A bit of a delay between flash and bang...but I said I'd update thread, and then life happened.
I ended up looking at a number of different cars after my last post; BMW 5 series Tourings (I really didn't want another 3 series, i've worked out over 20 years i've had 4, each progressively worse imo but ymmv) and Audi A6 estates primarily. As after years living with a saloon, I felt the need for something with more room. The BMWs although I love them, were (at least the ones in my budget (early 30s for a AUC) pretty much base spec or the only extra were wheels and the Audis didn't seem to drive any better than what I ended up with, and also both marques were usually at least 3 years old or thereabouts.
So, I ended up with an approved used VW Arteon R-Line 200 diesel Shooting Brake, 10 months old (at purchase) and 8k on the clock, 2 years free servicing and 2 years manufacturer warranty extended in the deal for a further 1 year and a few other bits. Extras over base R-Line spec (at least what is important enough to remember) are nappa leather and ergo comfort massage seats, a full size spare and rear camera. It has the VW Travel Assist as standard as well as the usual Airplay/Android Auto (some of the BMWs I looked at only had Airplay) etc. I bought this early September, and paid less than a comparable Skoda Superb Estate (which I also looked at and wasn't enamoured with, the cabin and fit and finish on the Arteon is far better put together and has a quality feel, which seemed to command a higher premium (at least at the time I was looking) though being a cheaper car to purchase new and not as refined, which i found odd.
After 8 months and 7k miles (and after going through a wet winter), I think it is great for my usage (commuting, a round trip of 110 miles when I go to the office which is almost all motorway, chucking a bike in the back and moving an older kid around the country utilising the boot space (a glorified van essentially)). Not going to lie, but after looking at a sea of black or grey BMWs and Audis (and VWs and Skodas to be fair) I think the recent pic below will explain what sold it to me:
Although I was initially hesitant of the capacitive controls, after a while I haven't give them a thought, that is one thing I think is hyperbole, although I did miss the BMW dial controls for the infotainment, as it is just so intuitive. Additionally, the driving style after using a ZF gearbox for over a decade (this has a DSG) is quite different and has it's own foibles but isn't worse per se on this model.
Yes, it is a blue fridge diesel. But I like it's looks, it does it's job and with no fuss. I'm happy.
NB. Yes, I know the drive needs cleaning, but it seemed (and was iirc) like the first nice weekend of the year
and it is on the list to do.
Edit for extra detail not included above: Standard equipment is very generous for VW, as this is supposed to be their more luxury model. One thing I should have mentioned above, is that it is also quieter (road noise) than a BMW 3 series (the last F30 330d I had I carried ear protectors for some sections of motorway) and dare I say it than a 5 (comparing from a F10 on 17s) though only by a little and may be explained by runflats, it is also much quieter than a Skoda Superb Estate. For balance, things I don't like are fake exhausts and for sheer solidity I liked my F10's interior though I didn't feel the same way about the G31.
) which gives me 7.5p/kWh when charging the car for a mostly motorway trip I'd expect my MG4 to get maybe 3.3-3.8 miles per kWh so about ~2.5p per mile. It does have a slightly higher 'daytime' tariff but my usage is low so it works, I did make a spreadsheet first to make sure though 
. X-Drive is not something i've experienced so can't comment.![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
