CLIFF LEPPKE'S CYBER SEAT

VW Debuts 2020 Atlas Cross Sport

Chattanooga—VWoA unveiled the Atlas Cross Sport at its Tennessee plant Fri. Oct. 12.  VW announces pricing during spring 2020.  Expect two powertrains, a 276-hp V6 or 235-hp four-cylinder turbo routed to an eight-speed automatic transmission with available 4Motion all-wheel drive.    

Cross Sport is the first fruit of VW’s doubling up strategy, second SUV models based on existing ones.  VW claims the Cross Sport represents a $340 million additional investment in the U.S. 

This couple-like vehicle shares the Atlas's 117.3-inch wheelbase.  It’s 2.3-inches lower, 2.8-inches shorter and has two-row seating  Passenger space is amble.  Moreover, VW claims there’s 40.3 cu ft of luggage space behind the rear seats.

Its steeply raked rear hatch, new front-end treatment and chrome accents lend a sense of style.

Inside, the Cross Sport gets several upgrades including a new steering wheel, stitching accents and many tech features such as wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, rear sunshade, 12-speaker Fender audio system and configurable Digital Cockpit.  VW’s Car-Net now offers smart-phone integration for vehicle monitoring and control.  Plus, there’s Car-Net Hotspot internet for up to four devices.

Cross Sports come in one of eight trim levels.  Two new driver-assist features include Traffic Jam Assist--a radar/camera based low-speed cruise control with start/stop and lane keeping.  Dynamic Road Sign Display uses the front camera and navigation data to display speed limits.