Revealed: Volkswagen Arteon facelift, new Shooting Brake and R variants

Volkswagen has introduced the new Arteon Shooting Brake, alongside a facelifted version of the Arteon fastback – with both models gaining plug-in hybrid options and 320PS R variants. It will go on sale in the UK in the autumn.

The R variant for both models features a range-topping 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers 320PS and 420Nm of torque from 2000rpm, which drives all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Expect a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph in around five seconds.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid (borrowed from the Passat GTE), which uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI engine (156PS) and an electric motor (115PS) - alongside a six-speed automatic gearbox. Combined, the PHEV produces 218PS and has a 33-mile EV range from its 13kWh battery. Volkswagen claims it can travel up to 34 miles in electric-only mode.

There are also three turbo petrol and two diesel engines in the Arteon line-up. Petrol models are offered in 1.5-litre 150PS and 2.0-litre 190PS, as before. There's also a 280PS version with optional all-wheel-drive.

The diesel engines have been fitted with an updated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) filter and a new AdBlue system, resulting in an apparent 80 per cent NOx reduction. There’s a choice of 150PS or 200PS, the latter is available with all-wheel-drive.

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic DSG gearbox, with four-wheel drive offered across the range.

Inside, the Arteon features an updated dash with a standard 10-inch digital instrument display, a new multifunction steering wheel and Volkswagen's latest infotainment system (as seen in the new Golf), with a standard 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. 

The new model is fitted with IQ Drive, a partially autonomous system that can control the steering, throttle and brakes at motorway speeds. Buyers also get a rear view camera, a road-sign recognition system, lane-keeping assist, parking assist, autonomous emergency braking with a pedestrian monitoring system, and emergency assist.

The all-new Shooting Brake estate version offers the same range of engines and a slightly larger boot; just two litres (563-litres compared to 565-litres). But, with the rear seats folded down, the Shooting Brake can accommodate an extra 75 litres. The Shooting Brake is also slightly taller by around 20mm.

R models add black carbon trim elements, leather-upholstered sports seats with integrated headrests and an additional Race driving mode, while mid-range Elegance and R-Line cars feature stainless-steel footrests, a sports steering wheel and velour/leather seats.

The updated Arteon range will go on sale in the autumn, although some variants will arrive later. Prices have yet to be revealed but we expect a slight premium over the current model - which starts at £33,535, while the top of the range R-Line Edition spec starts at £37,510.