VOLKSWAGEN is to use so-called autonomous driving systems to make its new Arteon sports saloon one of the safest cars on the road.

The Arteon, which is due to be released later in the year, will be fitted with a device that automatically takes over the car if the driver becomes incapacitated.

As such, it can steer way from danger and come to a stop in a safe place even though the driver may be unconscious.

The German car maker says that the Arteon will be fitted with more driver assistance features than any Volkswagen before.

VW calls the system Emergency Assist 2.0 and it uses the car's adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot and parking sensors to carry out manoeuvres in an emergency.

"We call it a worst case scenario. Yet, through sudden ill health it can happen to anyone, regardless of age or physical condition: the driver suffers a blackout at the wheel," says VW.

The emergency system initiates as soon as the car recognises the driver has not operated the brakes, accelerator or steering and sends out an audible alert as well as vibrations through the controls. Should there be no response the full system kicks in, slows the car and steers it to the nearside lane to stop.

Following vehicles are alerted by flashing brake and hazard lights which come on automatically.

The new Arteon, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, is a four door coupe that will sit above the Passat in the current VW range.

It is due for release this autumn with prices expected to start from around £30,000.