"Power output has long since parted ways with engine displacement." This is true. There was a time when power output was proportional to engine displacement, but nowadays, generating high power from low displacement has become the leading technology of downsizing.
The Volkswagen Atlas, a mid-size SUV, exemplifies this. The engine displacement of this vehicle is 1984cc. However, Volkswagen classifies this vehicle as an outdoor-specialized SUV. It can easily tow jet skis and KARA caravans. Its maximum towing capacity is 2.2 tons, thanks to its strong heart, generating 269 horsepower and a maximum torque of 37.7 kg.m from its 2-liter engine.
When summer arrives, a massive migration of outdoor enthusiasts begins everywhere from the sea to the mountains and lakes. This is different from a light outing with just a few camping gear. Camping trips with a connected caravan, or water leisure activities with jet skis or motorboats heading towards lakes or the sea, have become significantly more dependent on equipment than before.
Due to the nature of having to tow heavy equipment or transport a lot of cargo, there is a perception among outdoor enthusiasts that vehicle selection determines their range of activities. It needs to have a large body and be powerful, and it must be able to reliably tow heavy and large equipment such as caravans and jet skis, while also providing a spacious area for loading equipment and performance that minimizes fatigue during long-distance drives.
The newly launched Volkswagen 'New Atlas' in May targets these needs perfectly. It has a towing capacity of up to 2.2 tons, capable of easily pulling caravans, motorboats, and jet skis, and is optimized for outdoor activities with its class-longest body, spacious interior, and cargo space, along with a standard towing device. The Volkswagen Atlas offers outdoor enthusiasts a new option as a 'versatile outdoor SUV' that encompasses camping, water leisure, and long-distance travel.
▲Powerful gasoline engine and AWD system, plus towing device
When consumers consider large SUVs for towing leisure activities, the most important factors are maximum towing capacity, body structure, and engine performance (especially torque). The Volkswagen Atlas offers a spacious interior in a 7-seater large SUV with ample loading capacity and can effortlessly transport caravans or camping trailers. In particular, the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system that influences driving stability and off-road capability makes the journey to the campsite safer and more flexible.
The new Atlas comes with a trailer hitch (towing device) as standard, enabling convenient enjoyment of various outdoor and leisure activities without the need for structural modifications. As a result, it can tow trailers, KARA caravans, and more, with a maximum towing capacity of approximately 2,268 kg. (Trailer hitch sold separately)
It is equipped with the EA888 evo4 2.0L inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo TSI engine, producing a powerful 273 horsepower (PS) and maximum torque of 37.7 kg·m. Notably, it delivers maximum torque in a practical range of 1,600–4,750 rpm, providing a lively driving experience even in everyday driving.
Additionally, it comes standard with an electronically controlled advanced 4MOTION AWD system that reliably delivers driving force on various surfaces, including unpaved roads leading to campsites. Along with eco/comfort/sport/custom modes, the 'active control & driving mode selection' feature provides off-road and snow modes for optimal driving performance in various environments.
The powerful yet efficient powertrain combines with the Atlas's aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.33, boasting a respectable domestic certified fuel efficiency of 8.5 km/L (7.6 km/L in urban areas / 10.1 km/L on highways). Despite its class-largest body size, it offers advantages such as reduced motor vehicle taxes due to its compact engine displacement.
▲'Flat floor' and 'space variability'
Among the standout features of the new Atlas is its interior space. The Atlas is built on Volkswagen Group's innovative MQB modular platform and is the largest model currently available in the South Korean market, measuring 5,095 mm in length, making it the longest among large SUVs of its class. Its width is 1,990 mm and its height is 1,780 mm.
Based on its large body, it is available in 6 or 7-seater models, with independent captain seats or 3-seat benches in the second row, depending on passenger capacity. The 7-seater model is equipped with a 3-seat bench type seat in the second row that supports 60:40 folding, allowing many passengers to board comfortably, while the captain seats in the 6-seater model maximize comfort for second-row passengers.
Unlike many competitors that have third-row seats merely for appearances and are uncomfortable for real passengers, the third-row seats of the Atlas are said to be comfortable enough for adults during long rides. Differing from competitors with a 3-seat third row, the Atlas has a 2-seat third row to create a wider and more spacious area, ensuring ample legroom for both the second and third-row seats. There are also plenty of vents, cup holders, and USB ports available for third-row passengers, allowing 6 to 7 adults to travel together comfortably.
The excellent and versatile space utility is considered the greatest advantage of the Atlas. The trunk capacity reaches an impressive 583 liters when not folded, 1,572 liters with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,735 liters with the second row folded. Depending on the situation, the second and third-row seats can be partially or fully folded for various space utilizations. Particularly, the 'flat folding' feature, which offers a flat floor space when all seats are folded, boasts unparalleled space utility in any environment, making it suitable for various outdoor leisure activities such as camping, surfing, and fishing.
The Atlas is equipped with excellent collision safety and boasts advanced driver assistance features that Volkswagen is proud of. It was recognized in the 2024 United States Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test as a 'Top Safety Pick,' proving its outstanding safety, and it features Volkswagen's innovative driver assistance system 'IQ.Drive.'
IQ.Drive integrates various advanced driving assistance features, including 'adaptive cruise control' that supports stopping and restarting in the 0-200 km/h speed range, 'travel assist' that helps with acceleration, braking, and steering on long drives to reduce driving fatigue, 'blind spot monitoring', 'rear traffic alert system and exit warning system', 'forward collision warning front assist and emergency braking system', 'emergency assist', and 'lane keeping lane assist' to help ensure safe driving in any situation.
Additionally, various conveniences that support a pleasant daily life and outdoor life, such as 'area view' for safe and convenient parking in tight spaces, 'remote start function', 'heated and ventilated front seats', and 'three-zone Climatronic automatic air conditioning' are equipped.
The new Volkswagen Atlas is available in a single trim, the 2.0 TSI 4MOTION R-Line, priced at 67,710,000 won for the R-Line 7-seater and 68,486,000 won for the R-Line 6-seater (*including VAT, with a special consumption tax of 3.5% applied).
New Atlas buyers can receive purchase benefits, such as up to 2 million won if they sell their previously owned vehicle through a trade-in method, and a repurchase benefit of 1 million won if they purchase the new Atlas while owning a Volkswagen vehicle.
Additionally, 'Volkswagen certified black box installation' and 'welcome kit' are provided, as well as a '5-year/150,000 km warranty extension program' for black boxes, a '3-year service program', 'total care service' for accident repair support with up to 500,000 won per incident covered for up to 5 incidents in the first year without mileage limitations, and a 'body protection program' that compensates for restoration costs (sheet metal and paint) in case of dents and scratches to designated vehicle areas within 1 year/20,000 km and up to 2 million won per repair, along with a 'parts protection program' that covers replacement repair costs for front windshields, side mirrors, and tire damages within 1 year/20,000 km and limits to one instance. These premium care services significantly reduce the burden of vehicle maintenance expenses.
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