Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leaked ahead of debut

In March this year, Volkswagen unveiled the Atlas Cross Sport Concept at the New York International Auto Show. Fast forward a few months, and we now have our first unofficial look at the production version of the crossover thanks to Autohome.

The final product bears a lot of resemblance to the concept, although some aspects have been toned down or removed altogether. Up front, the wide grille features chrome slats rather than LED lighting, with the headlamp clusters being properly integrated to create a seamless look.

The lower apron also sees the “wing” piece being inverted compared to what you’ll find on the concept. Along the sides, the muscular wheel arches are retained, but the door handles are no longer placed on the prominent line as seen on the show car. Further down, the sculpted section near the door sills have also been simplified with body trim.

Focusing on the rear, we find familiar cues like the notched taillights which are linked by a thin chrome strip. Exhaust outlets are integrated in the lower portion of the bumper, with slim fog lamps/reflectors just above them, separated by another chrome strip.

Despite the revisions, the overall profile of the crossover is pretty much identical to the concept, making it a lot sportier in appearance compared to the regular Atlas. Like its sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport will be built on Volkswagen’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, but it will only be available with five seats instead of seven.

In terms of dimensions, the Atlas Cross Sport measures 4,905 mm long, 1,989 mm wide, 1,719 mm tall and has a 2,980 mm wheelbase. Aside from the overall vehicle length and height, the remaining figures are identical to the Atlas’.

Motivation should be provided by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder TSI turbocharged engine (238 PS) like with the Atlas, with the option of a 3.6 litre VR6 with 280 PS. An eight-speed transmission will be paired with the engine, and buyers will likely get a choice of front- and all-wheel drive.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept