Volkswagen’s Arteon saloon and shooting brake are now on sale in the high spec R trim, with prices starting at £51,615. This marks quite a hefty premium over the standard car, which comes in at £35,435. This new model is based on the second generation car and at the moment, only the most premium models are offered, with less expensive versions to come, including an eHybrid plug in version.

The Arteon R uses the same engine that would be found in other performance Volkswagen’s, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol. Here in the Arteon it generates 316bhp and 310lb ft torque and drives all four wheels through a new version of 4Motion. It can be had in saloon or shooting brake in the R trim and the latter offers 565 litres of boot space.

The new Arteon has a brand new front grille, redesigned LED headlights and a raft of new alloy wheel designs. The R model gains the unique design touches as the other models, with blue brake callipers, chrome exhaust and large, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The new Arteon R is on sale now at £51,615 for the saloon and £52,435 for the shooting brake.