2017 Volkswagen Arteon revealed at Geneva

VW has launched the Arteon liftback sedan at the Geneva motor show, with the top-of-the-range car arriving Down Under in October as a replacement for the Passat CC. 

Only a single powertrain for the Arteon will be offered, featuring the 206kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine from the top-spec Passat that is paired with a six-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch auto transmission and sends power to all four wheels. 

European Arteons are offered in R-Line and Elegance trims levels, but it is yet to be confirmed what spec the Australian cars will be.

The Arteon has been significantly remodelled compared to the previous CC, as seen by the new liftback's sweeping headlights, overhanging bonnet and broad grille which is drawn from the Sport Coupe Concept GTE shown at the 2015 Geneva show.

Headlights incorporate a two-part design that runs along into the horizontal bar grille and close to the front wheel arches. 

Meanwhile, the Arteon's bonnet is amongst the largest in Volkswagen's range, extending well past the traditional line of the front guards. 

Elegance-specified Arteons feature a conventional singular lower air intake, while R-Line versions generate a sporty look with twin lower air intakes. 

The liftback sedan has a sloping roofline from the B-pillar to the boot – which features a small spoiler – and has the look of a four-door coupe. 

Swooping design highlights conclude towards the rear wheels, while the new model's tail-light design is similar to the Passat's, as well as its pair of long, flat exhaust pipes.

Nineteen and 20-inch alloy wheels are likely options.

Luggage space is a generous 563 litres, which can extend to 1557L with the rear seats folded.

The steering wheel, centre console and dashboard are also similar to the Passat in an interior layout that is typically Volkswagen.

In-dash features include a 9.2-inch touchscreen multmedia display with gesture control, an optional 'Active Info' digital instrument cluster display and a dashboard-encompassing air vent.

Three interior colour combinations are available, including dark grey, black and a dark with light grey overlay.

While not confirmed, it is likely that the Australian version will give cloth seats a miss and be trimmed in leather and Alcantra thanks to the top-spec-only line-up. 

Driver assistance systems include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, cornering LED headlights, emergency assist, front and rear parking sensors and side assist, as well as a traffic sign recognition system that helps alert the driver if they are travelling faster than the speed limit.

The Arteon is likely to be priced above the Passat 206TSI R-Line wagon which retails from $59,990 before on-roads, given its position at the top of the Volkswagen passenger car range.

Confirmed Australian pricing and specs will be available closer to the liftback's October arrival.

Would the Artoen's looks be enough to tempt you away from an SUV? Tell us what you think in the comments below.