Volkswagen Atlas Unveiled: Should It Come To India?

Volkswagen's seven-seater SUV might just click in India!

Dieselgate notwithstanding (and the consecutive lawsuits), Volkswagen is in no mood to slack in the US markets. Take a good look at the Atlas. It is big, brash, houses petrol motors and is an exercise in being excessive, just like the country it is going on sale in. 

While what's on offer is pretty impressive (we'll get to the specifics in a bit), let's figure out if it makes sense for a market like India. Up first - dimensions. The Atlas is both longer - 5,037mm vs 4,892mm - and wider - 1,979mm vs 1,860mm - compared to the Ford Endeavour but is a notch shorter - 1,768mm vs 1,837mm. Since our market laps up mammoth SUVs left, right and centre - the proportions will definitely play into the big Volkswagen's favour. 

Just like the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq, the Atlas is based on Volkswagen's modular 'MQB' platform. The design isn't radical like its Czech sibling, though, and is a throwback to SUVs from the yesteryears. It is boxy, with strong character lines that only accentuate the sheer bulk. With SUV designs getting largely urban (and soft), the no-nonsense straightforward look does seem likeable. Then there's the hotpotch of modern elements thrown into the mix. The headlights, daytime running lights and taillamps get the LED treatment, and there's some tasteful use of chrome too. It wouldn't be farfetched saying the face has a hint of Range Rover to it. 

Here's what isn't going to click with the Indian junta, though. The Atlas, as of now, gets a choice of two petrol motors. There's the familiar 238PS 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine, as well as a 280PS 3.6-litre VR6 mill doing duty on the Atlas. As much as petrol-powered vehicles are making a comeback, SUVs continue to be diesel-driven in the country. Considering it is based on the same platform as the Kodiaq, Volkswagen should have no problem plonking in a 2.0-litre TDI diesel that currently powers a host of cars including the Skoda Superb and the upcoming Passat. And yes, it does pack Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive tech, and gets a rotary knob to select driving modes - just like the Endeavour. 

The Atlas sits between the Tiguan and the Touareg. But, unlike them, it houses three-rows of seats. A seven-seat layout is something that our market expects by default in a big SUV, and this one checks that off as well. And, then there's the usual tech-fest on offer - an LCD screen in place of the traditional dials, a 12-speaker Fender audio system and a touchscreen infotainment system with AndroidAuto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink too. 

Volkswagen says the Atlas will be made available in Russia and the Middle East by the end of 2017. Should the German auto giant add India to the list? Well, we think they should!