Volkswagen teases new Arteon wagon

Thursday, 4 June 2020

Watch as we count down the top cars of 2017.

Traditional sedans aren't particularly big sellers these days and traditional wagons even less so, with the global domination of SUVs.

However, that isn't stopping Volkswagen from giving us a refreshed version of the Arteon - the sleek and sexy four-door fastback it launched in 2017 - but this time around its also coming complete with an all-new sleek and sexy wagon version as well.

It's a big call for Volkswagen to introduce a wagon version of the Arteon - which it is calling the Shooting Brake - at a time when SUVs have all but obliterated the wagon market, but then the company does also have a roster packed full of SUVs, with the compact T-Cross recently launched here in New Zealand being the latest addition.

Volkswagen will add a wagon variant to the Arteon line up with the upcoming refresh.

However, the impressively upmarket appeal of the Arteon (we were so impressed with it, we gave it our Top Executive Car award in 2017) carves it out a little more wiggle room in terms of a wagon variant, with cars like the Audi A4 and A6 Avants still being decent sellers for the wider AW Audi group.

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“With the Arteon Shooting Brake we have created a new balance between speed, power and space,' said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Group Design and Volkswagen brand’s Design department.

Along with the new wagon, Volkswagen will introduce a major update of the model at the June 24 'virtual' premiere.

On the inside the Arteon will be given a completely new cockpit, including VW's latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB3) system to 'ensure the best possible connectivity.'

The Arteon will also get a “Travel Assist” system for what Volkswagen says is for 'highly assisted driving' on long-distance journeys at speeds of up to 210kmh.

Volkswagen hasn't revealed what engines will be powering the fastback and wagon, simply saying that 'all engines feature high levels of efficiency as well as low emissions and powerful torque' and that 'maximum efficiency is achieved by innovative, future-oriented engine and emissions technologies.'

This likely means the Arteon will likely be available with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel from the current car, but with the possibility of a 48V mild-hybrid system.

A hot version from Volkswagen's R division is expected to arrive later, powered by a 245kW version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine.

Volkswagen says detailed information about the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake will follow later this month, before the world premiere on the 24th.