• Modern and businesslike
• Multimedia system is hit and miss
• Comfort and quality are very high

How is the quality and layout?

You recognise the quality of the Volkswagen Arteon’s interior the moment you step inside. However, the layout takes a bit more getting used to. Most touch points are soft and springy, the seats are firm and snug and the screens look high-end.

The physical buttons for controls such as the air con are in fact touch-sensitive pads. These were first used in the VW Golf and they’re not intuitive to use. However, they get easier with extended use.

Infotainment and technology

In the centre of the cockpit sits Volkswagen’s latest Discover Navigation infotainment system. With its responsive touchscreen and intuitive operation logic, it doesn’t take long to get used to this at all, even if the gesture control functionality is rather limited. It does have its quirks, too.

It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the system sometimes disconnects for no obvious reason. And, while the screen is responsive, the menu layout is rather befuddling. Switching from Apple CarPlay to the radio function and back shouldn’t take as many stabs at the screen as it does.

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Then there’s the Virtual Cockpit digital dial cluster. It’s a large screen behind the steering wheel that displays all the usual driving data, like your speed and engine revs. You can also select a secondary sat-nav map to appear between the two dials, as well as access to the various active safety systems and even your music choices.

All of this is controlled via buttons on the steering wheel. It’s an intimidating collection of controls at first but, as with the main screen in the centre of the car you soon get used to it. The optional head-up display brings a further source of info for the driver.

Comfort

• Comfortable in most situations
• Even on large 19- and 20-inch wheels
• Excellent seats, loads of space in the rear

Find smooth roads and the Arteon is very comfortable to drive. We’ll talk more about the suspension in the driving section, but for now let’s explain the seats.

They’re very supportive but some may find them to be a bit on the firm side. And if you want a 12 or 14-way adjustment, you’ll have to delve into the optional extras. Quite a lot of road noise too. Especially on rougher roads.

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