Volkswagen Arteon long-term test review

• The car: Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TSI 190 Elegance DSG
• Run by: Will Williams, senior photographer
• Why it’s here: To find out if there’s still life in the executive car class and whether the Arteon makes more sense than a Passat
• Needs to: Be comfortable, smooth-riding and economical on a colossal commute, with plenty of space for photography equipment

Price £33,545 Price as tested £35,335 Miles 6540 Official economy 47.1mpg Test economy 37.0mpg Options fitted Crimson Red metallic paint (£665); Heated front climate windscreen (£305); Dynamic Chassis Control (£820); Silver Birch interior trim (no cost)

12 November 2018 – Sitting pretty

I can imagine the board meeting in Wolfsburg. Surly-faced Germans brainstorming chic, on-brand names for Volkswagen’s new seats.

The seats are both ergonomic and comfortable. But what to call them?

Ergocomfort. Yes, that’s perfect, Hans. A suitably ruthless and efficient moniker.

I'm pleased to report that the seats themselves are more inspiring than their name.

Having done lots of long drives in the Arteon recently, they’ve been terrifically comfortable. The backrest and lumbar support are electrically adjustable, while the rest is done manually, but it’s all simple, precise and easy to fine-tune and get a perfect position.

A great secret weapon is the adjustable seat squab. It’s extendable, which isn’t such a revelation. But on some cars that have this, such as BMWs, when it's extended, it exposes a gap that's easily filled with crumbs and other general car interior muck, whereas in the Arteon there’s a full-leather join that prevents this.

The seats are so good that I probably wouldn’t bother forking out an extra £1045 for the fully electrically adjustable set-up. The £275 massage function, however, is more tempting.

Read more from our Volkswagen Arteon >

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