Volkswagen Arteon: Mk1 vs Mk1.5
Verdict
The Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 is the proper performance upgrade, not just a facelift: it raises output from 188 hp/320 Nm to 276 hp/350 Nm, swaps front-wheel drive for all-wheel drive and cuts 0-100 km/h from 7.7 to 5.6 seconds. The catch is sharp for Malaysia: RM221,065 versus RM291,012, a RM69,947 jump, with fuel use rising from 6.3 to 7.4 L/100 km. Space is unchanged at 563 litres, so the money buys speed, traction and AEB, not a bigger car.
Pick the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 if you want the same 4,862 mm body, 2,837 mm wheelbase and 563 L boot with lower 6.3 L/100 km fuel use.
Pick the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 if you want the quicker 5.6-second sprint, 276 hp, all-wheel drive and AEB.
Key differences
- Price: Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 RM221,065; Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 RM291,012.
- Power and torque: Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 188 hp/320 Nm; Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 276 hp/350 Nm.
- Driven wheels: Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 front-wheel drive; Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 all-wheel drive.
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 7.7 seconds/239 km/h; Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 5.6 seconds/250 km/h.
- Fuel use and CO2: Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 6.3 L/100 km and 146 g/km; Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 7.4 L/100 km and 164 g/km.
- Auto emergency braking: Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 no; Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 yes.
Mk1
- Lower 6.3 L/100 km fuel consumption.
- Same 563 L boot as the Mk1.5.
- Same RM372 yearly road tax.
- Slower 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Front-wheel drive only.
- No auto emergency braking listed.
Mk1.5
- Much stronger 276 hp and 350 Nm output.
- All-wheel drive traction.
- AEB is included.
- Costs RM69,947 more.
- Higher 7.4 L/100 km fuel use.
- Higher 164 g/km CO2.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 221,065✓ | RM 291,012 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,984 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Power | 188 hp | 276 hp✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.7 s | 5.6 s✓ |
| Top speed | 239 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.3 L/100km✓ | 7.4 L/100km |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 146 g/km✓ | 164 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,862 mm | 4,862 mm |
| Width | 1,871 mm | 1,871 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm | 1,450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,837 mm | 2,837 mm |
| Boot space | 563 L | 563 L |
| Fuel tank | 66 L | 66 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 372 | RM 372 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Mk1 vs Mk1.5 FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 or Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 better?
The Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 is better for performance and safety kit, with 276 hp, all-wheel drive, a 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time and AEB. The Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 is the better buy if lower cost and fuel use matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 costs RM69,947 more than the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1. That premium buys 88 hp, 30 Nm, all-wheel drive, a 2.1-second quicker 0-100 km/h time and AEB.
Do the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 and Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5 have the same boot space?
Yes. Both have 5 seats and a 563 L boot, with the same 4,862 mm length and 2,837 mm wheelbase. You are not paying for more space in the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1.5.