Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake review

Very much typical Volkswagen in here, which is to say neatly designed and easy to operate. Lots of room for adults – five if you wish – each getting a generous amount of leg- and head-room, and materials that feel solid and durable inside. Good seats, storage, connectivity… everything a growing family needs.

DARE WE MENTION THE TECH?

All models get a customisable 8.0-inch (10.25-inch in upper spec) digital display in place of conventional instruments, configurable to show nav or entertainment choices as well as digitally described instrumentation. And as ever, we always came back to a view that simulates traditional dials.

Sitting loudly and proudly in the middle is an 8.0-inch (or optional 9.2-inch) infotainment touchscreen, commanding everything you require (and even including rotary knobs to control volume and map zoom), bar the climate control that sits below. A small concession to shortcuts, then.

Unfortunately, VW has opted for a touch button climate control panel, with sliders performing the functions of knobs and buttons. It’s as infuriating to operate as expected, but at least – unlike the Mk8 Golf – they’re permanently there rather than being buried in a menu inside the touchscreen.

WHAT’S THE BOOT SPACE LIKE?

There’s but two litres more boot space in the Not-A-Shooting-Brake versus the hatchback (565 litres plays 563), but a fair bit more with the seats down (1,632 plays 1,557 litres). So, there’s a small benefit to be gained from plumping for the eminently cooler version.

It’s all very neat, very tidy and very… sensible in here. But as per the rest of the car, that’s really fine. You’ll want to go for brighter upholstery, really brightens the cabin and makes it feel more special inside than it actually is.