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September 24, 2021
More Than Just a Practical Wagon: A Test Drive of the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake | Volkswagen
Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake | Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake
Test Drive: Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake
Following an update to Volkswagen's flagship model, the Arteon, a Shooting Brake variant has been added. We took it for a spin to discover the true value of this stylish wagon.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by ATSUKI Kawano
A Side Profile Evoking the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Volkswagen's flagship model, the Arteon, has been updated and launched in Japan on July 13, 2021. Another point of discussion is the addition of a station wagon model, the "Arteon Shooting Brake."
While it's a station wagon, the name "Shooting Brake"—historically used for sports coupes modified by the wealthy for hunting—suggests it's not merely a practical wagon. It's stylish.
The Arteon Shooting Brake TSI 4MOTION (hereafter referred to as Arteon) sold in Japan is equipped with a 1,984cc engine producing 200kW (272ps) of maximum power and a substantial 350Nm of maximum torque, paired with an on-demand 4WD system.
The model I tested was the "R-Line Advance," which forms the core of the Arteon lineup. In previous Volkswagen models, R-Line denoted a slightly special trim with sporty features. For the Arteon, the "Elegance" trim is offered for those seeking a more luxurious specification than the R-Line.
The Arteon's appeal lies, first and foremost, in its styling. The rear tailgate is deliberately steeply raked to make the cargo area appear smaller. This design is a stark contrast to the Passat Variant, another Volkswagen model that prioritizes practicality above all else.
The profile (side view) is reminiscent of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Perhaps Volkswagen and Porsche share design resources, or maybe Klaus Bischoff, who oversees design, admired the Panamera's styling and decided to create a Volkswagen version... it's easy to let one's imagination run wild.
The R-Line interior also features distinctive bucket seats with integrated headrests, which again evoke a sense of commonality with Porsche, the brand specializing in sports cars. They are not only visually appealing but also very comfortable.