Volkswagen Atlas SUV Holds Big Potential In India
Jens Meiners
1 min read
Nov 11, 2016, 06:26 PM
Key Highlights
- The Volkswagen Atlas takes inspiration from the CrossBlue Concept
- The Atlas will also be sold in US, China and a few other export markets.
- The Atlas is far bigger than anything else on the MQB platform
It was an open secret: VW had first teased its "midsize SUV" at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show - under the "CrossBlue" designation. Now it's here, in series production trim and without camouflage: VW's slightly bigger than "midsize" crossover SUV, initially designed for and aimed at America and built there too in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's called the Atlas – like the titan from Greek mythology that carries the heavens on his shoulders. The Atlas will also be sold in China and a few other export markets. The big question we care about is whether the Atlas will eventually make its way to India or not?
The roots of the Atlas in the CrossBlue concept are clearly visible. But while design concepts are usually more extreme than production cars, it's the other way around here: VW has applied a thick brush to the CrossBlue (and an executive tells us that if this were a vehicle for Europe, it wouldn't have been changed much). The hood is raised so much that the engines are almost lost in their massive bay; the headlights look like squares, the wheel openings are accentuated with no less than four creases and lines. There is a strong shoulder line, and in the rear, a shiny chrome bar brings another bit of American glamour to this behemoth.
The Atlas Is Bigger Than Even The Touareg
Beyond 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, the Atlas is far bigger than anything else on the modular-transversal MQB platform – including the Skoda Kodiaq – which it surpasses in length by a whopping 340 millimetres. It's even bigger than the far more expensive VW Touareg, and in fact, it is sized almost exactly like the Audi Q7, which sits on the bigger MLB platform. If any proof was needed of the flexibility of the MQB platform, it's being delivered in an impressive manner. And that is what makes it interesting for India – since it can be positioned above the Kodiaq and Tiguan when they arrive in 2017, and yet below the pricey Touareg.
Watch the first look review of the VW Atlas after the jump:
A true off-roader the Atlas is not. All-wheel drive is available only in the top-of-the-line version, and there is no off-road transfer case. But there is a lot of ground clearance, and the Atlas can be adapted to different road surfaces with a turn of a knob – which will be enough for most buyers’ needs. Thanks to the Atlas, VW's smooth (but thirsty) VR6 engine lives on: Naturally aspirated and with 3.6 litres of displacement, it is rated at 280 bhp. The entry-level engine is VW's ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo four, rated at 238 bhp. Both engines deliver their torque through an 8-speed torque-converter-style automatic.
A Plug-In Hybrid Is Being Considered For The Atlas But There Is No Confirmation
For some export markets, the Atlas will be fitted with a 184 bhp 2.0-litre TDI, and it will also be available with a 6-speed manual box. China gets a turbocharged 2.5-litre VR-6. On the US market, the Atlas was originally supposed to be offered with a TDI as well. But the diesel scandal has crushed this particular version's aspirations, and no one is holding their breath for a return of the diesel in VW's US lineup any time soon. And a plug-in hybrid? It's being studied, and the MQB platform would make it possible to add such a variant, but the segment is so price-sensitive that VW fears it would be a tough sell on any market.
Being built atop the MQB architecture, the Atlas has access to a plethora of comfort and assistance systems - and it can be specified with quite a few of them, including lane assist, blind spot warning and an automatic parking aid. The central screen for the telematics system is one of the nicest we've ever seen, and there is an optional TFT cluster for the main gauges. VW also offers an optional 480-watt stereo system.
The Assembly Of The Materials In The Cabin Is Impeccable
The interior is one of the nicest in its class, but it's not one of the nicest in the Volkswagen lineup. The hard plastic on the lower dashboard is difficult to overlook, and the pseudo metal applications are truly authentic: they look as fake as they are! That said, the assembly of materials is impeccable, and the Atlas offers an airy cabin, with great outwards visibility. There is ample room for seven; even the third row is quite comfortable. And by the way, the Atlas is a true American: It comes with none less than 14 cupholders!
There's No Official Word About It Coming To India But We Hope It Will
Competing against the likes of the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander in the US market, we expect the VW Atlas to be dynamically superior. But we'll have to wait for the first drive - and that won't happen for another half year. The Atlas will be sold in the US from spring 2017 onwards; markets like Russia, China and the Middle East will come soon thereafter. On some markets, it will be called the Teramont. So back to the original question – will it come to India? No official word yet. We hope it will - this Q7-sized MQB derivative has piqued our interest - especially since it would likely retail for little more than half of the Touareg and Q7's price. And we all know that in India a big three-row fullsize SUV priced attractively – will have many takers!
The Atlas Takes Inspiration From The CrossBlue Concept Which Was Showcased In 2013
Watch the first look review of the VW Atlas after the jump:
A true off-roader the Atlas is not. All-wheel drive is available only in the top-of-the-line version, and there is no off-road transfer case. But there is a lot of ground clearance, and the Atlas can be adapted to different road surfaces with a turn of a knob – which will be enough for most buyers’ needs. Thanks to the Atlas, VW's smooth (but thirsty) VR6 engine lives on: Naturally aspirated and with 3.6 litres of displacement, it is rated at 280 bhp. The entry-level engine is VW's ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo four, rated at 238 bhp. Both engines deliver their torque through an 8-speed torque-converter-style automatic.
For some export markets, the Atlas will be fitted with a 184 bhp 2.0-litre TDI, and it will also be available with a 6-speed manual box. China gets a turbocharged 2.5-litre VR-6. On the US market, the Atlas was originally supposed to be offered with a TDI as well. But the diesel scandal has crushed this particular version's aspirations, and no one is holding their breath for a return of the diesel in VW's US lineup any time soon. And a plug-in hybrid? It's being studied, and the MQB platform would make it possible to add such a variant, but the segment is so price-sensitive that VW fears it would be a tough sell on any market.
Being built atop the MQB architecture, the Atlas has access to a plethora of comfort and assistance systems - and it can be specified with quite a few of them, including lane assist, blind spot warning and an automatic parking aid. The central screen for the telematics system is one of the nicest we've ever seen, and there is an optional TFT cluster for the main gauges. VW also offers an optional 480-watt stereo system.
The interior is one of the nicest in its class, but it's not one of the nicest in the Volkswagen lineup. The hard plastic on the lower dashboard is difficult to overlook, and the pseudo metal applications are truly authentic: they look as fake as they are! That said, the assembly of materials is impeccable, and the Atlas offers an airy cabin, with great outwards visibility. There is ample room for seven; even the third row is quite comfortable. And by the way, the Atlas is a true American: It comes with none less than 14 cupholders!
Competing against the likes of the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander in the US market, we expect the VW Atlas to be dynamically superior. But we'll have to wait for the first drive - and that won't happen for another half year. The Atlas will be sold in the US from spring 2017 onwards; markets like Russia, China and the Middle East will come soon thereafter. On some markets, it will be called the Teramont. So back to the original question – will it come to India? No official word yet. We hope it will - this Q7-sized MQB derivative has piqued our interest - especially since it would likely retail for little more than half of the Touareg and Q7's price. And we all know that in India a big three-row fullsize SUV priced attractively – will have many takers!
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