Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake review

Before we dive headfirst into the intricacies of an ‘executive’ Volkswagen, let us address the elephant in the room. The big, plush, really rather attractive elephant in the room. Technically speaking – and with full adenoids engaged – the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake is not, we repeat, not, a Shooting Brake.

A Shooting Brake comprises but two doors, traditionally used for hunting parties to carry their hunting paraphernalia (read: massive guns). The Arteon – like Mercedes’ and Genesis’ equally dubious naming of the CLA and G70 – has exactly 100 per cent more door and is definitely not built to house massive guns.

So, it’s an estate?

Got it in one. And identity crisis aside, it is an exceedingly handsome, swoopy estate. In this guise, the Arteon builds on its supernatural ability to elicit a fair bit of reaction from passers-by. Prepare to be approached at petrol stations and in supermarket car parks, because people will want to talk to you about it. As you shouldn’t really say, it’s much better ‘in the metal’, which means when you see one in real life, it’s got movie-star presence.

Is there anything beyond the attractive exterior?

The refresh of the Arteon range for the 2023 model year that gave birth to this Not-A-Shooting-Brake version brought with it better-finished materials, digital dials and upgraded infotainment, and VW’s newly found pastime of stepping on a comedically-placed broom and smacking itself in the face: out go traditional climate control buttons, in come touch-sensitive sliders. Progress this isn’t.

Otherwise it’s all very neatly designed and logical to operate. Big inside too. You’d be forgiven for expecting the slinky roofline to limit cabin space, but no, the Arteon is hugely accommodating for four adults, and decently comfortable for five. The boot is almost Skoda-esque at 590 litres, or lots more if you fold the seats down. Full details over on the Interior tab.

And what’s that under the bonnet?

The car-that-would-prefer-to-be-known-as-Shooting-Brake gets a range of diesel and petrol engines, which are pure heartland VW. There are 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, two 2.0-litre diesels (with 147 and 197bhp) and a plug-in hybrid (1.4-litre petrol plus e-motor for a claimed 38 miles of electric-only range).

Still, there is, rather excitingly, a full-bore R version, complete with 2.0-litre turbo making 316bhp and 310lb ft of torque. So, basically the same powerplant fitted to any hot VW in the last decade. It’s rapid, too: VW reckons on 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. If that’s the only one you’re interested in, click these blue words.

What’s the competition like?

The Kia Proceed and Toyota Corolla Hybrid Touring Sports opt for a similar ‘sporting’ image, but they’re smaller, cheaper, less enticing. Otherwise take your pick from any of the traditional estates including the BMW 3 Series Touring, Skoda Superb Estate, Volvo V60 and in-house challengers including the Golf and Passat Estates.

How much does it cost?

Tricky one. VW is winding down the Arteon range and as a result you now can’t configure your own, you need to order one from stock. Expect to pay between £45k (for a well kitted out diesel) to £62k (for a 4WD R). Full details over on the Buying tab.

Objectively, it’s a fine car. Good-looking, comfortable, well built, spacious and an ownership experience that won’t require too much mental lifting. Competitively priced, too. And as other cars become more complex and expensive, here’s one that knows what it’s for and doesn’t overreach itself.

Don’t let the looks deceive you and assume this is a thrilling drive. It’s not – although the R version certainly has its moments – but this is a slick performer, efficient, effective, smooth and a superb long-distance cruiser. Plus, it’s a cooler car than its hatch sibling, and if you’re already sold on that car’s looks, this one’s but an £885 step further.