Things we wish we had: VW Arteon Shooting Brake

Thursday, 25 June 2020

Watch as Volkswagen unveils the facelifted Arteon and the all-new Arteon Shooting Brake.

Volkswagen offered the Arteon fastback here for what felt like five minutes but, overseas, the model is doing quite well. Well enough to warrant a facelift in any case, as well as a new body shape. This is the Arteon Shooting Brake, and we're definitely not jealous at all.

There aren't many changes overall, the edits outside the new body shape comprising more upmarket interior materials, an updated infotainment system, a new digital screen behind the wheel and a tweaked HVAC system with touch-sensitive sliders in lieu of traditional controls. That's one change we're not sure about, but whatever.

Base models now get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-door keyless entry, and an 8.0-inch MIB3 infotainment display.

The facelifted Arteon isn't much different but the Shooting Brake sure is. It even comes in full-fat R spec.

Safety has been updated with automated emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, while stylish 18-inch wheels with a new design are included too. Strips of LED lights run the width of the nose split by the VW logo and there's more chrome dotted around.

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Subtle changes for the interior include a redesigned digital dash/HVAC system and proper shift paddles. We're not sure about ditching the traditional air-con knobs in favour of touch-sensitive sliders though.

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Anyway, back to the Shooting Brake that teased recently with some design sketches. The Arteon wagon looks properly good, providing a decent option for those wanting boot space without having to resort to an SUV. It comes in standard, plug-in and R variants, with the plug-in using the same powertrain as the Golf GTE. That's a 160kW/400Nm electrified 1.4-litre inline four, for those unaware. Electric-only range is rated at 56km.

The R version is the top dog and apparently, during testing, VW went a little crazy and had the Arteon R running the VR6 engine. But unfortunately, sense (the accountants, probably) prevailed and the R now uses the latest Evo4 version of Volkswagen's persisting 2.0-litre turbo four. Fast but a bit boring, if you ask us.

It makes 235kW at the crank before a seven-speed DSG gearbox divvies the power between all four corners. Expect 0-100kmh performance to be around the five-second mark.

There is a trick new all-wheel drive system though, which will probably trickle to other VW models. It has a new system called 'R-Performance Torque Vectoring', which can vary the torque split between the front and rear axles as well as the two rear wheels. Like Audi's Sport Differential, then.

The R sits 20mm lower than the standard model, rides on 20-inch alloy wheels that hide bigger brakes and lets the engine breathe a bit better through a bespoke quad-exit exhaust. Tinted taillights, sportier bumpers and skirts complete the exterior look.

Inside is carbon trim and sports seats while the wheel gets a blue 'R' button to switch the car into Race mode with one press. There are proper paddles too, look.

Keen? Join the queue. Unfortunately, VW NZ has no intention to offer the facelifted Arteon here in any guise, which includes the Shooting Brake.