Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new seven-seater SUV, the Atlas, ahead of its official debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show which will take place next month. Previewed as the Cross Blue concept in 2013, it will be the first SUV that the German automaker produces in the USA.
The production model has stayed quite to the concept car and measures five metres long giving it proper capacity to accommodate seven seats. In terms of design, we can see that the Atlas bears all the modern VW SUV design hallmarks like the two slat chrome grille, square lines, heavily flared wheel arches and wrap around tail lamps that sit above a large chrome strip that runs across the width of the rear. The overhangs are massive while the overall appearance of the car, in that typical German way, is quite subtle despite the massive proportions.
It is typical VW fare in the cabin with the Atlas getting a mix of parts from different models. Standard equipment across the range includes a flat bottomed steering wheel, colour display for the instrument panel, climate control, massive touchscreen infotainment system and dual tone leather upholstery on at least 2-3 variants. It is also expected to get some fancy tech like Fender 12 speaker audio system, driver aids and whole load of safety features.
The American and Chinese market will get the car with a 2.0-litre petrol as well as a 3.6-litre V6 while some others are also expected to get the SUV with at least two diesel engine options. VW’s 4MOTION AWD system is expected to be optional across the range.
Given that VW has committed to having an SUV option for every model that it sells, we could expect this car in India. It will be a full-sized luxury option and slot into the same price range as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 market segment. If we do get it, then expect a mid- 2018 arrival.
