Volkswagen has officially revealed the new Atlas SUV, which boasts seating for seven and offers a choice of two powertrains, ahead of its planned debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
However, since the Atlas will be built alongside the Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant in Tennessee, primarily for the North American market, it will come in left-hand-drive guise only. And that, of course, means there can be no plans to make it available in South Africa. Rumour has it the Atlas will also eventually be sold in China, Russia and the Middle East.
Slotting in above the Tiguan and Touareg, the Atlas runs on the Wolfsburg automaker’s familiar MQB platform, and measures more than five metres in length.
The new SUV (which was previewed by the CrossBlue concept) will launch in the States with a choice of two powertrains: a 2,0-litre TSI four-cylinder worth 177 kW and an ageing 3,6-litre VR6 mill worth 208 kW. While both engines employ an eight-speed automatic transmission, only the VR6 will be available with the brand’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
So, since the Volkswagen Atlas is not destined for local shores, South Africans keen on a new seven-seater option from VW will have to hope the rumours of an Amarok-based SUV have substance. Or, indeed, that a long-wheelbase Tiguan eventually becomes a reality.
