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2018 Volkswagen Atlas Available With VR6 Engine, Roomy Enough for 7 Adults

After years of hearsay and quite a little bit of teasing, Volkswagen let the cat out of the bag. For the U.S. market, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas mid-sized crossover SUV is critical to the resurgence of the German carmaker in its post-Dieselgate pursuits.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV 21 photos
Photo: Volkswagn
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First of all, the dimensions. At 198.3 inches (5.03 meters) long, 77.9 inches (1.97 meters) wide, and 69.6 inches (1.76 meters) tall, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is that bit larger than the Touareg (188.8 inches / 4.79 meters, 76.4 inches / 1.94 meters, 68.2 inches / 1.73 meters). Underpinned by the MQB platform, the all-new-for-2018 Atlas boasts seating for seven adults.

From a design standpoint, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. I dig the tough look of the front fascia and the unapologetic fender flares, though the rear end gives the impression of blandness. The interior, on the other hand, is heavily inspired by that of the seven-seater 2017 Skoda Kodiaq.

The most intriguing thing about the Atlas’ cabin, however, is that it can be had with something called the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. Also known as Audi virtual cockpit, that’s the fancy way of telling that the Atlas has a 12.3-inch display instead of analog gauges and a tiny screen for the trip computer.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV
Photo: Volkswagen
The third Volkswagen named after Greek mythology (after the Eos and Phaeton) prides itself on all the major smartphone integration platforms (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), Car-Net, 12-speaker Fender Premium Audio System, as well as driver assistance features that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

As far as the oily bits are concerned, an 8-speed automatic transmission is matched to either a 2.0-liter TSI or a 3.6-liter VR6. I’m not joking about the latter mill, even though the current generation of the Volkswagen VR6 engine is 11 years old already. The 2.0 TSI churns out 238 hp and it’s available in either front- or 4Motion all-wheel-drive format, while the 280 hp 3.6-liter VR6 can be had only in conjunction with the manufacturer’s 4Motion AWD system.

“This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we’re known for, now with room for seven, ”
explained Hinrich J. Woebcken, Volkswagen’s head honcho for North America. “The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market," he added.

Slated to enter production alongside the Passat at Chattanooga, the North American market launch of the 2018 Atlas is slated for the spring of 2017.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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