The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas showed up today at AutoMobility L.A. While no new points of interest were shared, VW found an innovative approach to exhibit the three-column hybrid’s “enormous” inside—by stuffing the secondary lounges with five ball players, including Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who remains at more than 7 feet tall). Showgoers who drew near and individual with the Atlas by and large had great things to say in regards to its inside space, including the third column, which is generally roomy and simple to get to and exit.
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas isn’t the Microbus a few of us have been seeking after, yet the hybrid is a urgently essential vehicle for the automaker. It comes great starts to recoup from its diesel outflows emergency and it at long last gives VW a three-push hybrid to go up against entrenched contenders, for example, the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder. That is an intense group, however VW thinks the 2018 Atlas has a battling chance with two motor options, a “huge inside,” and lots of technology.
As already detailed, the front-and all-wheel-drive Atlas depends on VW’s transverse MQB stage imparted to the Golf and new Tiguan. The base engine will be a 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 making 238 hp. The more aggressive powertrain will be a 3.6-liter, normally suctioned VR6 appraised at 280 hp, in accordance with most players in the fragment. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed programmed, however 4Motion all-wheel drive must be optioned with the VR6. The 4Motion models will likewise highlight various drive modes, including one upgraded for snow and another for off-roading.
EPA figures and evaluated execution details will come later. All things considered, we as of late inspected a six-chamber fueled model and found the engine moved the hybrid “up to rock street speeds with sensible expert—in any event with two individuals on board.”
Volkswagen hasn’t released measurements for the indicated “huge” inside, however our constrained involvement with the model demonstrated a large third-push, alongside flexible second-push seats. The Atlas has a general length of 198.3 inches and its width traverses 77.9 inches, measurements that are like the Explorer and Pathfinder.
On the tech front, the 2018 Atlas profits by VW’s redesigned infotainment framework with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink availability. The infotainment framework highlights a touchscreen, however the interface additionally incorporates catches and handles. The Atlas can likewise be optioned with a computerized instrument board, alongside a Fender sound framework, and a not insignificant rundown of cutting edge security and driver help highlights. Versatile voyage control, for instance, is accessible, similar to a blind side screen, forward impact counteractive action, path keeping help, post-crash braking, and a stopping colleague. Driven headlights will be standard, however coordinating LED taillights are discretionary.
Like most VWs, the inside is generally clear. The touchscreen sits high on the dash and atmosphere controls are essentially laid out. The push-catch start is attentively set beside the apparatus selector, and an electronic stopping brake switch arranges for space for the enormous cupholders and extra reassure stockpiling. Higher trim levels will have punctured calfskin, alongside metallic and wood-like trim.
The 2018 Atlas’ outside styling copies the CrossBlue idea we first observed in 2013. The general shape is square shaped, giving the Atlas a significantly more strong look contrasted with the unattractive bends found in many contenders. The front end includes a basic two-bar grille with square fog light lodging, with a couple forcefully wrinkled lines on the hood. The same goes for the side profile, where wrinkles emphasize the wheel wells and the character line running beneath the entryway handles. In the interim, the backside offers prompts with the 2018 Tiguan and exhibits a couple of premium touches like the chrome strip with the emblazoned Atlas identification, and double fumes tips that are coordinated in the lower guard.
Volkswagen says the Atlas will be offered in five trim levels. Subtle elements are as yet prospective, however it ought to impersonate other VW models like the Passat, which comes in S, R-Line, SE, SE with Technology, and SEL Premium trims.
The Atlas will be delivered at VW’s plant in Tennessee close by the Passat. The hybrid is slated to make a big appearance at the 2016 Los Angeles automobile expo before achieving dealership this Spring. VW ought to uncover more subtle elements and evaluating before then, and we’re hoping to perceiving how it measures up to the class pioneers.