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VW has at last released the prices and specifications for the Passat CC replacement called the Arteon.
The Volkswagen Arteon has an entry list price of £34,305. The mission of VW is to transport five people in luxury with outstanding legroom and comfort. They have done this by stretching the wheelbase of the Passat, but not as much as traditional limo manufacturers. The Arteon is 4,874mm long, which sounds very impressive until you discover it's only 7cm longer than a Golf.
The exterior design has been developed with assistance from Porsche, who supplies the all-new turbocharged V6 engine, which is the only powertrain available at launch. The 4-cylinder 2.0 petrol and diesel engines will follow later in the year, with a 2L turbodiesel joining the range before next May's tax disc renewal date. 
The Arteon uses VW's latest MQB platform and comes as standard with adaptive cruise control, lane assist warning, blind-spot monitor and rear traffic alert systems. The infotainment system has a built-in SIM card which allows data connectivity for Google Earth images of camera feeds on the dash screen.
The car is more expensive than an Audi A5 Sportback by £1270 but claims to have more boot space at 563 litres. In retaliation, Audi will shortly be releasing a new RS5 Sportback, which promises to be the fastest and most powerful of its kind in the world.
The German companies' war is hotting up as both seek to entice us into their showrooms. The Arteon should appeal to those who like the Passat but wish they had the allure of a Porsche.
VW's new car is built in their factory in Emden, Germany, and will arrive on UK shores sometime in April.
As we would expect from VW, performance and economy have been high on the agenda, and the Arteon will be able to do 0-62 mph in a very respectable 5.4 seconds. For economy, you will have to look at the diesel that is reported to achieve 62.8 mpg.
Will the new VW be as popular as the Passat and the Passat CC?
Only the Great British Public can say if Volkswagen has got it right, but we think it has a fighting chance with powerful performance, reliability, and a host of options.