If admiration sold cars, the VW Arteon would be a massive success. Unfortunately, this big fastback has always had many more fanciers than purchasers. Might that change with the addition of an estate?
The Europe-wide registrations tally in 2019 was 19,971 (-10%) but demand for the car in China suddenly took off last year, retail sales shooting up by 53.5% to 24,427.
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The Arteon, intended to give potential Passat/Magotan buyers a non-booted alternative, has been in production since May 2017. This takes place in both Germany (Emden) and China (FAW-VW, Changchun), with the car called CC in the latter market – a reference to the model it replaced.
At 4,862 mm, the Arteon/CC is 50 mm longer than the original CC, and is also more expensive than that car. The Shooting Brake is 4,869 mm long and has the same 2,841 mm wheelbase as the fastback.
Typical for a Volkswagen, the facelift is subtle and the car was arguably hard to improve upon anyway. The estate has its own styling aft of the B pillars with a low stance and pillarless doors.
At 565 litres, the wagon’s boot capacity is up 2 over the original body style, although there is more substantial advantage when the seats are lowered, the maximum space rising to 1,632 l compared to 1,557.
Powertrain details are yet to be announced although VW says there is now a plug-in hybrid option, while R, a new model grade, becomes the top trim level.
Volkswagen of America has struggled to make much sales headway with the Arteon since commencing imports in 2019. Last year, only 2,449 cars were sold. The facelift will be its 2021 model year car but the Shooting Brake will not be offered in the North American region.
