Which Volkswagen Arteon is better: diesel or petrol?

By Farzana Chaumoo

The VW Arteon was released in South Africa early in 2018 with two engine options of which both are turbocharged, direct fuel injection, 2.0-litre four-cylinders and can be had in either a petrol (TSI) or diesel (TDI) variant. We take a look at which is better between the two.

 

Dual clutch gearbox

All engines in the range are only available with an automated dual clutch gearbox (DSG). TSI engines have 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard while the diesel engines have front-wheel drive. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is also standard across the range.

 

Diesel engine

The four-cylinder diesel 2.0 TDI develops 130 kW maximum power and 350 Nm maximum torque that is available between 1,600 and 3,500 r/min. Claimed fuel consumption on a combined cycle is rated at 5.6 litres/100 km. The engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission and is available in both the entry-level Elegance model as well as the sportier R-Line trim.

From the Arteon launch, Martin Pretorius has said the diesel engine has a "nice slug of mid-range torque, is smooth and effortless in traffic, but it quickly loses interest when faced with any enthusiastic motoring." 

 

Petrol engine

At the top of the Arteon range is the 2.0 TSI petrol engine which develops 206 kW maximum power and 350 Nm maximum torque that is available from 1,700 up to 5,600 r/min. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. Claimed fuel consumption on a combined cycle is rated at 7.3 litres/100 km while acceleration from 0-100km/h happens in 5.6 seconds. These cars are limited to a top speed of 250km/h. 

Pretorius says the petrol derivative is considerably perkier and there's an "emphasis on unobtrusive smoothness rather than outright sportiness." He says the diesel tries its best, but the petrol is such a towering achievement that it completely overshadows the slightly listless diesel and for that reason, the pick here goes to the petrol engine.

 

Read the complete First Drive Impression of the VW Arteon from the launch by Martin Pretorius.

 

Find more VW Arteon News and Reviews