If you've not had any luck finding an Arteon in local VW showrooms recently, here's why. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has shifted the focus for its four-door coupe towards more performance befitting a flagship. And the result is the new, locally-assembled Arteon R-Line 4Motion, which is now open for booking, complete with its 2020 model updates.  

In the same year that the Arteon made its local debut, the car was facelifted globally with a redesigned grille and bumpers, plus updated '3D' LED taillights with sequential indicators. These features have now been integrated into the latest Malaysian-spec Arteon, along with R-Line trimmings and a peppier 4Motion AWD powertrain. This will be the only flavour of Arteon on offer from now on as all pre-facelift FWD units to roll out of Pekan, Pahang have been completely sold out. 

And that's a good thing.

Back then, RM221k after SST deductions bought you a two-litre TSI mill with 190PS and 320Nm of torque, which is essentially what you'd get in a Volkswagen Passat. VPCM estimates that the Arteon R-Line 4Motion will cost somewhere between RM245k to RM255k once it's launched. So for about RM20k to RM30k more, buyers can now enjoy 280PS, 350Nm and all-round traction to torment BMW and Merc drivers who wouldn't have gotten nearly as much power for the same amount of dough; the Arteon R-Line 4Motion will do 0-100kph in 5.6 swift seconds, after all.

Power delivery to all four wheels is managed by a familiar seven-speed, wet-clutch DSG. For added dynamics, VPCM has equipped the car with dynamic chassic control (DCC), and electronic differential lock and something it calls progressive steering. 

As for efficiency, the new Arteon's rated fuel consumption is 7.4 litres per 100km, which translates to nearly 900km of petrol-powered range on a single 66-litre tank. VPCM's marketing material quotes a humbler 850km, which is still enough for a Johor-to-Perlis run once borders reopen. 

Inside, the Arteon's updated cockpit features a new steering wheel with haptic touch controls, 'ErgoComfort' sport seats in Nappa Carbon leather, three-zone climate control, a 700-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with voice and gesture control, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The cabin is also where it's most obvious that the new Arteon is the first Vee-Dub to go on sale in Malaysia with the new Volkswagen and R logos; the latter being embossed on the seats for added sporty effect. 

Safety-wise, the updated Arteon packs lane assist and side assist for safer lane changes, rear cross traffic alert, automatic post collision brake system and a driver alert system, on top of the usual fixings (ESC, seven airbags, Isofix, etc.). It's not quite the semi-autonomous suite expected at this price point in this day and age, but they're more than sufficient in our books. 

Pre-bookings for the new Arteon R-Line 4Motion can be placed on the Volkswagen eShowroom. Who said you can't buy a car during lockdown? 

*EU-spec Arteon R-Line pictured