Is This Volkswagen’s Coolest Car? (VW Arteon R-Line 2023 Review)

Should you buy the updated Volkswagen Arteon R-Line? This car is a big hatchback, making it more practical than a traditional sedan. It’s also got 206kW (276 hp!)

The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder ‘EA888’ engine, a seven-speed wet-clutch DSG automatic and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It’s very similar to a VW Passat, but with a slinkier, coupe-like roofline. In Australia, you can buy the Arteon as a lift back (as tested) or as a Shooting Brake wagon, which we’ve also got a review of.

The Arteon competes with the Kia Stinger, Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Mazda 6 and other midsize cars.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Volkswagen Arteon.

Time codes:
0:00 - What Is The Arteon?
1:20 - Design
3:09 - Boot Space
4:25 - Interior & Tech
8:16 - Back Seats
10:11 - Baby Seats
10:52 - Running Costs
11:40 - Driving Dynamics
16:59 - Verdict

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[jhref]

Whenever you see them on the street, rare as it is, they have a gorgeous presence. Well designed.

[Jf-em]

4 weeks after buying a white 206tsi shooting brake I couldn't be happier. Huge bang for your buck, having come from a Mk7.5 Golf R Wagon this car is street's ahead. Fast, smooth and with so much space to spare I don't know why this incredible car isn't more popular. The exclusivity makes it even more attractive to me. Haven't seen another shooting brake yet.

[Adz]

Picked one up last week and love it. After owning lots of 4wds and V8s the arteon is a nice change. Now to find somewhere in canberra to start with the mods 👍

[paulkazzer]

Great car. Please slow down the narration. Draw breath, pause between sentences and perhaps delete some of the detail commentary. “Your thoughts in the comments” doesn’t need to be repeated so often. Your videos are excellent. This is meant as a minor criticism. ❤

[kodessa]

The most coolest car you'll never see on the road.

[dsinghr]

You have to be really good looking to drive something like this. That’s the reason why we don’t see it too often

[lukebutton]

I bought a 21 demo model, largely based on your review earlier this year. It's plenty fast for me, and is an absolute delight both on the highway and round town. It's not perfect (like an A7) but then it is significantly less money, and get me around in the level of comfort expected of a gentleman, whilst being fun to drive. Only thing that would make this better would be analogue dials & a full fat R model like in Europe. Otherwise the car is a 9/10 overall from me after a few months.

[geraldthorley]

Collected a silver 206 R shooting break in late September and it has been a very good vehicle to live with. Happy with the purchase. Immediate trip Syd-Melb for the AFL GF was effortless, swift and comfortable. Ans excellent cruiser. Lots of space inside and works well. However the gear shifter is quite cheap and 'plasticky' letting down the image a little. Goes well, handles well, as I cover a lot of k's regularly this has turned out to be an excellent choice. Overall very happy

[Australiano]

Great review John!
When will you guys review the New BMW X1?

[larrylewis]

I just one in the same color today. I did look at Volvo xc 6o, Audi q3 and 5, and bmw 1. This drove so much better. Thanks.

[jonnyjones]

Wagon all day long.. and the 206 really should have the 140’s ventilated seats 👀

[malsmith]

Great review John. I have to say I don't understand why VW wouldn't include the ventilated seats on the R line that's just crazy imo. That's the reason you buy the top of the range to get all the toys.. And as someone who hates the overly hard sprung cars of today, I'm 6'6" and had many operations on my back, I'd love the elegance but not with the 140kw engine. Why do manufacturers continue to make their luxury models not available with the most powerful engines in the range? Plenty of people like comfort and power... I drive a 260kw WN Caprice and going back to 140kw just wouldn't cut it unfortunately..

[itsjustmetim]

The best looking sedan. Better than the A5 by miles

[isarayyanmd]

Like a passat cc but i do prefer the less curvy design of the arteon

[cpivjvv]

Got to say thats a great review, everything you need to know this car is defo on my shortlist

[russellchristison]

Re the reference to the Elegance being cheaper, you also lose 66 kilowatts of power and lose the awd of the R line

[marcdewolf]

Beautiful design, probably people who buy this level of car will spend a bit more for an Audi because it's all about the badge unfortunately. If this was an Audi the sales would be sky high.

[sjekula]

Love it. Sad it got discontinued in South Africa.

[Dave-ggvl]

You failed to mention that this car has the same engine as the new MK8 Golf R including Continental Turbo but is just detuned. It is not the same engine as the pre-facelift version or Passat 206 R-line.

[samerakkoub]

Considering that it be dicontinued in 2024 would you still buy it, I love the car but just concerned