VW reveals Arteon R and Shooting Brake estate

Volkswagen will expand the Arteon lineup this year with the addition of a high-performance R version and a Shooting Brake estate.

The new models come as part of a package of updates, which also include a fleet-friendly plug-in hybrid and a mild facelift.

Changes from the existing model are largely centred around new powertrains and enhanced technology but minor visual revisions have been applied, including a new daytime running light that now stretches across the width of the grille.

Inside, the Arteon features an updated dash. There is new steering wheel and climate control, both with touch sensitive panels rather than traditional buttons. It also gets the brand's latest infotainment system.

As on the old model, there’s a plethora of assistance systems including adaptive cruise control on all versions. The new model is fitted with IQ Drive, a partially autonomous system that can control the steering, throttle and brakes at motorway speeds, while also providing stop and go in traffic jams.

A new plug-in hybrid engine, borrowed from the Passat GTE, will be offered in the Arteon for the first time. Known as the eHybrid, it develops 218PS and has a 33-mile EV range from its 13kWh battery.

The diesel engines have also been updated with a twin-dosing SCR system, which is said to reduce NOx by up to 80%. There’s a choice of 150PS or 200PS, the latter available with 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

Petrol models are offered in 1.5-litre 150PS and 2.0-litre 190PS, as before. There is also a 280PS version with all-wheel-drive.

For the first time, the Arteon will be available in flagship R guise. Using a 2.0-litre TSI and “specially configured” all-wheel-drive system, the Arteon R serves up 320PS.

Launching alongside the revised Arteon is new Shooting Brake, offering additional practicality. It’s available with the same range of engines and offers additional carrying capacity.

There’s only modest increase in useable boot capacity (up to rear seat height) of two litres (563l vs 565l), but with the seats folded the Shooting Brake can accommodate an extra 75 litres.

It has the same footprint as the Arteon fastback, but is slightly taller by around 20mm.

Prices are yet to be revealed and will likely be announced when the car goes on sale towards the end of the year.