Before Malaysia, Japan launches facelifted 2021 VW Arteon - 272 PS/350 Nm, Harman Kardon audio

Volkswagen Group Japan (VGJ) has launched the facelifted 2021 Volkswagen Arteon in the country, bringing with it the swoopy Arteon Shooting Brake as well. 

Across the two body styles, three variants are offered: the TSI 4Motion R-Line, TSI 4Motion R-Line Advance, and TSI 4Motion Elegance.

Japanese prices of the facelifted VW Arteon range are as below:

Like its name suggests, the Arteon Shooting Brake is the wagon version, getting a rounded hatch at the rear instead of its stablemate's more-traditional fastback boot. It's the first time this model has been introduced in Japan.

Also read: Choices in Malaysia's car market: should you spring for a sedan or get a hatchback?

Much like the car Malaysians will welcome this Friday, the facelifted Japan-spec Arteon comes with a reworked front bumper as well as a new grille with integrated LED lighting up front.

The facelift exercise sees the Arteon receiving a fresh set of tail lights, as well as redesigned trapezoidal exhaust exits.

Moving inside, the facelifted Arteon gets Nappa leather upholstery. Depending on variant, Japanese buyers will receive either a wood (Elegance) or aluminium (R-Line) panel on the lower half of the dashboard.

Other than that, 30-colour ambient lighting and VW's Digital Cockpit Pro 10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster are standard fitments across the range. Further niceties in the cabin includes an optional 11-speaker, 700 Watt Harman Kardon surround sound setup.

The Japan-spec Arteon also benefits from uprated advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including the fancy Travel Assist feature that combines adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist together in order to control the accelerator, brake, and steering, all independently of the driver.

Only one powertrain combo is offered across the board, which is the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged (TSI) mill with a maximum output of 272 PS and 350 Nm. This is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the full-time all-wheel drive '4Motion' system.

That said, this output is 8 PS lesser than the Malaysian-spec car will boast, as the Japanese-spec cars need to comply to strict emissions regulations.

Also read: Personalize your drive with Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control

Seven exterior colors are available, including the new King's Red Metallic, Kingfisher Blue Metallic, and Lapiz Blue Metallic.

Closer to home, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be introducing the facelifted 2021 VW Arteon R-Line 4Motion this Friday, 16-July, 12.30 pm onwards on the company's Facebook page. The new Arteon is expected to be priced between RM 245,000 to RM 255,000.

Also read: New 2021 VW Arteon R-Line facelift launching in Malaysia this Friday