Remember the white display unit of the Volkswagen Arteon 4Motion R-Line that was previewed at Volkswagen’s road show in Setia Alam in 2018?

The one with a stonking 280 PS / 400 Nm 2.0-litre TSI engine and 7-speed DSG (to be confirmed, 8-speed is also available for US) paired to a Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain, basically the Golf R’s engine and transmission. The one that was opened for bookings in July 2019 with an estimated price of between RM 290k to RM 310k.

Just when everyone has moved on and thought that the car didn’t materialize (only the 190 PS front-wheel drive Arteon R-Line was eventually launched, in August 2020), Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has just confirmed that it will be launching a new Arteon R-Line 4Motion.

Also read: 2020 VW Arteon launched in Malaysia: 190 PS, 320 Nm, priced from RM 221k

The brand’s official website is now collecting registrations of interests from keen buyers.

The light signature of the car in the web page's background, plus the stylized R logo in VPCM's Instagram post, points to this being the new Arteon facelift.

Also read: Volkswagen Arteon is RM 130k cheaper than the Audi A5 Sportback, but better?

The new facelifted Arteon features a different front bumper, new headlights and tail lights. Inside, there are new touch sliders to adjust the air-conditioning, new steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also read: Review: 2020 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line - Worth paying more for a reskinned Passat?

Driving assistance package (ADAS) is now rebranded under the IQ.Drive name, now capable of semi-automated driving from 0 – 210 km/h. The reverse camera now has a wider 170-degree view.

Of course, specifics of the local specifications car have yet to be confirmed. Previously, it was said that the Arteon R-Line 4Motion will be imported (CBU) from Germany. Presumably, this arrangement still remains.  

By the way, VPCM’s pre-owned car division Das Welt Auto did sell one unit of pre-facelift Arteon R-Line 4Motion. It was VPCM’s internal car (not the same display car in the 2018 road show) and was listed for RM 269k.

Editor's comment: With 280 PS, 4Motion all-wheel drive for all-weather grip, and those oh-so-sexy frameless doors, the Arteon R-Line 4Motion is the grown man's Golf R. You can also see it as the thinking man's Audi A5 Sportback (RM 376,900, 252 PS, 370 Nm).

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