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September 24, 2021
More Than Just a Practical Wagon: A Test Drive of the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake | Volkswagen
A Gentle Ride
The driving impression is quite different from the Panamera. In a word, it's gentle. The suspension moves fluidly, absorbing road imperfections well, and the cabin is remarkably quiet. While the steering wheel has a thick grip, the steering feel lacks the quickness of a sports car.
The engine delivers considerable power even from around 2,000rpm. A light press of the accelerator is enough for ample acceleration in everyday driving. However, it's not the type of engine that revs quickly to the upper range and launches forward as if kicking off the ground with all four wheels.
The Arteon truly shines when cruising along highways (and regular roads) in a relaxed manner. The car glides smoothly, with minimal vertical movement, ensuring passengers are not jostled uncomfortably, allowing for a stress-free drive.
Leveraging its 2,835mm wheelbase, the rear seat space is surprisingly generous. In terms of sheer roominess, it almost feels like a limousine.
However, the roofline slopes gently towards the rear, requiring passengers to duck slightly when entering or exiting the rear seats, so it's not quite a limousine. Still, it's recommended for those who frequently take long trips with their families.
The cargo capacity is also respectable at 565 liters, 2 liters more than the Arteon Fastback, so its practicality is not lacking. However, for those who might use it as a family car, I would strongly recommend the "Elegance" trim with its pleasant, brighter interior.
The Arteon's understated nature is another of its strengths. The "Travel Assist" system, a lane-keeping assist that operates at all speeds within the same lane with the push of a button, is also user-friendly. As long as you don't brake, it will return to the set speed even if you accelerate, making it very convenient. It's stylish enough for city driving and suitable for long journeys.
Pricing starts at ¥5,679,000 for the "Arteon Shooting Brake TSI 4MOTION R-Line," with the "TSI 4MOTION R-Line Advance" (¥6,246,000) that I tested, and the "TSI 4MOTION Elegance" (¥6,246,000), which shares the same engine power and suspension settings but features a more elegant interior.
