- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He
Volkswagen Atlas SUV. 1st generation, 2023 restyling
The Volkswagen Atlas, first introduced at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show as a new model for the US and Canada, is a very large, 7-seater vehicle built on the MQB platform to capture its share of the American market. This mission was failed by the ‘small’, according to the American standards, and more expensive Touareg, but the roomy, comfortable, powerful and family Atlas, aka Teramont has managed to win everyone’s heart. Even its name is “self-explanatory”: the SUV was named after the mighty titan from ancient Greek mythology, Atlas (Atlanta), who held the vault of heaven on his shoulders. While Volkswagen is developing the vehicle within the first generation, periodically updating it: the Atlas was first restyled in 2020. So, now it’s time for the second restyling. At the beginning of 2023, an updated SUV was released.
In Israel, the first generation Volkswagen Atlas restyled in 2020 was offered in various modifications: with front or all-wheel drive, with a 2.0-liter engine with 235 hp or 3.6-liter engine with 276 hp.
Exterior
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas looks more youthful with its neater features. It has acquired new optics and bumpers. In all versions, except for the entry-level one, the front face is decorated with an LED strip, while the rear end also features a narrow strip, but scarlet. The spoiler on the roof edge has become larger and more expressive. The SUV is 5,037 mm long, 1,979 mm wide and 1,768 mm high. The wheelbase reaches 2,980 mm. The vehicle is front-wheel drive.
Interior
The SUV’s interior features more expensive materials and new atmospheric lighting (30 colors). The automatic gear selector has become modern, small, freeing up space for a niche for small items. The basic equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, a 12-inch media system screen with voice control, and three-zone climate control. Moreover, the vehicle offers ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The ventilation deflectors have been redesigned, and the climate control unit itself has transformed into a touch panel. The same evolution has touched the physical keys on the steering wheel, as well as the headlight control. A projection screen is available as an option.
Powertrains
The new 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has lost its top-end 3.6-liter engine. The 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder turbocharged engine has remained. The increase in the engine output is intended to sweeten the pill. Now it produces 273 hp, and the torque has increased to 370 Nm. The vehicle still uses the 8-speed automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive versions have also been kept.
