2021 Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake in-depth review - still want that SUV?

2021 Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake review: carbyr.uk/2PRuF6K
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The Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake arrived as part of a major update for the Arteon range in 2020. It’s a stylish estate model that not only offers improved practicality over the saloon but also exists as an attractive alternative to an SUV. The interior is as smart as the outside of the car and there are plenty of tried-and-tested engine options to choose from. Should you add the Arteon SB to your shortlist if you need a large family car? Nic delivers the Carbuyer verdict.
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BMW 3 Series Touring review:: carbyr.uk/2SqN4bt
Audi A4 Avant review: carbyr.uk/3uhEDgD
Volkswagen Passat Estate: carbyr.uk/2QW1pvU
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Every week, Carbuyer's KZbin channel brings you simple and entertaining reviews on every major make and model that's available for sale in the UK. Plus you'll find frequently-updated top 10 features and the occasional group test for good measure. If you want even more helpful information, head over to Carbuyer.co.uk where you'll find in-depth reviews of more than 500 cars, alongside the best buying advice and dozens of features helping you to narrow down your car buying shortlist.

[@derry9313]

Nicola is such a fantastic reviewer, totally engaging and knows how to walk the line of funny without being cringe perfectly. Giving Matt a run for his money

[@TD1237]

Imo, Matt's jokes can be cringy as heck at times...though he's usually alright Edit: Though his criticisms of cars can be unjustified and just dumb (e.g. his review on the Tucson)

[@cmeasey]

Yes, especially when wearing those trousers!

[@georgedowns4034]

@@TD1237 Don't forget the 5000000000000000000 hours of advertising on each video...

[@vukarov5084]

Nahhh Jessica is the best

[@Kingdonnerkebab]

No click on the popout banner constantly, the endless plugs for his trusted dealers, the boring on about savings on a car hes chosen but wont tell you what it is untill you guessed it you click on the pop out banner, the lame accents and the constant showing off of his drifting, used to love Mat now I think hes become too big for his boots.

[@theheaterguyryan5052]

The shinny leggings brung me here the review kept me here

[@mikecummings3149]

We are moths to a flame my friend..😆

[@hughmarcus1]

I think that was the idea. 😉

[@paullacey2999]

What car?

[@shanjanusman9974]

She looks stunning 😍 grrrr

[@keithbarrett9882]

She's got a great balance of engaging wit and good motoring journalism.. love her reviews

[@carbuyer]

Thanks Keith!

[@ariescustom]

This young lady is a star.

[@davidhuysmans67]

She is such a good and funny car reviewer.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks!

[@MrHejnis]

@@carbuyer and hot😍

[@danielthw123]

I agree. Very entertaining.

[@naimak3047]

I like her😃

[@LordLauderdale]

She’s fun !

[@Kingdonnerkebab]

Nicola and Rory at Autotrader are my fave car reviewers. Thoroughly enjoyed this, and I like her style, informative and fun without being overly trying too hard. In Nicola you have a winner.

[@carbuyer]

Awesome, thank you!

[@greatestsportslegends]

There are SO many people reviewing cars... with so many of them of the vanilla flavour. All techy-techy and such. This was clever, witty, funny and awesomely casual and a genuine review/presentation. Very relatable personality. Subscribed and looking forward to more of your reviews. Even if some of these cars are NOT available in Canada. :-(

[@clearofcloud2038]

Nicola - perfect, perfect. Informative and very entertaining. Love the "take my deposit" piece LOL

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Click for the pants, stay for the car review.

[@wolfypics7339]

I did the opposite :)

[@koenc]

I was hoping to see a bit more of the pants ..a shame of the long coat she is wearing .. and the car .. oh well the only reason I would but it over the normal Passat is because I don’t like the seats in the normal Passat . But I would buy a Vw anymore anyway these days 🙂.

[@Lindani_Mvano]

Its the leather pants for me 🏌🏾

[@vikkis856]

I love Nicola- miss her on my radio every morning 😢. Keep up the good work Nic

[@nicolahume]

Awww thanks Vikki! I don’t miss the alarm though haha. Would love to go back to radio too one day xx

[@FK2VtecTurbo]

Not sure why someone would buy a less practical version of a practical car that costs more, but the same could be said about the BMW X6 or Mercedes CLS etc and they seem to sell OK. Good review though 👍

[@carbuyer]

Exactly! The market for more stylish, less practical cars is growing...

[@bojansalmic9811]

right...who needs practical ?? i like stylish and sexy...

[@autonewstv86]

This is what the Passat should have evolved to be.

[@jitwarsingh1646]

The Arteon replaced the Passat CC, so in a way, it did.

[@DolleHengst]

Not at all. The Passat Variant is a family workhorse. Always has been. It should be spacious and practical. Form follows function. Not the other way around. You want a posh passat? Buy an Audi A4 Avant in S-Line trim

[@friedensgabel]

@@DolleHengst The A4 is built on a totally different platform tho

[@starshipteddy9871]

It did, they just evolved the name too.

[@solaecclesia594]

@@DolleHengst A6 is same size but costs much more

[@03Deltaintegrale]

Lol that passat comparison was on point.

[@BlenderBends]

If the Arteon is a step up from Passat? Wouldn't it be more aligned to the E class or 5 series than 3 series.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Exactly. OSV also compared the Passat to those smaller cars - I asked them why, but they gave a non-answer.

[@tonysmcneill]

She is brilliant!!! The second impression of what you shouldn’t do when you look at Arteon is your standard motoring journalist - she’s ace. More please 👍🏼

[@robertocalvo934]

Don't know about the Arteon but those leggings are on point

[@Winston.S.1984]

"...the materials are better quality now" - not only on the interior :D

[@WilliamBrown-oc7fp]

Love this Lady’s energy and charisma. Definitely subscribed!

[@carbuyer]

Yay! Thank you!

[@grahamsalmons2027]

I love her quirkiness you aren’t quite sure what she’s going to say next! But, overall, she gave a good impression of what the car FEELS like and that’s missed from many reviewers who just want cars to be sporty.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks Graham - loads more content to come!

[@richmouland]

My god, they are shiny legs! Cracking review.

[@richmouland]

@@puciohenzap891 yeah but I do quite like the grunge look going on here.

[@chrisjgill75]

Touchy touchy slidey. Love it. Great review. Keep them coming

[@carbuyer]

You got it! Thanks Chris.

[@Fendermanpaul]

Those trousers. 👍

[@jamesfrench2737]

Car buyer, please let Nicola do all of your reviews. She's hilarious!

[@georgedowns4034]

Actually Rich is becoming more enjoyable to watch with every video he uploads, but I still think Nic is a little better.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks George!

[@antonthompson7838]

Pretty fit, car was ok too!

[@shanewaller2864]

This young lady not only knows her stuff about cars and her passion shows, but her take on a car reviewer is totally refreshing 100% informative and entertaining to boot and as a bonus she's so much better looking than mat Watson lol

[@Lecruque]

Amazingly entertaining reviewer! But should’t you compare this with a 5 series touring instead of a 3 series? They are quite similar in size.

[@yup.4901]

I've never liked SUV's. This Arteon S B is stunning andI need one in my life.

[@-DC-]

Killing it on the thumbnail game carbuyer 😍

[@malph9216]

Those rear 3/4 views look like a big, 4 door Scirocco!

[@carbuyer]

Now you mention it, Malph...

[@jasondavid3969]

Phwoar! To you too! Lol Nice pants by the way! Oh and nice car too! 😜😎

[@duncanidaho7494]

Good review. I agree that we need back the physical buttons, especially in cars ! Stunning car nonetheless

[@carbuyer]

Agreed! Though we wonder whether that ship may have sailed...

[@na1677]

Physical buttons are definitely better for simple things like Volume control and air-conditioning/ heating..!

[@slugger7440]

Great review but isn't the 5 series touring more comparative than the 3?

[@carbuyer]

Not really; both on size and price the Arteon is more closely aligned with the 3 Series.

[@MK-oq5vr]

This presenter is frickin awesome 😂 she’s the best I’ve seen in years and way better than any males on car review shows out there.

[@thepymes]

Nicola is FAF! That is, Funny As.... I absolutely love her reviews!!

[@carbuyer]

We'll keep them coming if you promise to keep watching?

[@glutzoid]

Well, matt defo has a contender to beat and I have just subscribed to y’all :)

[@carbuyer]

Good to have you on board!

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. Looks very sporty

[@carbuyer]

Cheers Jamie!

[@Onizukachan915]

Has 4 doors. Is a station wagon, not a shooting brake.

[@nigelhall1961]

Love the Outfit and Love the Review

[@shanjanusman9974]

Nicola is fabulous 😍 she's just an amazing reviewer and love this car

[@huwd2292]

Great review, lovely looking car and nice to see someone acknowledge that instead of the usual comparison to Audi, BMW etc. Nice

[@markamd1]

CC VR6 4-Motion R-Line was the best VW ever made in my opinion. I wish that one day VW will come to it's senses and stick a biger engine (VR6 would be nice) in this hunk of a gorgeous car.

[@markamd1]

@japanwatchconnection I know, it's sad :(

[@MOSSFEEN]

Nice Review But just buy a Skoda Superb Estate instead

[@paulagostinho1272]

Such a great reviewer! Funny, knowledgeable and engaging... great communicator!

[@carbuyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@smwatson1512]

Such a good looking car. Estates are so much nicer than SUVs and better in every way.

[@carbuyer]

In this spec, the Arteon looked a million dollars!

[@georgedowns4034]

I don't know about "Better in every way." Cus SUVs have higher driving positions and are more capable with tricky terrain but estates are slightly better I think...

[@soloist80]

I hate America's obsession with SUVs and crossovers. It keeps awesome cars like this from coming here.

[@Return_oftheMac]

Really enjoy the delivery - useful to mention your height when showing the headroom though (for context), and still being thrown when she says something like 'more space than the free series BMW' (three). Mat Watson's reviews jusr getting too weird these days though, so still enjoy these ones more.

[@Timberdoodle197]

I'm just here for the trousers

[@esinduhije1]

Good reviewer, and good sense humour 👍🏾

[@anngo4140]

You kinda remind me of Sabine Schmidt. Love the review though, shame we can't get it here in the States :(

[@cinnamonrage]

Really characterful reviews 👍 On the car, it’s so good looking outside! Yeah

[@carbuyer]

It really is!

[@tincho679]

She's a star!!👏👏

[@Ghosthunter1968]

Class & the car isn’t half bad

[@simonhutton1]

Love her 😍 more please 👍🏼👌🏼

[@carbuyer]

Your wish is our command!

[@surajvenkat]

She is so funny. She got me " ...you know which button great, the Subscribe button "

[@carbuyer]

Did you press it?!

[@surajvenkat]

@@carbuyer yes i did. Also hit the bell ;) even though you din ask for it.

[@steveboatronics]

OMG. Über-watchable presentation! Love the narrative delivery. Love those leggings… (was that out loud?) 😍

[@yorktime5919]

Improvement of interior is the greatest advantage of this minor changes. I agree her impressions.

[@carbuyer]

We agree, the interior is a huge improvement. But why must these manufacturers persist with the touchy-slidey buttons?!

[@yorktime5919]

Well, the biggest mystery of this century.

[@georgedowns4034]

@@carbuyer they want their interiors to look sleeker but I think they will find that people will prefer physical knobs even if it does hamper with the design a bit...

[@belizarius_997]

There are many good car journalists and presenters but there's only one Queen. All hail Nicola!

[@jhewitthunt]

Really good video, and please take this as the compliment its meant as - your like the female version of Carwow Mat. He cracks me up at the same time as educating. So more videos from you please!

[@MiniEggs1999]

Random non car question. Do you or other youtubers use recorded voice to text software to speed up the process of getting reviews onto your website?

[@cbsnco]

Love her! So funny and engaging to watch!

[@huwd2292]

What a gorgeous shape. I’d buy one irrespective of whether dynamically the BMW is better. Great review.

[@annabellaandrewkingdon7972]

I presume you meant the car...

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I seriously considered this. I like it. I still have two grandkid carseats in the back, so I went for a Peugeot 5008 GT Premium instead. Maybe next time :)

[@carbuyer]

When they're a little older? Sounds like a plan.

[@marklivos]

I like her character plus she is funny & well informed

[@germancarfan]

Excellent reviewer love her humour I think she should take over

[@26DR715]

Love you style of presenting so different which is good, so keep up the good work.

[@beatles4sale2007]

Another VAG Lego kit car....Audi S4 “lite” (but not diesel)...and probably great rates from VWFS to lease. Love the review though, nice to see a fresh face.

[@Why_vern]

You're an ace reviewer, love it! 🤗

[@mkkravist11]

Nicola is a natural and will surely take the crown from Mat Watson. Fantastic, such a bubbly character. I love her.

[@carbuyer]

Bye, Mat!

[@johnmichaelrichards]

I want one! That goes for the Arteon and Nicola ;-)

[@unknownunknown6243]

Brilliant presenter...great sense of humour! Makes it interesting.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks, Unknown Unknown!

[@matthewsmith2787]

How reliable is it?

[@rafapazos06]

That is a fresh and fun review. Quite the catch right there!

[@Blackster74]

Mat from Car Wow has got some competition here , well done , great review 😁

[@berniesutton7897]

The boot is certainly bigger than the other Germans but there is also a spare paddock in the back seat compared to them. Nice pants by the way :)

[@Martin-mc3tw]

How good does she look in those leggings, it stopped me concentrating on the car 💋❤️👍

[@alexk8667]

What car?

[@gregsullivan7408]

I'm sorry but you're wrong - the sedan version does NOT have enough rear head room - I'm a chauffeur, and that one problem prevented me from purchasing it for use as a limo. I'm considering the wagon version, although it's very rare for wagons to be used as limos here in Sydney. (SUVs are pretty common now though)

[@gregsullivan7408]

@japanwatchconnection absolutely not - I'm only 6ft tall, and my head hits the roof if I rest it back on the headrest. I bought a Q7, which does have enough room. Also, i asked a friend who is 6'3 for his opinion - he said emphatically "don't get it"

[@meme4one]

Great review, breathe of fresh air 👌🏻

[@carbuyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertlewis4216]

Funny that they've resurrected the expression 'shooting brake'. That was commonly used when I was a kid ('station wagon' in the US), then it became 'estate' but now....here we are!

[@h3n488]

Oh man, Nicola is great! Great review and fun as well! Well done!

[@carbuyer]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@rivierapalms6485]

Great review. I’m sold. My new favourite car reviewer! Oh, and I liked the VW too

[@netako]

VW should make cars like this more often, it looks far more stylish than the other VW cars while still being more practical than similar cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

[@jeffchristie1541]

I’m in love , the cars not bad either!

[@tyrvintersol916]

Ordered one of these bad boys. Can't wait til december. Great Review!

[@MiniEggs1999]

Great review, you even manage to make cheesey adenoid car park expert sound natural :) and your obviously giving your genuine view of the car the way you express yourself

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Great car review by a great presenter.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks for watching.

[@aryanalfa2444]

Would like to see you're opinion on the "previous" model tge CC

[@MeesNaguMuiste]

Nicola looks amazing in these wetlook leggings!

[@davecroden9793]

This is such an interesting and different car said no one. Ever !!

[@georgegillett6059]

As engaging and warm as Mark Nichols whilst being informative too 👍 🏅

[@DW-xt6nt]

Good Review, but 565L boot is hardly an estate (less room than an Octavia Hatch!), looks good though. Money elsewhere like Superb or Merc E class for me or Golf R estate perhaps one day.

[@carbuyer]

Remember the roofline is taller in this versus the Skoda hatch - and boot figures with the seats up are measured to the parcel shelf.

[@abu269]

Can you do a comparison video with VW Arteon R-Line vs Skoda Superb Sportline please? I'm considering changing cars but can't decide which is best.

[@singe81]

Yes the lady reviewing is very entertaining!

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

If it's not a 2 door it's not a shooting brake. If it's not based on a sports car it's not a shooting brake. If you can't fit a full length, unmodified 91-30 into the rear hatch muzzle first it's not a shooting brake. This is a common station wagon (or an "Estate Car" since the presenter is British). But that doesn't sound cool. Unfortunately this would be next to useless for a range trip without folding down the rear seats.

[@Piketom1]

Oh how I wish VW sold this car in the USA. I might even replace my Grand Cherokee.

[@sakichugouken2474]

very nice review!

[@carbuyer]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@martincolin6445]

Why all the comments about the presenter? She's reviewing a car...anyway I bought one of these a few months ago and it's brilliant and so much more striking than a boring 3 series estate! True the rides not very sophisticated but it's ok...but really can't fault the car and got some amazing discounts and value with just 1000 miles on the clock....I can see the SUV drivers looking at it with envy as it's so much sportier looking in its stance. Brilliant package overall !

[@carbuyer]

Nice one! Really glad you've found the right car for you.

[@Winston.S.1984]

C'mon! What do you think? 'An attractiv young lady in sexy leggings leaning against an expensive car' is the essence of the thumbnail that they used. That was a conscious decision by the chanel and it attracted a lot of (male) audience (me included) 'came here for the leggings - stayed for the review', simple as that.

[@BenzinioB]

Well... the interior is actually still "passat". The exterior looks nice particularly in this silver gray, and the R-design is stunning - I've seen it in other colours that one is the perfect one for the shooting brake!

[@zephyr0815]

which car? ;-)))

[@julianowens4071]

Brilliant review very entertaining and informative

[@DoctorSkillz]

This young lady is the shooting brake version of automotive journalists.

[@carbuyer]

You've lost us...