No, the VW Arteon really doesn't sell well, only a good sixth compared to the Passat, which has more variants. The idea: to create more Arteon models as well. But before we get to that, here is a basic comparison with the Passat.

The measurements: The Arteon is just 10 cm longer, but has only 5 cm more wheelbase, is 9 cm flatter with the same width. The Arteon Shooting Brake has almost 90 litres less luggage space than the Passat Variant, 150 litres less when fully utilised. Luggage space of Arteon sedan and Shooting Brake are the same, the latter has only 75 liters more with the folded back seat backs.

The question is whether the Arteon is a real alternative to the Passat, especially since the basic engines of the Arteon are now being eliminated. Speaking of engines: Already now, except for the plug-in hybrid, there are only two liters displacement distributed over four cylinders, whether petrol or Diesel. This engine design fits from the second smallest Polo to the largest Arteon. Only the engine compartments around it grow.

The Arteon will also only have double clutch transmissions, 7-speed in internal combustion engines, one speed less in the eHybrid version, which will probably only meet the minimum standard for public subsidies with a range of a good 50 km. And of course, the choice of 4MOTION is always possible. In summary, one could say that VW has invented the interior modular system, in which everything that is not immediately visible is almost always executed in the same way.

VW people are already practicing for the future e-generations. There, even the wheelbases are to be standardised again. Let's see how long this will last. Let's get to the exterior, where they have succeeded in clearly distinguishing the Shooting Brake from the Passat Variant. The dashboard in the Arteon, now without analogue clock, harmoniously integrates the centre screen. However, the air vents are now at the very top and the 'slider' control of the air conditioning at the very bottom.

It is getting worse and worse in terms of road safety. One could wish for the manufacturer that the autonomous driving comes fast, so that the driver has enough has the opportunity to screen everything at your leisure once through to touch, safe for other road users. Does the Arteon have a chance? Above the Passat, the air has always been thin for VW. All that remains is the offer as a company car to differentiate itself from Passat drivers. But if the hierarchy is now slimmer there too . . . . .