New Volkswagen Atlas SUV – VW attempts redemption in the US with a big PETROL SUV

The Volkswagen Atlas SUV is revealed as a seven-seat large SUV from VW – made in the USA for the USA – expected to launch in spring 2017.

Volkswagen is not exactly flavour of the month in the USA after dieselgate, but this – the Volkswagen Atlas SUV – is VW’s attempt at redemption in the land of the free with a car VW think will float American car buyers’ boat – a great big seven-seat SUV.

The biggest car VW produces, the new Atlas SUV is a mammoth 5037mm long – that’s longer than a Range Rover – features three rows and seven seats and will be built in the USA for the USA, although export to the Middle East and Russia seems likely at some point.

Looking almost exactly like the CrossBlue Concept from 2013, the Atlas is built on VW’s MQB platform and features a slightly gaudy brick wall front end, chunks of cladding and a hangover ares to accommodate those extra seats.

Inside looks familiar VW territory – and remarkably similar to the CrossBlue Concept too – with wood and leather and a simple layout, but with clever touches like middle row seats which fold even with a child seat in place for access to the back row.

Technology – standard and optional – includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, Digital Cockpit, Fender Premium Sound, Adaptive Cruise, Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning and LED headlights.

Unsurprisingly, Volkswagen seem to have no plans to bolt a diesel engine under the bonnet of the Atlas, and although it’s not offering a big lazy V8 with lots of cubic inches, it is only offering a choice of petrol engines.

That means an unappealing, but no doubt sensible, 2.0 litre TSI with 234bhp, and a more appealing 3.6 litre VR6 with 275bhp, either available with FWD or 4WD and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Hinrich J. Woebcken, VW’s US CEO, said:

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.

The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market.

VW haven’t released prices for the Atlas SUV, although they do say the Atlas will be “at a price designed to draw customers’ attention in the family SUV segment”.

And help America fall back in love with their cars. They hope.