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New sporty Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition uncovered

The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition, which is limited to just 1,000 examples, features extra standard kit and a unique colour scheme

Volkswagen has revealed the Arteon R-Line Edition. Orders are open now, with production for the sporty trim level of the Passat’s coupe-like relation limited to just 1,000 units, with prices starting from £36,850.

As with other VW models dressed in the R-Line trim, the Arteon gets a range of cosmetic upgrades to separate it from the lesser models. Most notably is the colour scheme: the Arteon’s body is finished in Moonstone grey complemented by a contrasting black finish for the roof, door mirrors, and the 20-inch alloy wheels. Privacy glass is standard, while to the rear there’s a small black lip spoiler on the boot lid and a pair of chrome-effect tailpipe-like trims.

Inside, the Arteon R Line Edition gets full nappa leather trim and the winter package as standard, which includes seat heating for the outer rear passengers. Adjustable ambient lighting also features, as does a 12.3-inch ‘Digital Cockpit’ - VW’s customisable instrument panel.

Buyers get a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. The diesel range starts with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with 187bhp; above it sits a twin-turbo variant with 237bhp and 500Nm of torque. The petrol option is the most potent: the 2.0-litre turbo petrol is essentially a detuned version of the engine used by the Golf R. Here, it makes 268bhp and is matched to a four-wheel drive system. Every version is paired with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. 

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The two most powerful R-Line Editions come with adaptive dampers, which adjust the susension’s rate of response based on the selected driving mode. As with Volkswagen’s full-blown R models, it’s also possible to fully deactivate the ESC system.

Do you like the look of the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...

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Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

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