Volkswagen has announced a series of
changes to its lineup for the 2021 model year in the United States. Starting
with the Arteon, the model receives a minor facelift with styling changes
inside and out. Full details will be announced closer to launch, but Volkswagen
has previously said the US-spec model will have a turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine that produces 268 hp and 349
Nm of torque. The Arteon will also have a simplified lineup that consists of
SE, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line variants.
Moving on, the 2021 Atlas has minor
styling changes and will offer a 2.0-liter four-engine on top trims and in
conjunction with all-wheel drive. The engine produces 235 hp and 349 Nm of torque, and is significantly more fuel efficient than
the 3.6-liter VR6 which used to come standard on higher-end trims.
The Atlas will also receive a mid-year
update which will see the installation of a new MIB3 infotainment system on all
trims except the base S variant. The system features enhanced voice recognition
technology, wireless App-Connect and an illuminated USB-C port. Other
highlights include an upgraded navigation system with “simplified and enhanced
map designs, intuitive route options, quick access to frequently visited
locations, and advanced route management.” It also supports SiriusXM with 360L
which is a combination of both satellite and streaming radio.
Last but not least, Atlas SEL and SEL Premium
trims will have Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist is a
semi-autonomous driving system that uses the adaptive cruise control and lane
keeping assist systems to accelerate, brake and steer the vehicle at speeds up
to 153 km/h.
Emergency Assist is a
safety feature that can bring the vehicle to halt if the driver is
incapacitated. It monitors driver input and steering wheel hand placement to
ensure people are paying attention. If no inputs are detected, the system will
provide audible and visual warnings as well as “brake jerks” to get a driver’s
attention. If the driver fails to respond, the system will slowly bring the
vehicle to a halt. Moving on, the 2021 Golf carries over and is available in a
single trim that features heated leatherette front seats, a panoramic sunroof
and 16-inch alloy wheels. The model also has heated washer nozzles and a
keyless access system with a push-button ignition.
The Golf GTI is available in three trims,
but 2021 will be the “seventh generation’s final model year.” Despite living on
borrowed time, the hatchback gains gloss black mirrors and a gloss black rear
spoiler. The SE and Autobahn trims also sport the new MIB3 infotainment system
as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels. The Jetta SEL and SEL Premium trims gain
the new MIB3 infotainment system and so does the Jetta GLI Autobahn. However,
it appears everything else carries over.
The Passat features more meaningful
changes as all 2021 models now come equipped with adaptive cruise control and a
a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Furthermore, SE trims gain a sunroof and
larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Lastly, R-Line trims have an adaptive front
lighting system, a Fender premium audio system and a Discover Media
infotainment system with GPS navigation.
Finally, the 2021 Tiguan has restyled
17-inch alloy wheels on S and SE trims. The SE variant also gains a new MIB3
infotainment system as well as a newly standard adaptive cruise control system
with a stop and go. Lastly, the SEL Premium R-Line now has has a standard power
passenger seat. Of course, the facelifted Tiguan will arrive in the fall of
2021 as a 2022 model.
