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When VW named its new, seven-passenger SUV the "Atlas," it no doubt meant to conjure the image of the Titan of Greek mythology.
A more prosaic reading might be 'atlas' - with a lower case "a" - as in Rand McNally atlas. VW no-doubt hopes the Atlas becomes the road map to success for a company many think is overly-dependent on its excellent lineup of small and mid-sized sedans.
VW rolled out the Atlas for Chattanooga media Thursday, and it was immediately apparent that the new SUV hits the mark on two important targets: roominess and value.
With buyers overwhelmingly turning to SUVs in this cheap-gas era, the Atlas is arriving just in time to take advantage of the trend. Coming late to the table has allowed VW to study the competition's best ideas while blending in its own secret sauce: refined drivetrains that feel a class above the competition.
Pricing for the Atlas starts at $30,500 for a lightly equipped four-cylinder S model and tops out at $48,490 for SEL Premium models like our tester. Five trim levels ensure there is a price point for most buyers.
Our recommendation would be the Atlas SEL all-wheel-drive model, which includes a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and starts at $42,690.
Destination charge on all Atlas models is $925 - and, yes, you have to pay that even on cars sold a few miles from the Chattanooga plant.
JUST THE FACTS
The Atlas is a seven-passenger, three-row SUV with two engine offerings, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V-6 making 276 horsepower. Both engine options come mated to a smooth-shifting, eight-speed automatic transmission.
The standard seating set-up is a second-row bench seat for three and a third row configured for two adults. The cabin has a cavernous 154 cubic feet of overall volume.
WORTHWHILE OPTIONS
For families that don't need to haul seven people, we'd suggest the second-row captain's chairs, which are available for a $625 upcharge. The R-Line package ($1,960) is cosmetic and makes the Atlas look sportier, but may not be worth the price tag to most buyers.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We were able to take our Silver SEL Premium tester on a quick spin up I-75 and on a loop around the Enterprise South Nature Park near the VW plant. The Atlas is surprisingly quiet and should deliver relaxing commutes. The seating position is excellent and outward visibility is first rate, due in part to slender A-pillars. Seats are soft enough for comfort but firm enough to maintain back support throughout a long trip.
The Atlas has a solid, planted feel that results in a premium ride. Acceleration from the V-6 is more than adequate. We did not drive an Atlas equipped with the available turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, but its spec sheet notes that it almost matches the VR6 engine in torque. On the fun-to-drive scale, the Atlas easily has more personality than most of its midsize SUV competitors.
STYLING
Despite its large dimensions, short overhangs front and rear give the Atlas a blunt appearance. A character line traces the wheel-wells and creates shadows in the side panels that add visual interest. Several creases in the hood also add personality. The 20-inch wheels on our tester are a cool touch.
Inside, the VW is fairly Spartan, with none of the unnecessary adornments that clutter some modern crossovers. Our highly- optioned tester includes VWs Virtual Cockpit digital gauges much like those featured in modern Audis. The graphics in the VW are not as sharp. Seats in our tester were covered with Shetland (beige) leather that accentuates the silver exterior.
The Atlas includes the latest interfaces for Apple and Android smartphones, and all the modern safety-tech features you could ask for.
Besides silver, the exterior color palate for Atlas SUVs includes shades of platinum, black, white, red and yellow.
IT'S GOOD FOR CHATTANOOGA BUYERS BECAUSE:
Beyond supporting local workers, the Atlas provides real value. The all-wheel-drive option is great for mountain dwellers.
COOL STUFF:
It's a small thing, but the second-row seats fold forward even with child seats attached, which makes accessing the third row much easier. Just make sure you take Junior out of the baby seat first, otherwise you'll smack him against the front seat-backs.
WE WISH FOR:
A little more personality in the styling. The VW grill strikes us as a teeny bit unfinished. A little more attention to the fascia would have paid dividends.
WHILE YOU ARE LOOKING:
The main competitors for the Atlas are the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento and Chevrolet Traverse.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.