German carmakers, Volkswagen have continually reeled out vehicles that blaze the trail for different classes and generations. Known for their practical and family-oriented vehicles, VW automobiles are associated with affordability and reliable options. Recently, the crossover SUV has been the rave in the automotive sector, and VW, in a bid to stay relevant, has its hands in that section. The first attempt by the automaker was a large boxy SUV, modeled on their MQB format.
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The VW Atlas which was revealed in 2017 ahead of its 2018 release date, has performed well on the market since its introduction. The Volkswagen Atlas stays true to the car company’s values, while also embracing innovation. Let’s take a look at the facts and features which make this SUV different from others in its class.
10 Made In The U.S. For The U.S.
VW vehicles are known for their practical and unique nature. With the introduction of the Atlas to their range, VW now has a more American SUV than most of their previous models. Volkswagen went all out with the SUV look, as against the car-SUV-hybrid common in this class.
The big size, shape, and proportions all point to a truly American design. Additionally, as it was built in the VW Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, the automobile was the first SUV to be made in America by German carmakers.
9 Spacious Interior
German automakers, Volkswagen have a knack for building family-oriented cars with roomy interiors and lots of legroom. However, they went a step further with the Atlas, as it is a comfortable 7-passenger SUV with a spacious third row.
The third of most three-row SUVs can accommodate kids or adults with average height, but the tall passengers can now embrace seating comfortably in the third row of the VW Atlas.
8 Going Green
The VW Atlas, which was manufactured at VW’s Chattanooga Assembly Plant based in Tennessee, is the second of two vehicles built at the factory. Operating since 2011, the factory has some innovative facilities and an eco-friendly outlook.
In 2011, the factory became the first auto factory in America to be awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Also, the plant was the first anywhere in the world to get a Platinum certification.
7 In The Image Of The VW Golf?
Many car experts and users of the VW Atlas have compared it to its ancestor, the VW Golf. The comparison is valid, as the Atlas shares the engineering design and platform as the Golf. Both cars use the Modular Transverse Matrix platform, which means they share the exact basic engineering details, and layout, like the electrical format, powertrain position, and other details.
Although the two vehicles are in different classes and differ in size, the similarities mean they essentially share the same underlying skeletal design.
6 LED Headlights
LED headlights are low-power headlights with better durability and lighter weight than other technologies. Although the technology is not totally new to automobiles, they have been the exclusive reserve of premium vehicles. However, many mainstream vehicles have started to incorporate the design as either a standard or optional feature.
Volkswagen isn't left out, as it first adopted LED headlights in its electric vehicle, the e-Golf. Atlas is the first VW automobile to use LED headlights in the standard model.
5 Two Powertrain Options
At launch, the VW Atlas came with two powertrain options. The first is a 3.6-liter VR6 engine, while the second is a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine. While the VR6 is tuned to chug out 280hp, the 2.0T can put out 238hp.
Each engine uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the standard models will operate on a front-wheel-drive platform, while the VR6 offers users a taste of Volkswagen's 4motion 4-wheel drive.
4 Advanced Driver Assistance
Like many other advanced automobile features, driver assistance started as a technology for premium luxury vehicles. As it has become widely accepted, more everyday cars are picking up the feature. Volkswagen has embraced the technology with Atlas, and the SUV has autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, and an optional post-collision braking system.
The Atlas also has a parking steering assistant and other unique features highlighting VW’s advanced safety measures.
3 Four Year, 50,000 Mile Warranty
A beautiful body, spacious interior, innovative designs, and premium safety, all of these are features that make the VW Atlas an exciting SUV. However, one of its lesser-known but equally intriguing features is the four-year, 50,000-mile warranty that comes with the vehicle.
Very few automobiles can boast of figures like this, and What that means is that your vehicle isn’t going to experience lots of issues. And if it eventually encounters problems, Volkswagen has got you covered.
2 5 Unique Trims
With five different versions of the Atlas available, you can never go wrong when choosing one, as there'll always be something that suits you. Each trim has varying base prices and has more options to choose from than the one before it.
The trims available include the S, SE, SE R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. The R-line, which is available in the SEL and SE versions, is a sporty trim option with an exclusive infotainment system and other exciting features.
1 Infotainment
It does not matter what trim of the VW Atlas you choose; one common factor is that it is well connected with unique entertainment features. The touchscreen dashboard responds well to touch and is as good as any in its class. On the S model, there is a 6.5-inch touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It is also compatible with a wifi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a six-speaker audio system. The SE and SEL versions come with 8.0-inch touchscreens and three extra USB ports.