A new version to join the R line-up – the Arteon R
What is it?
Volkswagen has been spreading the wings of its sporty ‘R’ brand in recent years, with the Golf, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg all available with the performance treatment these days.
But now there’s a new version to join the line-up – the Arteon R, Volkswagen’s sleek fastback and estate. It’s the latter we’re trying here, which Volkswagen calls a Shooting Brake. Let’s see what it’s like.
What’s new?
The Arteon R joins at the same time as the Shooting Brake model is introduced, and brings a suitably sporty flavour to this executive model, and one not yet seen on the Arteon.
Bringing a sportier design and a raft of additional standard equipment, the R also offers lots more power and greater capability and joins the appealing fast estate car class against models like the Audi S4 Avant and BMW M340i Touring.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Arteon R shares the same engine as other ‘R’ models, including the Golf and Tiguan, and uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit paired to a DSG automatic gearbox, and sends drive to all four wheels.
It puts out a healthy 316bhp and 420Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph – figures only slightly behind those of the regular Golf R.
In terms of efficiency, Volkswagen claims 30.9mpg, though it’s easy to achieve more than that on motorway runs, while CO2 emissions stand at 209g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
Getting the balance between comfort and performance is tricky, and many manufacturers struggle with it. However, Volkswagen has found the right compromise with the Arteon R, thanks to its standard-fit Dynamic Chassis Control that lets you soften the dampers, equating to a comfortable ride in most instances.
At higher speeds, it’s also very quiet and refined, while if you want to use the performance, the all-wheel-drive inspires confidence to do so in all weather conditions. The engine is quite muted in most settings, though gets more vocal if you switch it into the ‘R’ driving mode.
How does it look?
Even in ‘standard’ guise, the Arteon Shooting Brake is a fantastic-looking car, and that only improves as part of the ‘R’ treatment. It retains the handsome lines and sloping roofline, along with the LED running lights that merge with chrome in the grille. It’s a properly eye-catching choice, that is for sure.
Changes for the R include larger 21-inch alloy wheels, while the sporty division’s trademark quad exhaust pipes are present too, as well as a smattering of R emblems.
What’s it like inside?
The Arteon R Shooting Brake also has a comfort focus on the interior, with the front seats in particular offering plenty of support, while still holding you in position under harder cornering. There’s the theme of blue that runs throughout the cabin too, as well as a number of R logos as well.
Despite the Arteon Shooting Brake not being the most conventionally-shaped estate car, it still offers a great deal of room. The boot measures 590 litres with the rear seats upright, while a low load lip makes taking heavier items in and out of the boot easier.
What’s the spec like?
The Arteon R is offered in a single high-spec grade, and the level of equipment is impressive. Highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, leather sports seats and a panoramic sunroof to name just a few features.
Prices start from a relatively steep £56,600, though there’s still scope for more options. A head-up display comes in at £575, while a heated windscreen could be worth having at £390.
Verdict
The Arteon R Shooting Brake is a performance car for every occasion and is an ideal sporting model that will seamlessly deal with day-to-day life and pressures.
It brings the performance but also standout refinement that makes it superb over longer trips, and is very welcome for those looking to do plenty of miles in their performance car.