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Geneva Motor Show Special: Volkswagen Arteon headlines the line-up

Abhishek Wairagade

Volkswagen showcased its Grand Tourismo at the Geneva Motor Show, named Arteon along with the Tiguan Allspace.

A perfect blend of a fastback with design elements of a classic coupe, the Arteon expected to sit above Passat in the line-up. Based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, the Arteon does not resemble any of the current Volkswagen cars (except the front, that seems to be inspired by the Scirocco) with flowing lines instead of the angular ones we have always seen on Volkswagens. The fastback is expected to come with six four-cylinder, turbocharged engine options. The power output will range between 148bhp and 276bhp and and get both, front wheel drive and all wheel drive options. The range also includes an all-new 1.5-litre TSI Evo unit which also incorporates Active Cylinder Management. It will also get the DSG option on all variants, expect the base 148bhp petrol.

In terms of features, the Arteon will get active cruise control, dynamic cornering lights, predictive beam control, automatic lane assist system, panoramic sunroof, massage seats, heated steering wheel and two-tone nappa leather interior.

Expected to be launched in three variants – Base, Elegance and R-Line, the R-Line, the Arteon will make it to European markets by June 2017.

Volkswagen also showcased the Tiguan Allspace which comes which is a 7-seater variant of the SUV. Based on the same platform as the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq, the Tiguan is expected to make its way to India sometime later this year.

In other news, Volkswagen announced that the carmaker is expected to launch ten cars this year, of which five will be completely new. Also, the next generation Polo is going to be based on the MQB platform so expect it to be quite different than the outgoing car. Finally, Volkswagen said that the fully electric cars, I.D. and I.D. Bus will be launched in 2020, as promised.