2021 Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake leaked

Volkswagen’s niche-busting Arteon Shooting Brake has broken cover ahead of its official reveal.

The first undisguised photos of the new Arteon Shooting Brake were published overnight ahead of the car’s unveiling on June 24 alongside the facelifted liftback.

Volkswagen Australia has confirm the Arteon will be reintroduced early next year, although it wouldn’t confirm whether the Shooting Brake is locked in.

Found on the Chinese car website Autohome, these images show what looks to be a Subaru Outback-style version of the upcoming wagon.

This model features raised suspension, black wheel arch cladding, and a chrome strip along the bottom edge of the doors.

In an earlier teaser issued by Volkswagen, the automaker revealed the basic look of the Arteon Shooting Brake R variant complete with lowered ride height, large wheels, and low-profile tyres.

The facelifted Arteon’s cabin is expected to feature Volkswagen’s latest MIB infotainment setup, while the safety roster could include a single-lane autonomous cruise function.

Drivetrain selection, in Europe at least, should be bolstered by the addition of 48V mild hybrids and a plug-in hybrid or two.

The R version could have a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228kW and 400Nm in European trim.

Locally, the Arteon has been slow seller with just 411 coupe-style liftbacks moving off forecourts in 2019.

According to Car Sales Base, the Arteon hasn’t fared well in Europe either with just 19,048 sold there during 2019. Given the popularity of wagons on the Continent, the Arteon Shooting Brake should help improve these figures.