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Check Out the VW Atlas Cross Sport Prototype Reviews in Death Valley

After decades of playing with small niches, the seriously undersized Volkswagen America brand is building what it should have: crossovers. The Atlas Cross Sport is the next one to roll off the assembly line, but even before that happens, you can find out what it's like with these preview reviews of prototypes in Death Valley.
Check Out the VW Atlas Cross Sport Prototype Reviews in Death Valley 1 photo
Photo: YouTube screenshot/Roadshow
With a pre-production concept already showing us the goods, the camouflage has a difficult job hiding the goods. It's easy to make out the revised front face, LED lights and that sloped rear. Based on the super-sized MQB platform, it's got the same 117.3-inch wheelbase as the normal Atlas.

However, it's traded one row of seats to gain better dynamics. Overall, it's 5.7 inches shorter. Changes have also been made to the rear suspension, giving the Cross Sport a bit of what its name implies. But don't expect instant throttle response or GTI-like steering.

It's going to be available with the same two engines as well, the 3.6-liter V6 making 276 hp and 266 lb-ft or the less popular 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 235-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both are hooked up to an 8-speed auto and have AWD on the options list. Volkswagen rates the pulling ability at 5,000 pounds and offers a Towing Package with the 800-kilowatt radiator (standard 600-kilowatts), a 180A alternator (140 amps as standard), upgraded stability control, and trailer control.

The interior is said to be almost identical - digital dash, infotainment and even the trim for the doors. But Volkswagen is said to have installed a new steering wheel.

Overall, the Atlas Cross Sport doesn't feel like a big deal, as many other SUVs/crossovers have two body styles. But it's also a step in the right direction. And if you've always liked the Atlas yet wished it handled a little better, it could be the next lease for you.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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