I spoke earlier about Volkswagen’s Arteon sedan – a premium model re-introduced last year after a pause in production – now offered in 2.0-litre turbo sedan and shooting brake or wagon body styles in two grades – the front drive 140kW Elegance and the all-wheel-drive 206kW R-line, both in seven-speed automatic.

I drove both sedan grades – with a very stylish four-door coupe style body they have a real prestige presence. Superbly crafted inside and out and one could easily be mistaken for thinking you’re driving an Audi. The Elegance sedan $61,740, the more potent R-line another $7,000 which offers a big step up with a real sting in performance.

Having said that I found the 140kW Elegance a sweet performer, smooth with an elegant ride quality. In the recent wet weather the front wheels at times struggled to find traction on a strong throttle, the all-wheel drive Arteon R-line with all-wheel drive obviously more sure footed but feeling a little heavier on-road.

Both sedans feel a cut above there pricing point given their styling, the quality inside their cabins, their equipment levels and their feel on road. However, to own a VW Arteon is to belong to a very small club, just 20 sold nationally in February but to me that’s a plus if your like individuality in your motoring. A very impressive premium Volkswagen.

I’m David Berthon.

Click PLAY to listen!

Download this podcast here