The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon SE is labeled as the "brand halo." But it's really one of the largest and coolest hatchbacks you can buy. Powered by VW's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter, the Arteon makes good use of all 268 horsepower available to it.

In this video, I give you a detailed walk around the car, show you inside, and then go over what it is like to drive. The powertrain impresses, as does the chassis, but is it really a complete package for the enthusiast with a family? I hope this video answers that question and more.

0:00 Introduction
0:31 Specifications
1:42 Walk around and cargo space
4:52 Looking inside
7:06 Drive review - Body and shape
7:48 Drive review - Powertrain
10:46 Drive review - Chassis and Drive modes
12:04 Drive review - Steering and feel
13:10 Drive review - Summary

2021 Volkswagen Arteon SE
Base Price: $38,190
As Tested Price: $38,585

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4
Power: 268 horsepower at 5500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft of torque at 1950 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission
Drive: front-wheel-drive

Fuel Economy
City 22 mpg
Highway 32 mpg
Combined 25 mpg

Dimensions
Length: 191.6 inches
Width: 73.7 inches
Height: 56.9 inches
Wheelbase: 111.9 inches

Weights and Capacities
Curb weight: 3683 lbs
Interior volume: 96 cubic feet (according to Volkswagen and fueleconomy.gov)
Cargo volume: 27 cubic feet (according to Volkswagen and fueleconomy.gov)

Calculated weight to power: 13.7 pounds per horsepower
Mfr’s claimed 0-60 mph: na
Mfr’s claimed Top Speed: na
Government classified size: large car
Seating: 5

Options: King’s red metallic paint, $395

Recorded
13th of March 2021

Who is Robin Warner? – Brief description and bio

Robin spent five years of his adult life as an engineer. Four years at a Tier One supplier, TRW Automotive (now ZF TRW Auto), working as a traction and stability control calibration engineer, and little over a year as a vehicle dynamics engineer at Ford Motor Company.

Furthermore, he spent 15 years of his adult life holding different editor positions at various magazines, including Associate Technical Editor at Car and Driver, Road Test Editor at Road & Track, and Managing Editor at Autoweek.

Robin also spent several years racing. He started in autocross, then bought a go-kart and then another one. Having a lot of success, including a Great Lakes Sprint Series championship in 2002, he moved to single-seaters, racing in the 2003 Skip-Barber Midwest Championship, the 2003-2004 Skip Barber Southern Championship, and the 2004 Formula Dodge National Championship.

In addition to making videos, Robin hosts a podcast about major road racing series across the globe, with a focus on Formula 1. Find the show at funwithcars.com