Previously known as the Teramont, the Atlas, which will be built at Volkswagen's Chattanooga Plant in Tennessee, will slot in between the Tiguan and Touareg in the brand's SUV line-up, with sales set to commence next year in North America, China, Russia and the Middle East.
Measuring 5 037 mm in overall length with a width of 1 979 mm and height of 1 768 mm, the Atlas rides on the same Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform as the Passat, with the styling taking cues from the recently shown Golf Alltrack (rear) and even the Bentley Bentayga (side profile).
Said to offer maximum space for seven adults with space for their luggage, the Atlas also features Volkswagen's Active Info Display, while the infotainment system incorporates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. A Fender 12-speaker sound system with a 480-watt amplifier completes the audio fest.
Given its intended clientele, notable safety items include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Post Collision Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Parking Steering Assist.
Engine-wise, the Atlas will initially available with either a 2.0-litre TSI developing 175 kW in front-wheel wheel only, or a 3.6-litre VR6 with 206 kW and driving going to all four wheels. A eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox is standard regardless of engine.
Sadly, the Atlas is unlikely to reach local dealerships soon as it will be made only in left-hand-drive.
