SUBSTANCE, STYLE, SEATING FOR SEVEN
THE DEPARTURE OF THE TIGUAN WILL LEAVE BIG TIRES TO FILL, BUT VW’S NORTH AMERICAN-DESIGNED CUV SHOULD DO THE JOB
It was designed in North America and aimed at satisfying the mania surrounding the crossover segment. In simple terms, the new Volkswagen Atlas takes the Tiguan’s basics, including an upsized version of its MQB platform, and pumps everything up big time. It has been upsized to the point where it is larger and has more seats than the Touareg. While not official, this news means the Atlas effectively spells the end for its larger sibling.
While the starting point i s VW’s 235- horsepower, 2.0- litre turbocharged fourcylinder, the smart money is going to opt for the narrowangle 3.6-L V6 engine, which bumps the output to 276 hp and 266 pound- feet of torque. This brings a stronger mid- range and, more importantly, it bumps the tow capacity from 909 kilograms for the turbo- four to a more realistic 2,273 kg for the V6. The caveat here is fuel economy; the brawny V6 can get pretty thirsty if it is pushed.
The power reaches the road through a slick eightspeed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all- wheel- drive system. The transmission is smooth on the way up the gears and it’s willing to drop a cog to pass a slower vehicle. If sharper response times and delayed upshifts are required there is a sport mode and a manual gate. The 4Motion system sends the power to the front wheels under normal drivi ng conditions, but it is quick to react to a traction loss by engaging the fifthgen Haldex’s clutch pack. It can send up to 50 per cent of torque to the rear wheels.
The system’s drive characteristics can be tweaked through the Drive Mode selector. The outer ring has Snow, Dry ( everyday setting), Off- road and Custom off- road profiles. In an off- road environment pick the off- road setting and be done with it; during the test, it made t he most of a slippery trail, maintaining momentum even as one or more of the wheels lost grip. Here, the el ectronic dif - ferential lock transferred the power across the axles as needed. The Atlas is not an off- road pro, but it has enough ability to allow venturing off- road with a degree of confidence.
When on-road (Dry) mode is selected, the centre button gives access to Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom profiles. Custom allows the driver to pick between Normal and Sport modes for each facet. In simple terms, use Custom and put everything in Normal with the exception of the steering; it felt ( and is) too light in anything but the Sport setting. This setup brings a balanced approach to the drive. The throttle response is snappy without being aggressive and the shifts are smooth with an emphasis on fuel economy. Of course, hit a twisty back road and the Sport mode is the way to go.
Remarkably, and in spite of its outward dimensions, the Atlas felt lighter on its 20- inch wheels than expected. The suspension did a good job of dialing out unwanted body roll and it only began to push when liberties were taken. Hitting the highway saw it waft along without jostling the riders over a rougher section.
Inside, the story is all about space. Middle-row seating is comfortable with enough space for three taller adults to sit comfortably; the third row not so much. Then there’s the flexibility and space for seven and cargo. With all seats occupied, there’s 583 L of cargo space. Dropping the third row opens it up to 1,571 L, and with the lot flat, there’s 2,741 L. That, by any measure, is roomy.
The cabin is very nicely finished. With top- line Execline trim, you pretty much get everything VW has to offer, including a 12.3- inch screen for the configurable instrumentation. Naturally, all the desirable power options are in place, including a panoramic moonroof and a 10- way power- adjustable driver’s seat. To the right, the centre stack is dominated by the eight- inch touch screen that looks after all the entertainment, phone, vehicle and navigation functions, as well as giving access to a number of apps, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rounding things out was the 13-speaker Fender sound system, a soulful setup with a dynamic range. Finally, lest I forget, there are 17 cup holders for seven riders. Why?
The Atlas is available with all the right safety equipment. What’s included depends upon the model; the Execline gets a 360- degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop/go ability, blind- spot monitoring with rear cross- traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane- keep assist, automatic high beams and park assist.
The Touareg’s eventual departure is going to leave some pretty big tires to fill, but the new Atlas is more than up to the task. Another 20 hp would not go amiss, but that aside, there is very little to dislike with the overall execution. It has substance, style and seating for seven along with the ability to tackle an off- road trail as well as it deals with a twisty section of tarmac.