2021 Volkswagen Arteon gets a PHEV variant

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only in June when VW introduced two new engines for the 2021 Aeteon facelift. And now the automaker has expanded the model range further by launching a plug-in hybrid variant which is also available in Shooting Brake form.

In addition to the two body styles, VW is also offering the Arteon eHybrid in two trim levels - Elegance and R-Line.

On the outside, both the trims get their own unique bumper, LED headlight with Light Assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillight with dynamic turn indicators.

Open the doors and you'll be greeted by Alcantara/leather seats, aluminium-look pedal caps, and leather-wrapped multifunction steering with touch islands. While the Elegance model benefits from genuine wood, the R-line gets metal trim. Available as standard fitments are front seat heating, driving profile selection, and Park Assist front/rear parking aid. Part of its standard interior kit is the Discover Media 8.0-inch infotainment system with navigation, Digital Cockpit Pro, and auto air-con system with illuminated touch sliders.

Further, like every Arteon these too are equipped with progressive steering, Adaptive Cruise Control, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist.

Powering the new Arteon plug-in hybrid model is a 1.4-litre TSI engine. An electric motor which powers via a 13 kWh battery is also part of the kit. Together the two deliver a maximum power of 218 PS along with a peak torque of 400 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed DSG gearbox. With these performance figures, the Arteon is able to touch 100 kmph mark on the speedometer in 7.8 seconds and attain a top speed of 222 kmph.

VW claims an all-electric range of 59 km (57 km in case of Shooting Brake), thus making most day-to-day commutes emission-free, as 95% daily car trips in Germany are shorter than 50 km. In EV mode, the Arteon delivers a top speed of 130 kmph and a total range of over 900 km.

Currently limited to Germany, there's no word from VW on the new models’ availability in other countries.

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