Volkswagen considering Arteon Shooting Brake

Volkswagen will consider adding a pseudo-estate bodystyle to its new Arteon range if the car is as well received in European showrooms as it's hoped, company sources have revealed.

The new Audi A5 Sportback-rivalling Arteon hatchback, which is expected in UK showrooms this October, will take Volkswagen into a part of the executive car market it hasn't occupied since the Phaeton saloon was discontinued from UK sales in 2015.

It will launch with a choice of 280hp, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and 240hp, 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines, both of which will get 4Motion four-wheel drive and seven-speed DSG automatic gearboxes as standard. Volkswagen UK is yet to decide if any of the less powerful engine versions available elsewhere will be made available in the UK.

Volkswagen head of product line Elmar Licharz said: "It's our intention to turn the Arteon into a model family. Right now, we have a proposal on the table for a stylish wagon version to compliment the hatchback. The car has not been confirmed for production yet, but it has a good chance."

It may be noted that in India, Volkswagen has recently launched the Tiguan SUV and is likely to launch the Passat sedan in the coming months.