First impression of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, is immense interior. According to the professionals the vehicle is not what they expected, but from the other side, this three row family hauler is coming at the right time for the carmaker who is still struggling with the consequences of the diesel emission scandal, and at the same time trying to recover from it.
The crossover is a crucially important vehicle for the VW, because is going its following the competitors vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder. Even though the market is not craving for another vehicle of this type, main expectations that 2018 Atlas will attract buyers with possibilities of choosing between two engine choices, a huge inside, and lots of technology.
Atlas platform shared with Golf and Tiguan
It is already known that the front- and all-wheel-drive Atlas is based on VW’s transverse MQB platform shared with the Golf and new Tiguan. The base engine will be a 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 making 238 hp. The more competitive powertrain will be a 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated VR6 rated at 280 hp, in line with most players in the segment. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic, though 4Motion all-wheel drive can only be optioned with the VR6. The 4Motion models will also feature multiple drive modes, including one optimized for snow and another for off-roading.
Announced as “massive”, dimensions of the interior are not released yet, but according to already known information from the prototype, third row is comfortable and lots of space is provided around versatile second row seats. Dimensions of Atlas are similar to the Explorer and Pathfinder: total length is 198,3 and width 77.9 inches.
The 2018 Atlas will have an update of infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink connectivity. The infotainment system will have touchscreen, but the interface will also include buttons and knobs. Optionally, Atlas can come with a digital instrument panel, with a Fender audio system. List of driver assistance features is long and contains adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, forward collision prevention, lane keeping assist, post-collision braking, and a parking assistant. LED headlights will be standard, but matching LED taillights are optional.
In the interior, the touchscreen is posted high on the dashboard with climate controls beneath. The push-button ignition and gear selector are places one next to another, along with an electronic parking brake, which gives a lot of space for cup holders and additional console storage. Trim packages come with perforated leather, with metallic and wood-like details.
As far as the exterior concerns Atlas 2018 will have the CrossBlue similar concept. Total look muscular, the front end features a simple two-bar grille with square headlight housing, with a few sharply creased lines on the hood. The same goes for the side profile.
According to VW, Atlas will be offered in five trim levels. This details, and the pricing are not revealed yet, but it is expected up to the end of the year.
