Volkswagen Atlas will make global debut at the 2016 LA Auto Show this month; largest SUV from the Wolfsburg-based brand
Volkswagen has introduced its all-new large sized SUV known as the Atlas which has global significance for the German auto maker. Earlier known as the Teramont, the seven seater model was spied initially in China, considered to be one of its biggest markets, where it is expected to reap sales. Developed on the Volkswagen Group’s flexible MQB platoform, the Atlas is the largest SUV the brand has on offer as it dimensionally outruns the existing generation Touareg.
It measures a substantial 121 mm longer, 38 mm wider and 35 mm taller than the aforementioned model. VW-owned Skoda conducted world premiere of its flagship global SUV based on the same platform, the Kodiaq, in September.
In comparison, it is 225 mm shorter in length when measured against the Atlas mid-sized SUV. The crossover is the first major arrival in Volkswagen’s SUV overhaul that will see the emission-scandal-hit brand completely transform its lineup over the next few years.
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Making world debut at the 2016 LA auto show in November, it will go on sale during Spring next year in the US. Focusing mainly on the US market, it will be positioned right below the Touareg and will rival agsinst the likes of Dodge Durango and the popular Ford Explorer. The Atlas’ exterior remains true to the spy shots emered earlier with a sharper yet cleaner design language comprising of squared headlamp cluster, dual slat front grille, flared wheel arches, a busy bumper and fog lamp area, dual exhaust pipes, rectangular tail lamp unit, etc.
It has clearly drawn design inspiration from the CrossBlue concept showcased at the Auto Shanghai 2013 show in China. The interior is an usual story with parts sharing being a key highlight as the dials and conventional equipment are put together in a neat manner. It features a customizable optional digital screen behind the steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system in the middle, three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls, etc.
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It is claimed to carry seven adults in full comfort and has driver assistance system like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, park assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and class-first post collision braking technology. It derives power from two engine choices namely a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol mill making 241 hp and a 3.6L V6 pushing out 284 hp. The standard transmission will be an eight-speed auto sending power to rear wheels with option of 4Motion AWD in the V6 models.
Volkswagen Atlas SUV Image Gallery
