Test: Volkswagen Arteon Shootingbrake 2.0 TDI 4Motion (2021) // The most beautiful Volkswagen ...
Content
Of course, the Arteon itself is not a new model, since it was created in 2017 as a kind of supermodel to replace the model CC coupe (formerly Passat CC), but with its size and appearance it meant especially for the spoiled US market (that it never accepted). And then some miracle also found its way into Europe as the largest sedan model., which, despite its rather impressive external dimensions (487 cm), was nevertheless created “only” on an extremely elongated MQB platform.
But the Arteon, even though it was a truly premium Volkswagen back then, was somehow not the right answer to customer requests, especially at a time when they were becoming more spoiled, diversified in this price range, and far more successful as SUVs. models. So at Volkswagen, the designers and technicians spat in their hands, as they would say, and did their homework more thoroughly than they did on the first try.
At the turn of the year, Arteon underwent a major refurbishment And not only repairs. More important is the fact that (along with the R version and the hybrid) they also dedicated a completely new body version to it, which you can see here. Shooting Brake, a seductive coupe van or caravan, as it is more often called on the Slovenian market.
Of course, no one today expects the Shooting Brake to be literally a coupe and wagon combination, as was the case in the XNUMXs and XNUMXs when the first mass makers combined the body look of traditional coupes that only had one pair at the time. doors. Even the definition of a coupe is changing today, well, better to say, it's adaptable, so it's basically just an elegant sloping roof. (which in any case is the original meaning of the French word coupe - cut off).
A two-door combination was added because sportiness and dynamics are emphasized more. Today, of course, large coupes no longer have such a design; at best, it is a door without frames and "hidden" hooks. Well, the designers at Arteon have certainly stuck with that too, and so they share the lines of the B-pillar with their limousine brother.where the line curves gracefully downward and ends with an air deflector and the sideline rises slightly and ends sharply at the D-pillar. Even at first glance, this model looks more impressive, larger than the sedan, but this is a cunning optical illusion, since they are exactly the same length with millimeter precision. The only difference is at the highest point, which is two millimeters higher for Arteon for pine.
On the inside, however, it is slightly different. Not so much because of the now slightly modified interior, especially in the upper part of the dashboard, which is part of the repair package (air vents and decorative strap between them), and the completely new steering wheel and air conditioning control panel, but rather because of the spaciousness in the other parts of the machine.
Regardless of the sloping roofline, there is five centimeters more headroom and plenty of knee room, even if the passengers in front are taller than average, they just sit a little lower and the outside view isn't quite as regal, but that's to be expected. Even otherwise, the rear bench in the Arteon SB is a place where passengers, even taller ones, will feel good, relaxed because there is enough legroom, and even a slightly lower seated position does not cloud the image.
Typically, designers prioritize space – whether more passengers are boarding or more centimeters and liters are allotted for luggage. Well, they didn't really have to compromise, which comes with a long wheelbase and a fully nose-mounted (and transversely mounted) engine. In addition to opening unexpectedly (and always electrifyingly) high, the swing door is also cut deep into the roofline, making it easy to access the huge trunk.
How huge is it? Well, with 590 liters, it's definitely a class champion, but also nearly 120 centimeters long from edge to seat. (and nearly 210 inches when the bench is down). No, with this car, even a family with the most spoiled children should have no problem relaxing, just like amateur athletes with their bulky props. And this is also the main philosophy of this version of the body - the attractiveness of an elegant coupe line that combines the practicality of a van.
Of course, the famous bi-turbo TDI is missing when considering power options, and above all, I would give this van some salt and the power it radiates anyway. Of course, you will say that since a 320-horsepower R is coming soon. Of course, I agree, this would be a really tempting option. But for those who want more everyday use, economy and comfort on the road, in addition to a seductive ride on the back in Newton meters, the 240 “horsepower” four-cylinder engine was a real gift ... But environmental regulations have been taken away from many cars, and this biturbo was no exception.
It is now a modern and, above all, an ultra-clean two-liter four-cylinder engine with two catalysts and twin injection of synthetic urea., which he somehow replaced. Of course, there is a difference - and not only in numbers. First of all, it should be noted that this TDI handles a good 1,7 tons of weight, which is not a cat's cough, and the responsiveness of the new machine with 146 kW (200 hp) is certainly not the same as with a machine with two blowers .
Of course also 400 newton meters is a considerable amountThis is far from the case, so 4Motion all-wheel drive is the right solution (otherwise it adds a good two thousand to the price), but it also means more relaxation and driver confidence. But the fact that acceleration on 4Motion is better by half a second says something about efficiency!
The new TDI takes about a second to wake up from a cold start, and the morning plump metallic sound of the diesel is clearly audible in the cabin.... Again, nothing dramatic, but in the era of super diesels, at least in the cold phase it is more durable than I expected. Therefore, nothing particularly indecisive, although for more dynamics you just need to twist more than what I'm used to. Nothing fancy for a quiet cruise, even in urban centers, and a car with a well-calculated DSG transmission logic is happy with around 1500 rpm.
And even when accelerating, it does not fussyly move down, but, above all, it follows an increasingly steep torque curve, which becomes more convincing as the tachometer approaches 2000. Then everything goes more smoothly, decisively, smoothly ... In the driving comfort program, the adjustable shock absorbers work softly, not softly, the transmission and engine react in the same way. – soft, but indecisive. Eventually, I get into a normal program, which also seems to be the most convincing and balanced in the real world.
If Arteon had stayed on 18-inch wheels and with higher-sided tires (45), I think he would have been able to smooth out almost all the wrinkles, thus, for 20 "rims on short lateral irregularities, due to the weight of the rim, they have some weight when stretched.when a really big bike gets into a hole every once in a while. Everything else is really a small appetizer for shocks, which of course also have a fully flexible way of damping (with a slider and a wider actuation window).
In regionals, this big Volkswagen quickly feels at home - in the Sport program everything works as I expected, firm, tight, responsive ... Shifting with the steering wheel is quick, but if you overdo it, it seems that the gearbox sometimes prefers to stay in gear longer even if only for a second or two. And for front-wheel drive, the grip provided by the front axle in tight corners is truly amazing, as is the responsiveness and steering precision. Even with sharp haircuts, you can actually feel some weight hanging off the outer edge at first, but lean is minimal, torque is transferred efficiently, and the rear axle is almost imperceptibly involved in the torque game.
Usually the butt shows that he can have fun coming to life when faced with a challenge on those rare moments when I was able to relieve the butt. - either the front (almost any) wheel has seriously lost its combat grip. Definitely always progressive and (unfortunately) never impetuous. And only at full throttle. Well, of course it doesn't know how to disable stability control, the most you can think of in a post-Dublin drift mood is the ESC sports program. This one allows for a bit of fun, and decay is alien to it.
It demonstrates a much greater independence between medium and long, fast corners, where speeds can be quite unconsciously much higher than the allowable speed, as the body tilt control is very effective, the long wheelbase and precise chassis make their own, and also a very sense of neutrality when driving with a barely a noticeable blow to the front-wheel drive. Overall, this gives the driver a pleasant and safe feeling of confidence while driving.
The brakes also contribute to this - it is a good and light, predictable pedal stroke, which, even after a long descent, did not show a significant difference in sensitivity. This is definitely a very commendable feature considering Arteon's weight. It is slightly less sovereign in quick changes of direction when the weight of this gran turismo can be felt on the steering wheel.
Well, if and when there is a regional market, Arteon may still be fast, but that bump and torque will suddenly disappear. Of course, this diesel can be turned even up to 3.500 rpm, when it is still alive and alive, even a little sharper, but between 2500 and 3500 I subconsciously expectedthat the torque stage is hidden somewhere. Make no mistake - there's plenty of power and torque, but everything about this car allows and demands more. Although he is not a road performer and not a thoroughbred athlete. Well, almost five meters ...
Therefore, it is more important that it is very durable in almost every role and, above all, with this combination of body and drive, a van with an exemplary interior, which is undoubtedly a very friendly and comfortable driving environment, will be more useful. than every day. At almost 4,9 meters long, it may not be quite a car for tight urban conditions, but even there it turns out to be transparent. “Admittedly more forward and sideways than rearward, but so the reversing camera is more than a practical exercise.
Not to mention that with moderate driving, fuel consumption will be about six liters, but if there are a few more fast kilometers on the highway, you should already count on about seven. “More than tolerable,” he would say, “especially with all the technique he’s been forced into.
It is simply the Arteon as it should be from the start, and with that exceptional ass it would undoubtedly be more interesting and convincing in our market as well.... Gran turismo with Volkswagen badge, on which I officially shed tears for the TDI biturbo, but this one suits him well, and of course it lacks gloss.
Volkswagen Arteon Shootingbrake 2.0 TDI 4Motion (2021 year)
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 49.698 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 45.710 € |
| Test model price discount: | 49.698 € |
| Power: | 147kW (200 KM) |
| Guarantee: | 2 years general warranty with no mileage limitation, up to 4 years extended warranty with 160.000 3 km limit, unlimited mobile warranty, 12 years paint warranty, XNUMX years rust warranty. |
| Systematic review | 30.000 km / 24 |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.440 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 1.440 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.328 XNUMX € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 33.132 XNUMX € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 5.495 XNUMX € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 8.445 XNUMX ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 55.640 0,56 (km cost: XNUMX) €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - turbodiesel - front mounted transversely - displacement 1.968 cm3 - maximum power 147 kW (200 hp) at 5.450–6.600 rpm – maximum torque 400 Nm at 1.750–3.500 rpm – 2 overhead camshafts – 4 valves per cylinder – common rail fuel injection – exhaust turbocharger – aftercooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives all four wheels – 7-speed DSG gearbox – tires 245/45 R 18. |
| Capacity: | top speed 230 km/h - 0–100 km/h acceleration 7,4 s – average fuel consumption (NEDC) 5,1–4,9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 134–128 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | station wagon - 5 doors - 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer bar - rear single suspension, coil springs, stabilizer bar - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes, ABS, electric parking brake rear wheels (switch between seats) - steering wheel with a gear rack, electric power steering, 2,6 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.726 kg - permissible total weight 2.290 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 2.200 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 100 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.866 mm - width 1.871 mm, with mirrors 1.992 mm - height 1.462 mm - wheelbase 2.835 mm - front track 1.587 - rear 1.576 - ground clearance 11,9 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | longitudinal front 880-1.130 mm, rear 720-980 - front width 1.500 mm, rear 1.481 mm - head height front 920-1.019 mm, rear 982 mm - front seat length 520-550 mm, rear seat 490 mm - steering wheel diameter 363 mm - fuel tank 58 l. |
| Box: | 590-1.632 l |
Our measurements
| T = 3 ° C / p = 1.063 mbar / rel. vl. = 65% / tires: 245/45 R 18 / odometer status: 3.752 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,9 with |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,5 years ( 140 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 230km / h |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 5,8 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 58,9 m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 36,1 m |
| Noise at 90 km / h | 58dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h | 61dB |
Overall rating (507/600)
From the looks of it, the Arteon has only now fully matured – and with its undeniably prettier and more practical design than its range of engines and versions. On the other hand, the Shooting Brake is just a van that Volkswagen should have offered a long time ago. So unique and special that it's fresh in Vollswagna's offering, but not too outstanding.
Cab and trunk (96/110)
Excellent workmanship and even more impressive rear seat and trunk space.
Comfort (81
/ 115)Ergonomics and roominess were already at a high level, the Shooting Brake took these characteristics one step higher.
Transmission (68
/ 80)The most powerful TDI belongs to its practical travel personality. Still powerful, but not harsh. Therefore, it is moderate in consumption.
Driving performance (93
/ 100)Precise customization, adjustable dampers and a long wheelbase mean comfort and a comfortable position as well as moderate sportiness.
Security (105/115)
Everything you can get in a Volkswagen from the most advanced assistance systems, plus a good measure of active safety.
Economy and environment (64
/ 80)Of course, with a weight of more than 1,7 tons and a power of 147 kW, he is not a sparrow, and no one expects this from him. But the consumption is still very moderate.
Driving pleasure: 4/5
The Arteon Shooting brake is Volkswagen's understanding of a gran turismo model. The powerful diesel stands out for its versatility, a bit less for its dynamic character (as well as its weight). Otherwise, it's fast and efficient, convincing and predictable.
We praise and reproach
body features and roominess
trunk and accessibility
chassis
workmanship and materials
weight
from time to time the engine does not respond
damping (with 20 inch wheels)
