Volkswagen Atlas Seven-Seater SUV Unveiled for US Market
Volkswagen has launched the Atlas, a seven-seat SUV built in Tennessee and tailored for American families, with two petrol engines and a focus on space and technology.
Volkswagen has revealed the Atlas, an all-new seven-seater SUV designed specifically for the US market and built at the company’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee. The Atlas marks Volkswagen’s entry into the high-volume midsize SUV segment in North America, a category that accounted for a tenth of all new US vehicle registrations in 2015.
The Atlas sits above the Tiguan and below the Touareg in Volkswagen’s line-up, offering a larger footprint than any previous Volkswagen sold in America. Measuring 5,037 mm long, 1,979 mm wide and 1,768 mm high, it is tailored to meet the needs of families seeking genuine seven-seat accommodation and substantial boot space. The third row is accessed via a folding seat mechanism designed to make entry and exit straightforward, even with child seats fitted in the second row.
Engines and Drivetrain Options
Volkswagen offers the Atlas with a choice of two petrol engines: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI producing 238 PS and a 3.6-litre VR6 rated at 280 PS. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0 TSI is front-wheel drive only, while the VR6 can be specified with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which includes selectable driving modes for different road conditions.
EPA fuel economy figures were not published at launch, but Volkswagen confirmed that the Atlas would arrive in US dealerships in spring 2017. The vehicle will also be exported to Russia and the Middle East from late 2017.
Interior, Technology and Safety
The Atlas features a driver-focused interior with the option of Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, known in the US as the Active Info Display. Infotainment is covered by the Car-Net system, including App-Connect for smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Higher trims are available with a Fender Premium Audio System, offering twelve speakers and a 480-watt amplifier.
Driver assistance technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning and Parking Steering Assistant, depending on trim. The Atlas is also the only vehicle in its class to offer Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically slows the car after a collision is detected to help prevent secondary impacts.
Positioning and Market Impact
The Atlas is Volkswagen’s response to strong US demand for spacious, family-oriented SUVs. The move gives Volkswagen a foothold in a segment long dominated by American and Japanese manufacturers. With manufacturing based in Tennessee, Volkswagen aims to reduce supply-chain complexity and respond more quickly to local market requirements.
By offering a model designed specifically for North American tastes, Volkswagen hopes to rebuild its brand image and sales momentum in the region. The Atlas is expected to compete directly with established seven-seat SUVs from Ford, Honda and Toyota. For more on the development of Volkswagen’s US SUV strategy, seeVolkswagen Plans New Seven-Seat SUV for US Market
