And that makes us a bit sad considering the 2021 Arteon is a nice-looking car. However, the R version sure looks sweeter with its powerful turbocharged engine and fancy all-wheel-drive system. Contrary to what we’re expecting, Volkswagen resisted the idea of a V6-powered Arteon and settled for a tuned four-cylinder instead. The former would’ve been a deal maker.

The new Volkswagen Arteon R is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor with 235kW of power. It’s essentially the same Evo4 motor you’ll find in fast Seats, Skodas, and other Volkswagen’s across the board. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

But the icing on the cake is VW’s R-Performance torque Vectoring all-wheel-drive system in the Arteon R. The system not only varies torque split between the front and rear wheels, but it can divide the amount of torque between the left and right rear axle, which is pretty similar to Acura’s famed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Audi’s Quattro Sport Differential.

In fact, the system can divert 100-percent of available torque to either the left or right rear wheel, which can only mean good things for a fast sedan or station wagon. For starters, it means faster cornering and a safer drive, but it really translates to better grip and stability in all-weather driving.

The Volkswagen Arteon R also comes with unique 20-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes with blue calipers, a performance exhaust system with quad pipes, and smoked taillights. The Arteon R is also fitted with adaptive dampers, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and some mild body kits to complete the go-fast vibe. It also sits 20 mm lower than a standard Arteon.

Meanwhile, the interior is littered with genuine carbon-fiber trim. Sports seats are standard along with a new steering wheel. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, Volkswagen’s new MIB3 infotainment system and an 8.0-inch touchscreen all feature amid a redesigned dash and centre console.

The tiller is equipped with a small blue R button to engage Race mode. With more power than a regular Arteon, we reckon the R version will graciously scoot to 100 km/h in under five seconds, which is not bad for a large and comfortable family car.

Dealing with a seemingly endless lockdown is, for lack of better words, a huge pain in the butt. We’re hoping this ‘stars and cars’ guide will ease the burden while helping you find the perfect current or classic VW based on your star sign.

Aries (March 21 – April 20): VW e-Golf

Aries people are born between March 21st and April 20th and are known to be among the most competitive of all the zodiac signs. The Aries individual is a trendsetter and loves exploring the adventurous side of life. Aries people are also courageous, confident, and optimistic. However, they can also be impatient, aggressive, and short-tempered.

According to VW, the best vehicle for Aries clients is the e-Golf. Capable of achieving 300km of range on a single full charge, the e-Golf offers familiar packaging in a zero-emissions vehicle.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): VW Tiguan

Taurus folks are known to be reliable, practical, devoted, and patient. Born between April 20th and May 20th, a typical Taurus individual is also known to be stubborn and possessive. However, you can count on Taurus to do what it takes to get things done.

And with that, Taurus people are more inclined towards the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Tiguan is unique along with a zippy 110kW 1.4 TSI motor.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): VW Golf R

Gemini people are known to have a dual-personality very much like the VW Golf R. It’s a practical and fuel-efficient vehicle with the soul of a sports car. Geminis are born between May 21st to June 20th and are curious, affectionate, adaptable, and are fast learners.

Geminis are also known to be nervous, indecisive, and inconsistent. However, they are also quick-witted and are among the most expressive in the zodiac – very much like the Golf R.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): T-Cross

Cancers are born between June 21st and July 22nd. Cancer folks are moody and pessimistic but are counteracted by their loyalty and persuasive nature. Cancers are also homebodies and have a natural inkling to care for the entire family.

According to VW, the new 2020 T-Cross is ideal for those born under the Cancer sign. The T-Cross is a solid subcompact crossover SUV offering unwavering comfort and practicality.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): VW Polo Sedan

Leo people are born between July 23rd and August 22nd. Leos are known for being creative, warm-hearted, and generous. Leos are born to be natural leaders and can be extremely difficult to resist. On the other hand, Leos tend to be stubborn, self-centered, and a bit lazy at times.

The perfect car for Leos is the VW Polo Sedan. The Polo Sedan makes good use of its 1.6l 77 kW engine.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): VW Amarok

According to the zodiac, Virgo folks are hardworking, kind, practical, and analytic. The downside is Virgos tend to be overly shy and critical of itself and other people. Virgo people like paying attention to the smallest, minutest detail and have a deep sense of compassion.

The best VW vehicle for Virgo people is the VW Amarok. Like the Virgo, the Amarok is a hardworking, tough and smart bakkie offering the practical nature to tackle any terrain.

Libra (September 23 – October 22): VW Arteon

People born under the sign of Libra are diplomatic, courageous, fair-minded, and very sociable. But then again, Libras can often be indecisive and tend to practice self-pity. Libra folks are also clever and passionate, which perfectly matches the attributes of VW’s Arteon sedan.

The Volkswagen Arteon has all the makings of a luxury car. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger with 206 kW along with a generous list of standard safety and luxury equipment.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): VW Touareg 

Scorpio people are born between October 23rd and November 21st. People under the Scorpio sign are brave, determined, resourceful, and assertive. But then again, Scorpios can also be jealous and distrusting of other people.

With this in mind, the perfect VW for Scorpios is the new Touareg- it offers plenty of versatile cargo space.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): VW Tiguan Allspace

People born under the sign of Sagittarius have a great sense of humour. They are also idealistic, generous, and energetic. It so happens Sagittarius folks are among the biggest wanderers or travellers among all zodiac signs.

Naturally, a Sagittarius’ love of adventure is a perfect match to the flexible and roomy cabin of the VW Tiguan Allspace. Offering enough room for seven adults and luggage, the VW Touareg is well-equipped for your many, many adventures.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Golf GTI

Capricorns are among the most responsible and serious of all the zodiac signs. These people are disciplined and have a good sense of self-control. Capricorns are also good managers and can lead the way in making solid and realistic plans. However, the sign of the goat can also be unforgiving and condescending.

With that being said, Capricorns are better off with the VW Golf GTI. The GTI is the sportiest Golf and remains the very essence of a stylish, fun to drive, and practical hot hatch.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): VW Polo GTI

The VW Polo GTI is the perfect VW for people born under the Aquarius zodiac. Aquarius people are original, independent, and progressive but can also be aloof, uncompromising, and temperamental.

Much like the Aquarius, the Polo lives up to the sign; original, independent, and progressive but can also be aloof. But still, the Polo GIT’s iconic shape, sporty 2.0 TSI 147 kW engine and lively handling is a good match for the Aquarius individual.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): VW Microbus

People born under the Pisces zodiac are artistic, intuitive, and compassionate. Pisces folks are also among the friendliest zodiac signs. Pisces have a selfless nature and are willing to extend a helping hand. However, they are also known for being overly trusting and fearful at times.

Nothing defines a Pisces more than VW’s iconic microbus. More than just a symbol of the hippie lifestyle in the 1970s, the Kombi or VW bus is being revived by both VW and eClassics as an all-electric vehicle.

First Impressions Count

The Arteon stands as one of the most beautiful modern Volkswagens, even days after it left our review floor. The front of the car immediately grabs your attention, with its daytime running lights that fade into the lines of the large chrome grill. The optional R-Line body kit and wheels provide for an even more aggressive look with unique turbine wheels and sharper styling.

The large hood helps define the overall proportions of the car, while a strong character line that flows nose to tail along the side of the vehicle emphasizes its profile. The designers took their cues from nature, especially the shark, but also references from other Volkswagen group premium cars.

While many other sedan manufacturers have changed focus to the crossover and SUV segment, Volkswagen still sees the sedan market as vital. The premium sedan segment represents the most substantial portion, hence the positioning of the Arteon. In terms of size and available features, the Arteon fits into the C segment: for reference, it’s very close in proportion to the Audi A7, with a wheelbase that’s nearly 3m long. But when talking price, it’s much closer to the Audi A5 or Kia Stinger GT (if you can find one).

Step Inside…

Inside, you will find the new tech-packed cabin that has been spreading across the Volkswagen lineup. On the base model, the 8-inch media screen allows for access to radio and media functions, along with app-connect for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SEL gains enhanced navigation and infotainment with Sirius XM connected services, and the analog gauges are also replaced with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. That allows the driver to move the map display from the center console screen to the driver’s screen. In his mode, only the directions are displayed on the center console without the map. Most of the cars infotainment options can be accessed via the Digital Cockpit.

As one would expect, the Arteon offers plenty of Driver Assistance features, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert, and standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking. On the SEL, Adaptive Cruise Control is added. The TSI gets Lane Assist, Park Assist, Park Distance Control, Overhead View Camera, and Light Assist as standard. They’re the sort of features you might until recently have only expected to find on a high-end luxury car, yet Volkswagen did not leave anything off the list when it comes to the Arteon.

The amount of effort spent on the interior is very apparent. The seats are supportive yet comfortable, Volkswagen also thought it was necessary to attach an analog clock to the center console.

Driving It

My chosen 400km route from Johannesburg, through Welkom and finally to Bloemfontien provided an incredible mix of roads, elevation changes, and climates with which to experience the Arteon. The route started in the center of town and quickly transitioned to the highway. As we entered the highway, for a big car, the Arteon promptly got up to speed – even without the typical V6 or larger engines that are often associated with luxury vehicles. The only option underneath the hood is the tried-and-tested Volkswagen 2.0T, which in the Arteon produces 206kW and 350Nm of torque. The current generation of the 2.0T is now able to best nearly all of the VW group V6 engines of the past. It’s available in various forms across the entire Volkswagen Auto Group. For the Arteon, the 2.0T is connected to an 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, and 4Motion is available as an option on every trim level.

The standard DCC adaptive chassis control allows the driver to configure the vehicle’s running gear for Normal, Comfort, Sport, or Individual. Individual mode opens up a more extensive range of settings including Comfort+ to Sport+. With the DCC set to comfort, as It allowed for just the right amount of suspension damping and steering feel. Sport+ mode is a little too harsh for such a big vehicle. However, with Sport+ mode enabled, I couldn’t help feeling like I was driving a GTI, albeit a lot bigger one.

After spending several days behind the wheel exploring  the Free State and greater parts of Gauteng, it was more than evident that Arteon is the flagship that Volkswagen needed. The automaker needed to return to the upscale path it blazed many years ago with the Passat: there’s really no reason that they cannot operate in the luxury segment.

While the Arteon lacks the extreme levels of comfort and luxury that Passat delivered, Volkswagen’s intentions are clear. They want to play in the luxury arena with the rest of the family. Honestly, they’ve succeeded: everything in the Arteon works so well together, to provide a truly excellent driving experience that can adapt instantly to any driving style or condition. It’s definitely a vehicle that fits well into any lifestyle