Customers in the UK who want a fast and sporty sedan or shooting brake can now order the most recent Volkswagen R division vehicles.
The Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake R are available to order for UK customers priced from £51,615 and £52,435 respectively. Both are powered by Volkswagen’s acclaimed 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, providing 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque, and feature the latest 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, with R-Performance torque vectoring providing next-level handling and dynamics.
The Arteon R joins the growing stable of potent R models, with performance befitting the badge – for both bodystyles, the 0-62 mph sprint passes in just 4.9 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph (where permitted). The handling of the Arteon R is as impressive as the numbers too, with 4MOTION all-wheel drive augmented for optimum handling and dynamism by the R-Performance torque vectoring system.
The torque vectoring system, first seen on the new Golf R, works by its ability to share power not only between the front and rear axles, but between each rear wheel too. Up to 50% of the Arteon R’s drive force can be sent to the rear axle, and this rear-axle power can be directed entirely to the outside rear wheel when cornering, virtually eliminating understeer.
This, in addition to the standard fitment of both the XDS electronic differential lock and Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping system, crystallises the Arteon R’s handling prowess to a level truly fitting a thoroughbred German sports saloon and Shooting Brake, the first of their type from Volkswagen since the Passat R36 of 2008.
The R DNA of the high-performance and luxurious Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake R is hinted at by a set of purposeful 19-inch ‘Adelaide’ alloy wheels. These sit over an 18-inch performance braking system (357 mm front/310 mm rear discs) with blue-finished brake callipers, and complement the model’s bespoke and sporty body styling. This adds imposing, exclusive elements to the radiator grille, rear bumper and diffusor, while the quad chrome tailpipes are another clue as to the model’s high level of performance.
These extras are in addition to the Arteon’s already compelling equipment package, which includes LED headlights with self-adjusting dynamic range control function; Digital Cockpit Pro 10.25-inch TFT dashboard display; 3-zone climate control; and Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and Travel Assist – which allows Level 2 assisted driving at speeds of up to 130 mph (where permitted). The Arteon R models also feature a sunroof (panoramic sunroof for the Shooting Brake), 30-colour ambient interior lighting and tinted windows among their highlights.
