Photo: Volkswagen
When Volkswagen first introduced the Arteon just over three years ago, it generated a lot of head scratching among anyone who understood how product placement went.
With so many brands in its portfolio, preventing all brands from stepping on each other's toes was always going to be a difficult juggle, but things seemed to be pretty clear as far as the three most prominent names were concerned: Skoda was the value brand, Audi was the premium choice, and Volkswagen sat squarely in between.
With the Arteon, however, Volkswagen had created a vehicle that was either equal or better than the equivalent Audi model, the A4, while also offering a cost cut at the same time. The only reason to buy the A4? Well, the prestige of the badge, even if that came with the knowledge you could have made a better choice.
Well, as we've said, only three years have passed since its introduction, and Volkswagen is already announcing a mid-life revamp for the Arteon which promises to be a lot more than the usual new front bumper. Along with a long list of improvements we'll get into in a second, the Arteon will also receive an entirely new body style: a shooting brake.
The term 'shooting brake' has been perverted over the years and is not associated with a sleek station wagon, but it still carries some weight. It's definitely not the norm in an industry seemingly obsessed with crossovers and SUVs, which makes VW's decision even more of a statement.
The German company promises vast improvements to the powertrains, with the words used suggesting we might see more extensive use of hybrid technology. Driver aid systems also get a mention, as does a completely new interior that offers the "best possible connectivity."
Volkswagen complemented the news with sketches of the two new models, though they should be taken with the usual grain of salt that accompanies any concept art. However, once you look past the oversized wheels, there's definitely a doable Arteon in there with very few modifications.
We'll have to wait for three more weeks before the full official release which is scheduled for June 24. By all accounts, anyone interested in the purchase of a stylish mid-sized wagon has probably got reasons to look forward to that date, as do those looking for a budget alternative to the Audi A4.
With the Arteon, however, Volkswagen had created a vehicle that was either equal or better than the equivalent Audi model, the A4, while also offering a cost cut at the same time. The only reason to buy the A4? Well, the prestige of the badge, even if that came with the knowledge you could have made a better choice.
Well, as we've said, only three years have passed since its introduction, and Volkswagen is already announcing a mid-life revamp for the Arteon which promises to be a lot more than the usual new front bumper. Along with a long list of improvements we'll get into in a second, the Arteon will also receive an entirely new body style: a shooting brake.
The term 'shooting brake' has been perverted over the years and is not associated with a sleek station wagon, but it still carries some weight. It's definitely not the norm in an industry seemingly obsessed with crossovers and SUVs, which makes VW's decision even more of a statement.
The German company promises vast improvements to the powertrains, with the words used suggesting we might see more extensive use of hybrid technology. Driver aid systems also get a mention, as does a completely new interior that offers the "best possible connectivity."
Volkswagen complemented the news with sketches of the two new models, though they should be taken with the usual grain of salt that accompanies any concept art. However, once you look past the oversized wheels, there's definitely a doable Arteon in there with very few modifications.
We'll have to wait for three more weeks before the full official release which is scheduled for June 24. By all accounts, anyone interested in the purchase of a stylish mid-sized wagon has probably got reasons to look forward to that date, as do those looking for a budget alternative to the Audi A4.
Google News