VW just unveiled the all-new 2020 Atlas Cross Sport
as a shorter, lower and arguably more stylish version of its regular mid-size
SUV. In terms of size, the Cross Sport is 7.1 cm shorter than
the current Atlas, and sits 5.8 cm lower. However, its wheelbase
is identical, allowing for generous space inside 3,165 liters of passenger space with 1,141 liters of luggage space. Fold down
the second row and you get a massive 2,203 liters.
the Cross Sport has a sleeker profile
than the Atlas thanks to the raked rear pillar. The rear end also features new
lights and a sculpted bumper to give the crossover more road presence. The
chrome accents on the lower body sides, rear bumper and windows also help with
that.
Meanwhile, R-Line trims come with even more heavily
sculpted bumpers, boasting chrome and piano black treatments to go with the
21-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the Atlas Cross Sport is definitely a more
stylish-looking product than the model on which it is based.
Moving on to the interior, we spot a new steering
wheel, contrast stitching on the door inserts and seats, and there are also new
tech features like available wireless mobile charging. Buyers who don’t mind
spending a little extra can also opt for heated rear seats and steering wheel,
ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and the 12-speaker Fender Premium Audio
system. Eight trim levels will be made available in total: S, SE, SE w/Tech,
SE w/Tech R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line.
There are also upgraded Volkswagen Car-Net connected
features through the mobile app (offered at no additional charge for five years
from the purchase date). Owners can remote start and stop the engine, lock and
unlock the doors remotely, honk remotely, flash the lights, find the last
parked location and check the vehicle status – fuel level, mileage, door and
window status. Furthermore, Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to connect to the
internet with up to four devices simultaneously, using 4G LTE-enabled speeds.
Moving on to driver assistance systems, the
following two are new: Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
The former uses the front camera and front radar sensor to maintain a following
distance from the car in front, operating alongside the Adaptive Cruise Control
and Lane Keeping System. As for the latter, it can display speed limits, no
passing zones, school zones and so on.
There are two available
powertrains in a 276 HP V6 and a 235 HP four-cylinder turbocharged TSI gasoline
unit. Both work with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and are available with
4Motion all-wheel drive. Also, the V6 version is said to have a 5,000 lbs (2,268
kg) towing rating when equipped with the V6 Towing Package.
Pricing for the 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport will be
announced closer to the model’s launch date, which is this upcoming Spring.
