Geneva show: Volkswagen revives CC with new Arteon

VOLKSWAGEN has released a single sketch of its new range-topping four-door coupe, dubbed the Arteon, with the new Passat-based CC replacement to be revealed in full at next year’s Geneva motor show.

The Arteon will sit atop the Passat range when it comes to Australia in October 2017, and will employ the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 206TSI engine also seen in the top-spec Passat, paired to a six-speed DSG transmission with power being sent to all four wheels.

A single-variant range, the four-door coupe will look more high-tech from the outside than the outgoing model, with the inclusion of standard 19-inch alloy wheels, frameless windows, matrix LED headlights and dynamic scrolling indicators.

Design cues can be taken from the Sport Coupe Concept GTE shown at the 2015 Geneva show, which pointed towards what the CC successor would look like.

Inside, there is likely to be a high level of specification with the inclusion of ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display with active info dash and a sizeable 9.2-inch multimedia screen.

Volkswagen is also claiming that the driver assist systems that will be available in the Arteon would be a big step towards autonomy, however Volkswagen Australia has not been able to elaborate on what that might include.

Volkswagen Australia general manager of marketing and product Ben Wilks said that the Arteon would offer more than the competitors in its price range.

“Arteon is going to be synonymous with technology and value too. It takes the brand to a new level,” he said.

“Arteon in every sense surpasses any prestige car around or immediately above its price point.

“There’s standard kit on-board this Volkswagen the equivalent of which would set you back a great deal more if packaged in a luxury brand car or SUV.”

Given that it will sit at the top of the Passat range, customers can expect the the Arteon to carry a price premium over the current Passat range-topper – the 206TSI R-Line that starts at $57,990 plus on-road costs for the sedan and $59,990 for the wagon.

The outgoing CC ceased production recently, which also meant the death of the naturally aspirated engine for Volkswagen in Australia with the 3.6-litre V6 in the CC the last model in the range not equipped with a turbocharger.

Sales of the CC have slipped away in the past year, with only 11 sales recorded in 2016.

This is down from the 150 sold in 2015, with the best yearly sales figure coming in 2009 – its first full year of production – where it sold 902 units.

More details of the Arteon will be released closer to the Geneva show.