Volkswagen Arteon R-Line launched in Malaysia – 190 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre TSI, 7-speed wet DSG, RM221,065

Volkswagen Arteon R-Line launched in Malaysia – 190 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre TSI, 7-speed wet DSG, RM221,065

It’s been more than three years since the Volkswagen Arteon was unveiled to the world, but the slinky five-door coupé has finally arrived in Malaysia. The replacement for the popular CC has been launched (alongside the Tiguan Allspace) in just a single R-Line trim level for maximum visual impact, with specs that largely mirror the Passat apart from a few changes.

Locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the Arteon is priced at RM221,065 on-the-road without insurance and the sales and service tax (SST), which is a significant premium over the RM182,879 Passat Elegance. Included in the price are a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, three years of free maintenance and five years of free roadside assistance.

Firstly, it should be noted that the Arteon is in its original 2017 form, not the facelift that was revealed in June. Powering the car is the Passat’s 2.0 litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 190 PS from 4,180 to 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque between 1,500 to 4,180 rpm. All this is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

Volkswagen Arteon R-Line launched in Malaysia – 190 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre TSI, 7-speed wet DSG, RM221,065

The Arteon is far sleeker and more dramatic than the CC that preceded it and is quite a bit larger to boot. At the front is a louvred full-face grille that neatly integrates the headlights which, by the way, are full LED units. The clamshell bonnet links the lamps with the front fender appliqués along the side, while the low-slung glasshouse stretches further towards the rear of the car compared to the CC.

Moving to the back, you’ll find slim two-piece LED tail lights (with sequential indicators) and integrated trapezoidal tailpipes. The R-Line model gets a sportier front bumper with pronounced C-shaped accents, plus a subtle boot lid spoiler. It also rides on fetching 19-inch Montevideo turbine-style two-tone alloy wheels.

Inside, the Arteon has a similar interior to the Passat, with a no-nonsense dashboard design that still features a central analogue clock (the facelifted Passat ditches the clock for nameplate badging). Accountrements exclusive to the R-Line are a flat-bottomed steering wheel and carbon fibre-esque Nappa leather trim. Unlike the CC, the Arteon has a powered handsfree rear hatch that opens up to reveal a 563-litre boot.

Volkswagen Arteon R-Line launched in Malaysia – 190 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre TSI, 7-speed wet DSG, RM221,065

The local model comes with an 11.7-inch digital instrument display and the range-topping Discover Pro navigation system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity come as standard, as does an 11-speaker, 700-watt Dynaudio sound system.

Other bits of kit include keyless entry, push-button start, triple-zone auto climate control, cruise control, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory, three-colour ambient lighting and front and rear parking sensors. The Arteon adds a couple of features not found on the Passat, which are the 360-degree camera system and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers.

Safety-wise, the Arteon does not come with autonomous emergency braking, nor the blind spot monitoring that is offered on the Passat. However, it is fitted with seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat anchors at the rear. Browse full specifications and equipment of the Volkswagen Arteon on CarBase.my.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • 3 years on…we still get outdated model and poor safety kits
    y wud anyone buy this than bmw or merc

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 37 Thumb down 4
    • Civic Turbo 2018 on Aug 13, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      Adaptive Cruise Control mana? kesian…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • No cruise control? Thank to highlight. No wonder it is cheap. 19 inch rim is useless. Replace it with a cruise control. Adaptive damper also waste of money. It will cost u 14k to replace 4 pcs.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Wow. Zero advanced safety features to protect the Richman driver

    Just the old school dinasaur turbo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 2
  • I actually considered this car on Aug 12, 2020 at 11:44 am

    No AEB in year 2020, hahaha. Pls get lost.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 0
  • No aeb? No blind spot monitoring?? Thats a turn off

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 0
  • Bieight on Aug 12, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    2 months after the facelift malaysia finally launched the pre facelift version…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Aug 12, 2020 at 12:10 pm

    Lol who will buy this outdated model with no safety pack? Ur better off getting a new 320i with it’s updated safety pack.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 0
    • Get Civic better safety pack, 190hp & saved 100k

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 23
      • Princeton on Aug 13, 2020 at 9:32 am

        https://paultan.org/2020/02/26/2020-honda-civic-facelift-debuts-in-malaysia-three-variants-1-8-na-and-1-5-turbo-rm114k-to-rm140k/

        Read the engine info, it stated that civic engine gets 173 hp but not 190 hp

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Rulered on Aug 12, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    I’m glad I didn’t wait for this and got the Passat instead.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Matchy on Aug 12, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    Launching a 2017 car in 2020.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • passion on Aug 12, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    shame on you VW. you are too late!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Hamilton on Aug 12, 2020 at 3:56 pm

    Passat United makes more sense, other than this ‘Style’. Money for Style, Mazda 3 has it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • G20 320i all the way..
    Or just stick with Passat Elegance

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • vivizurianti on Aug 12, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Better get other conti model becoz you’ll get better class and better recognition.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Aug 12, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    this car has aged really badly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • No cruise control? Thank to highlight. No wonder it is cheap. 19 inch rim is useless. Replace it with a cruise control. Adaptive damper also waste of money. It will cost u 14k to replace 4 pcs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Bmw 330i on Aug 18, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    I waited for this since the beginning even before there is bmw 3 series g20 in MY. After years of ding dong launch not launch i settled with the g20 bmw 330i and got it a month ago. Then the Arteon launch, very cheap at 220k. I thought they ll bring in the 280ps at around 300k nvr thought Arteon will be this cheap. Bye Arteon, took too long for you, im enjoying my new 330i very very much. So powerful and smooth and macho.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • wait to long … just bought axia .. cheap and good looking to

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
 

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