Volkswagen is celebrating its return to the throne of the world’s to automaker at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show by unveiling a new rough, tough, outdoorsy new offering. The new Atlas Weekend Edition offers new cargo and entertainment options alongside accessory options to enhance the flexibility of this full-size, seven-passenger SUV.
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The Atlas that will arrive in American showrooms by Spring. It’s based on an SEL Premium trim and uses a 3.6-liter VR6 engine that makes 276 horsepower. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive with Drive Mode Select empowers the machine for off-roading.
The Atlas climbs on 18-inch wheels and offers the Urban Loader cargo box. The feature can expand to a 17.7 cubic-foot container. The base carrier bars come in helpful for attaching accessories for skis, snowboards, kayaks or bikes. Evidently, giant dogs also find a home inside it (bottom).
The Weekend Edition’s second row features a universal tablet mount that allows passengers to bring any compatible device. The Atlas’ available Media Control feature packs Wi-Fi tech on demand.
Other Volkswagen accessories built into the Atlas Weekend Edition include: Window and hood deflectors, a heavy-duty trunk liner with seat-back coverage, a privacy cargo cover, all-weather rubber mats, splashguards and wheel locks.