Volkswagen has launched the new Arteon Shooting Brake in Europe, but what about Australia?
Volkswagen has launched the new Arteon Shooting Brake in Europe, but what about Australia?
Trim and specs options for the new Arteon have been revealed. There are technological luxuries in upper trim-levels but entry-level retains an eight-inch infotainment screen, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Volkswagen’s base-spec will be offered on the Areton Shooting Brake at a later date. The cheapest wagon for now comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Buyers will also get a leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated seats and voice control.
The Arteon R-Line builds on this specification further with 19-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive body kit, a 30-colour customisable ambient lighting system and rear privacy glass. The hatchback model features a standard-fit sunroof, too, while the Arteon Shooting Brake receives a panoramic glass roof.
For now, the Arteon’s engine lineup includes a pair of turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol units, with either 139kW or 206kW. Both units feature a seven-speed DSG as standard, although the latter features four-wheel drive.
Volkswagen’s familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is also available with either 140kW or 146kW. The less powerful model can only be specified with front-wheel drive, while the latter is offered with four-wheel drive – and, like the petrol, both units feature the same seven-speed DSG as standard.
Later this year, buyers will eventually be offered a plug-in hybrid version of the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake, as well as an entry-level 1.5-litre petrol variant and a performance-focussed R version.
The Arteon’s upcoming plug-in hybrid powertrain will comprise a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor and a 13.7kWh battery pack. The system has a maximum output of 160kW, and it can officially travel up to 55 kilometres in electric-only mode.
Volkswagen’s R performance Arteon will be powered by a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine destined for the upcoming Golf R. For the Arteon R, the engine produces 235kW and 420Nm of torque and is mated to a four-wheel-drive system, which can send 100 per cent of the engine’s power to one wheel if required.
To complement the extra power, the Arteon R will receive a few extra mechanical and cosmetic upgrades over the standard car. Chassis tweaks include lowered sports suspension and adaptive dampers, along with 20-inch alloy wheels and 18-inch disc brakes with fixed four-piston calipers up front and floating single-piston calipers at the rear.
In addition, R-badged models will receive a more aggressive body kit with a broader front splitter, a deeper rear diffuser and a new quad-exit exhaust. Inside, there’ll be a unique pair of nappa-leather-trimmed sports seats, a new sports steering wheel and R-specific graphics for the car’s infotainment system and digital gauge cluster.
Styling updates for the standard Volkswagen Arteon are fairly restrained, with the hatchback receiving new LED headlamps, a new radiator grille with integrated daytime running lights, a revised front bumper, and fresh LED rear lights. There’s also a choice of three new paint finishes and three new alloy wheel designs, ranging in diameter from 18 to 20 inches.
Interior revisions include a new multifunction steering wheel, touch-sensitive controls for the air-conditioning system and a new upper dashboard panel. More optional equipment is now available, including a 700-watt Harman/Kardon stereo system.
Every version of the new Arteon features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, although buyers can opt for either an eight-inch or 9.2-inch infotainment system, both of which offer voice control. Finally, Volkswagen has introduced a new feature which allows the driver to use their smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.
Volkswagen Australia says that the it expects the Arteon to be offered here in a familiar lineup, but won’t yet confirm availability for the new SHooting Brake.
Luke Wilkinson