and available in full or split views.
Space
and Convenience
The
Arteon R-Line’s long wheelbase enables a remarkably generous
interior architecture for this body form that creates a spacious
feeling with plenty of headroom and legroom at all five seat
positions.
Its
wide-opening rear hatch is hinged at the top to provide easy access
to the 563-litre luggage compartment – that is
best-in-class. Additionally,
the rear comes with the Easy Open function which uses sensors to
electronically open the boot by detecting the driver’s foot beneath
the bumper. A first for Volkswagen in Malaysia, the all-new Arteon
R-Line comes with Easy Close which provides a 20-second delayed
closing of the boot, giving the driver freedom to remove items in the
boot using both hands with ease.
The
Arteon R-Line is also equipped with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
which monitors individual tyres pressure; and manoeuvre braking that
automatically applies brakes to prevent collision when it senses an
object at speeds of up to 10kmph.
Colours
Five colours are
available; metallic colours are Manganese Grey, Turmeric Yellow and
Pyrite Silver; and two pearl-effect colours the Deep Black and Oryx
White Pearl.
Price
The
all-new Arteon R-Line is priced at RM225,490
and comes with 3 years free
maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside
assistance. With the current sales tax break, the recommended retail
price of the all-new Arteon R-Line is RM220,043.28
until the 31st
of December 2020.
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