Yes, it's been a long time coming, the facelifted VW Arteon in Malaysia. It has been something many have been clamouring for, especially full-fat 280 PS, 4Motion Arteon R-Line. Registration of interest has begun in earnest.

Also read: VPCM to launch new 280 PS 2021 VW Arteon 4Motion R-Line facelift in Malaysia

With that in mind, what new goodies did the R-Line facelift bring with it? Is it that much of a leap forward compared to the pre-facelift model? Let's find out.

What's new outside?

As with most facelifts, the Arteon gets an updated fascia on the outside. Starting from the front, the headlight graphics is cleaned up, to streamline it with the restyled bumper. However, in doing so, I feel that the Arteon has lost a bit of road presence, especially in R-Line trim. 

Looking at it sideways, the sleek 4-door coupe profile remains, with the most obvious change being the wheels, although this is always dependent on the local specifications of each market, and by no means a final configuration. 

On to the rear quarters. The most notable changes are the tail lamps and 'quad' exhaust exits. Curiously, the rear bumper doesn't seem to have been reskinned in any way, but why mess with a godd thing to start with? It's still a handsome, low-slung and expensive-looking machine.

New toys inside?

As far as facelifts go, the interior has seen some really extensive work. From the driver's seat, you get a new steering wheel with touch controls (this will be a recurring theme). Gone is the central analogue clock, as the AC vents are rehashed for a more sleek and discreet design.

And yes, Volkswagen has gone big on touch controls inside. This includes the HVAC controls (via haptic sliders), the aforementioned steering, on top of the usual infortainment (Discover Pro 9-inch) touchscreen. Not quite sold on touch-everything. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be hooked up wirelessly. Lovely.

Also read: Digital dials are crap, and here's why

For the driver, an all-new Digital Cockpit Pro 10.25-inch instrument cluster rounds things off nicely. Other fancy tech? Well, the refreshed Arteon gets its own ADAS called IQ.Drive. Among the toys parked under this suite are:

• Travel Assist: partly automated driving from 0 - 210 km/h
• Adaptive Cruise Control: operates in conjunction with Travel Assist for sto[/go traffic
• Lane Assist: Keeps vehicle from unintended straying to other lanes
• Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring
• Rear view camera with corner view (90 to 170 degrees angle)

So far, there's no indication as to whether this hotter, facelifted Arteon R-Line will be CKD (like the current pre-facelift 190 PS, FWD version) or CBU, although I'm inclined to believe it's the latter. 

Well, if indeed the Malaysian-spec, facelifted VW Arteon R-Line comes with all the goodies I've listed above, it does sound like a tantalising prospect. All the tech to back up its considerable performance - 2.0 TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine (280 PS, 400 Nm), 7-speed dual clutch and all-wheel drive - and looks to match.

It will even make the Audi A5 Sportback (which I recently tested) look like a less premium, poor relative. Fingers (and toes too) crossed, the pricing is right!

Also read: Review: Audi A5 Sportback - When you find the BMW 4 Series too boring