Volkswagen claims its all-new Arteon sports saloon will be one of the safest cars on the road thanks to the use of so-called autonomous driving systems.

That’s because the Arteon will be fitted with more driver assistance features than any VW before, including a system that automatically takes over the car if the driver becomes incapacitated. It can steer the car away from danger and bring the car to a standstill in a safe place even though the driver may be unconscious.

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.

A spokesman said: “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.”

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. If there is 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 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.