THE Volkswager Arteon is VW's worthy five door coupe-like range topper, which comes with plenty of kit as standard.

Most on the road are company or lease cars powered by 150 or 190bhp versions of the company's ubiquitous 2.0-litre TDI diesel, but there are a number of other choices including a plug-in hybrid.

All are available with the company's DSG twin clutch automatic gearbox and some also with 4Motion four wheel drive.

The TDI 150 gets to 60 miles an hour from rest in 9.2 seconds and has a government economy figure of 57 miles per gallon, while the TDI 190 brings the sprint down to eight seconds and is capable of 61mpg.

Later models have a 200bhp version of the same engine but it has lower economy, even though it reaches 60 in 7.6 seconds.

Range topping diesel is the 240bhp BiTDI, which has twin turbos and drops the sprint down to 6.3 seconds. Howsoever, best economy in this one is a much lower 37mpg.

Petrol models start with a 1.5 TSI turbo that has 150bhp and takes 8.6 seconds to get to 60, while managing a very best of 44mpg.

Then there's a 190bhp 2.0 TSI that brings the sprint down to 7.5 seconds, followed by the top dog 2.0 TSI 4WD with 320bhp that reaches super saloon territory by reaching 60 in just 4.7 seconds. Both are rated at about 36mpg.

Finally comes the eHybrid plug-in. It's powered by a 1.4-litre turbo plus battery and electric motor, giving a total output of 214bhp. This is enough for a 60 sprint of 7.6 seconds, and economy of 44mpg. On battery power alone it's claimed to cover 39 miles.

All are marvellous to drive, with excellent handling and a very comfortable ride that becomes firmer in more sporting R models.

Engines are smooth and quiet, and excellent insulation means there's very little wind or road noise even over poor surfaces.

At normal motorway cruise, it's immensely hushed and refined, making it a marvellous long distance cruiser.

All models with 4WD also have VW's Dynamic Chassis Control, that gives the driver a wide range of choices to set up the ride and handling.

Suffice it to say that I've always found Normal to be the best for everyday driving, and it still takes the corners like a thoroughbred.

Arteons have the most comprehensive range of safety kit as standard, with more available from the extras list, making them among the safest cars you can drive.

There are loads of airbags electronic stability control,and autonomous emergency braking,plus an adaptive cruise system that monitors speed limits.

It also has second-generation Emergency Assist, which, should the driver become incapacitated, can now not only bring the car to a stop, but also steer it to the side of the road.

And there's even a Pre-Crash system that prepares the car in an unavoidable impact from front or rear.

More usual equipment includes an auto-on and off electric parking brake, large touch screen for sat nav and media, a fabulous sound system, digital binnacle, keyless entry and starting, multi-function steering wheel and an electric driver's seat.

Rear legroom is vast, and the boot is big enough to take luggage for five with ease.

Pay about £19,250 for a '20 20-reg 2.0 TDI SE Nav, or £30,700 for a '22 22-reg eHybrid R-Line auto.