Fleet World Workshop Tools
Car Tax Calculator
CO2 Calculator
Van Tax Calculator
BiK Rates Company Car Tax

Road Test: Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake

By / 3 years ago / Road Tests / No Comments

The Shooting Brake version of the Arteon adds more space and looks even better, but at a price, finds Martyn Collins.

SECTOR Compact Executive PRICE £35,395-£43,480 FUEL 35.6-205.6mpg CO2 33-179g/km

Arteon, Volkswagen’s slick small executive range, has undergone some significant recent changes in the form of an additional plug-in powertrain and more practical Shooting Brake estate model.

We tested the Shooting Brake in range-topping R-Line, although there’s also a (slightly…) cheaper Elegance trim available.

Outside, the Arteon Shooting Brake looks great, its sculpted shape working well as an estate. But with just 27 litres more boot space, it only offers slightly more practicality than the hatch. Still, the rest of the interior is impressively spacious.

Inside, as you’d expect from a Volkswagen, the Arteon looks sharp and feels high quality. Particular highlights are the R-Line’s high-backed seats, which are impressively supportive. It has the Arteon’s latest three-spoke steering wheel with touch buttons, then there’s the additional touch buttons for the climate control and electric seats. We also found the older-style infotainment system easier to use than the latest touchscreen-based system fitted in the Golf and ID.3.

Our vehicle had the most powerful petrol Arteon engine, the 190hp version of the 1.5-litre TSI. Performance was impressive, yet the throttle response was a little mushy, making this engine feel a bit laboured with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Still despite all this performance, the WLTP combined fuel consumption is 35.6mpg and it has 179g/km emissions figures. However, the 218hp plug-in version is better suited to fleets, with its 33g/km emissions and 205.6mpg combined fuel consumption.

On the road, the Arteon’s steering is precise and the handling tidy – but the ride is harsh and unsettled on the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. However, this does improve at speed.

The Arteon was always a stylish choice, but the Shooting Brake makes it even more attractive and practical but at a price.

FW Rating: 4/5

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Martyn Collins

Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.