VW ready to take wraps off SUV
TEST DRIVE: There’s no name yet, but the new Volkswagen should be prominent player
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — First seen as a concept some three years ago, Volkswagen’s slayer in the battle against Honda Pilots, Ford Explorers and Toyota Highlanders will soon go into production at the Tennessee factory that builds the Passat — yet the SUV still doesn’t have a name.
Called the CrossBlue concept when it debuted in Detroit in 2013, VW’s new three-row mid-size SUV intended primarily for North American families could be called the Terramont, or something else altogether.
Based on a brief drive of two heavily disguised, pre-production prototypes, it’s clear VW’s new SUV looks, drives and behaves better than its direct competitors. The test drive was in Chattanooga, Tenn., where the SUV will be built starting in December for a spring launch in 2017 as a 2018 model.
Even under the heavy camouflage, it’s easy to see the SUV hasn’t strayed far from the original concept, with a wide front end employing LED lighting, large wheel arches and hints of Jeep Grand Cherokee here and there. We saw other, undisguised units during a quick factory tour, and it’s very masculine, very American looking, yet honestly attractive and not confused about its appearance.
Under the hood, a 3.6-litre V-6 with about 280 horsepower will be mated to an eight-speed automatic with manual mode. Later, a 2.0L turbo with about 240 h.p. will be available in the U.S. in base models, with front-wheel drive.
VW wouldn’t reveal exact power numbers, although did say it would tow at least 5,000 pounds.
There will be fewer than five trim lines, and the units coming to Canada are likely to be all-wheel drive only. They will use the same Haldex full-time AWD system Volkswagen employs in other models, although this SUV gets a dial that offers allwheel-drive selections for modes that include Snow, Sport, On-road and Off-road, and even drive mode settings for Eco, Sport or some combination chosen by the driver.
Built on VW’s MQB platform, the SUV clung tightly to the roads. The ride along paved roads is firm and sports-car like; those who like driving will love it, especially over the long haul. Wide, supportive seats complement a perfect seating position.
Even in these pre-production models, the ride was seriously quiet, with nary any wind or engine noise. The transmission shifted cleanly and without intrusion. The two models we drove had an annoying start/stop system that hopefully can be shut off.
Off road, the ride became less forgiving. But it was still plenty capable, with automatic hill-descent control and good agility over the kind of terrain most owners will never see.
Steering is electric, lightly weighted and quick to respond to inputs. The turning circle is tight. The brakes felt strong and immediate. A heated steering wheel will be available, as will a full suite of safety features, including an around-view monitor, blind-spot monitoring, active cruise control and park assist.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect is the interior. Stepping in is easy thanks to a low floor, and visibility is fantastic because the A-pillars don’t block the view. The glass is large and the cabin feels airy and bright, in part thanks to a panoramic roof.
Instrumentation looks lifted straight out of the Golf GTI, as do the HVAC controls, but the primary infotainment system is a giant step up. A large, possibly eight- to 10-inch glass screen with incredibly sharp graphics and the ability to touch, pinch and swipe, dominates the centre stack. Reaction times are as fast as an iPhone. Apps to help you find either restaurants or what’s showing at theatres nearby look simple to use. An available Fender audio system sounds divine.
Shoulder room feels enormous, as does middle-seat leg room, where passengers get at least two USB ports and a 12V outlet, along with temperature controls. Even the third row is generously proportioned, easily accommodating six-foot passengers who gain access to the way, way back by sliding, 60-40 middle-row seats that can be tilted forward even with a child seat in place.
With the third-row seats in place, the rear cargo area looks big enough to hold a couple of hockey bags, but there’s also added storage underneath the load floor. As many as 17 cup holders, a deep centre-armrest storage bin and other nooks and cubbies all make good use of space. Those third- and second-row seats fold completely flat, too; the space looks big enough to support a queen-size mattress.
VW’s new SUV will be fully revealed at the L.A. Auto Show in November. The Chattanooga factory has already added some 26 per cent more space and more than 400 robots. About 700 workers are to be hired as part of the $900 million investment in its yet-to-be-named SUV.