Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its facelifted Arteon, extending the range with a high-performance Arteon R version as well as revealing a “shooting brake” body style.
We should point out, of course, VW South Africa in May 2020 confirmed to CARmag.co.za the Arteon had been discontinued locally. The company furthermore said the facelifted version of the sleeky styled fastback would “not be making its way to South Africa”.
While technical details are still thin on the ground, we do know the Wolfsburg-based firm will offer both body styles in conjunction with a new “eHybrid” powertrain in Europe. So, yes, the Arteon will be available there in plug-in hybrid guise as well as with standard combustion engines.
And the Arteon R? Well, again, VW has yet to drop technical details, other than confirming the flagship model will make 235 kW (presumably courtesy of a version of the brand’s familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine).
The company also says the Arteon R will boast a “new progressive technology” known as R-Performance Torque Vectoring, which sees torque distributed variably both between the axles and also between the rear wheels.
Volkswagen says the wagon version offers more headroom at the front and rear, although claimed luggage capacity is just two units more than that of the fastback model at 565 litres. Both body styles will be available with an illuminated grille.
Inside, VW has added “touch sliders” for the automatic air conditioner (something that debuted in the Golf 8) and a new multifunction steering wheel featuring touch controls. There’s also wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto thanks to the adoption of the new MIB3 infotainment system, plus an optional 700 W Harman Kardon sound system.
Here’s hoping more technical details are released shortly…
