The New 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

The New 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

A family SUV made in the U.S.

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs and Videos by Marco Carvajal

The new Atlas is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen ever built in the United States

The New Atlas

I have been invited to the media drive of the new SUV, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The event took place in Boerne, Texas, where I was able to learn about this new SUV and drive it through different type of roads and areas near San Antonio, Fredericksburg, Boerne and Austin in Texas.

A powerful car with beautiful appearance has all chances to become your family’s best friend. Even your dog will love it!

“Life’s as big as you make it!”

When I read the motto of the brand-new 2018 Atlas by Volkswagen, the first thing that comes to my mind is “This car should be really spacious..a Big Volkswagen”. Well, fair enough, space is always needed in family cars and the new Atlas is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen ever built in the United States.

The Atlas is an SUV, not just a regular SUV, but an impressive SUV with unlimited features and enhancements to make the ride easier and more confortable for all passengers and the driver.  I am impressed with the amount of features and details that are included in the Atlas…It will be very hard to think on anything missing.
All cars by Volkswagen are well-known for their practicality, safety and stylish design. The new Atlas is not an exception, this is a beautiful SUV that comes with many of the great parameters of other Volkswagen cars, but with a bigger size and tons of practical features. The Atlas is an ideal SUV for families and groups.

“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,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen. “The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market.”

The main innovation in the Atlas should be mentioned first: starting now you can easily give a ride up to 6 people at the same time. No worries, there are enough room inside. This large capacity has been achieved by building 3 rows of seats inside the Atlas.

Moreover, not only there is plenty of space for everybody to feel comfortable, no matter how old the person is or on which row he sits. Impressive? How about the ability to fold down the seats in the third row? Of course, a great idea, but a family trip is planned, so more stuff  has to be fitted… Not a problem at all! Just do the same to the seats in the second row!.  I love the flexibility of the space in the Atlas, fold down any seats you need, move seats back and forward, a lot of options in order to make life easy and practical for the Atlas drivers and passengers. I am starting to fall in love with this SUV! especially coming from a large family with many children and relatives, this SUV is wonderful!. Also as a rock musician, guitar player I am, this SUV can be really fun, flexible and spacious for any music band.  With the added bonus of a great sound quality audio system designed by Fender, definitely the Atlas can be a rock star dream!  Adding more features and pleasure the Altas has a very large panoramic sunroof to enjoy your ride.

Exterior

When the size matters. 2018 Atlas exterior design

The changes inside cause changes outside. The CrossBlue concept SUV was firstly presented in 2013. Now it has been developed and has become bigger and more valuable to American market. This is the largest Volkswagen ever with the following measurements:

Measurements

All ATLAS models have full LED lighting and LED taillights are also available. The hood and sides are covered by noticeable lines.

So the general view of the car is pretty powerful, muscular, and definitely catches the attention in the road.

Even if the Atlas is a big SUV, it is not huge, a perfect size for the city or the suburbs, not too big, not too small. Great marketing research and arquitectura from Volkswagen.

Interior Design. The Progress Never Stops

The inner world of this car won’t leave you uninterested. One of the most essential requirements for car architects is to keep up with new trends, to stay updated. Volkswagen’s designers and developers did their best to apply all new technologies and possible features to the new 2018 Atlas. The Atlas comes with all necessary features, together with classic, practical and at the same time a premium interior.

• This car is featured with ambient lighting and a 12- liter center storage bin.
• No more traditional instrument cluster, the Atlas has a high definition 12.3″ display available and information is shown digitally.
  The Atlas is very convenient not only for the driver, but for all passengers as well, as it has plenty of entertaining facilities.
• The most advanced Fender Premium Audio System (12 speaker, 480 watt, 12 channel amp)
• Every trim level has at least one USB port.
• App-Connect you can run your apps on touchscreen display.
• Security and service are well-developed, you are provided with remote vehicle access, help in the case of an accident/theft, enhanced navigation and infotainment, Sirius XM Travel Link and Sirius XM Traffic.

Safety Features:

Owners of the new Atlas have access to 9 Driver Assistant features, such as:

• Pedestrian Monitoring (included in Front Assist)
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Park Distance Control with High Beam Control (Light Assist)
• Maneuver Braking (Park Pilot)
• Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist)
• Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist)
• Overhead View Camera (Area View)
• High Beam Control (Light Assist).

All these characteristics will make any ride as safe as possible. But what happens when an accident occurs?

The automobile has a safety cage that reduces the power of crash in such cases; Seven stability-enhancing systems adjust engine throttle and apply corrective forces to the wheels;

Intelligent Crash Response System can turn off the fuel pump, unlock the doors, and activate the hazard lights, which is very useful when you are not able to do it yourself;

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can stop the car after a collision, helping cut the chance of additional impacts.

Powertrain

More power – more satisfaction.

Volkswagen developers came up with a decision of two engine options:

1. One engine of late availability (2.0-liter 4-cyl turbo: 235 hp, 258 Ib-ft, MPG TBD).
2. Currently in May 2017 only the 3.6-liter VR6 is available (276 hp, 266 Ib-ft, 18/25/20 FWD, 17/23/19 AWD).

Among the other performance features like:

• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Standard Start/Stop technology
• Optional 4Motion AWD on V6 models.

Models and Pricing

The Atlas currently offers 9 different V6 models with pricing starting with $33,500 for the S Launch edition and up to $48,490 for the SEL Premium with 4MOTION.

The 4 cylinder 2.0 engine will be available later.  Also a new S model will be available later with 4 cylinder or V6.

Prices for the Atlas start at a low number what makes this SUV accesible for all kind of budgets. I like that pricing has a wide range, depending on the features available on each particular model. Car buyers have an opportunity to choose the appropriate price for their budget.

Why Should I Have an Atlas?
If you want a beautiful, spacious, modern, sustainable and comfortable family car, the 2018 Atlas by Volkswagen will be a great choice!.

Proud to be American! Made in the USA, built in Chattanooga, TN, it still has its German charm and practicality. More confidence is added to buyers by the Atlas warranty policy, 6 year/72,000 Miles Limited Warranty, which is completely transferable!

A powerful car with beautiful appearance has all chances to become your family’s best friend. Even your dog will love it!

The Atlas also will be marketed as the Volkswagen Teramont in China, once the production and sales would start in the summer of 2017.

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