I remember the day vividly, the crisp autumn air hinting at the first signs of winter. It was one of those rare occasions when a prototype vehicle was available for a test drive, and I was eager to get behind the wheel of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The anticipation was palpable, as this was more than just a chance to test out a new car—it was an opportunity to experience a vehicle that was still in its prototype stage.
Arriving at the dealership early in the morning, I was greeted by the sight of the Atlas Cross Sport standing proudly under the showroom lights. The first thing that struck me was its bold design. Unlike the more traditional, boxy appearance of the standard Atlas, the Cross Sport had a sleek, aggressive stance that was instantly appealing. Its sloping roofline and wide stance gave it a sportier, more dynamic look, as if it was ready to pounce at any moment.
After a brief introduction and overview of the vehicle’s features from the Volkswagen team, I was handed the keys and given a quick rundown of the prototype’s specs. The Cross Sport was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which was expected to deliver a satisfying blend of power and efficiency. The interior, though not quite finalized, was already showing signs of Volkswagen’s commitment to quality and comfort. The cabin was spacious, with ample room for both front and rear passengers, and featured a modern, tech-centric design that included a large touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster.
As I settled into the driver’s seat and adjusted the mirrors, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with a bit of nervousness. This was a prototype, after all, and I was about to take it for a spin before it even hit the production line. The engine roared to life with a satisfying growl, and I could immediately feel the responsive nature of the throttle.
The initial drive was a gentle jaunt around the city streets. I was impressed by the smoothness of the ride; the Cross Sport handled city driving with ease, its suspension absorbing the imperfections of the road effortlessly. The steering felt precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback and making the vehicle feel nimble despite its size. It was clear that Volkswagen had put a lot of thought into the vehicle’s driving dynamics, aiming to blend comfort with sportiness.
As we ventured out of the city and onto the highway, I was able to test the Cross Sport’s performance at higher speeds. The turbocharged engine delivered a satisfying amount of power, and the acceleration was brisk without being overly aggressive. The engine’s growl became more pronounced under hard acceleration, adding a bit of excitement to the driving experience. The prototype was equipped with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifted smoothly and contributed to the vehicle’s overall sense of refinement.
One of the standout features of the Cross Sport was its advanced driver-assistance technologies. Even in this prototype stage, the vehicle was equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features worked seamlessly, providing an added layer of confidence and safety on the road. The adaptive cruise control maintained a steady pace and adjusted to the flow of traffic with minimal intervention from me, while the lane-keeping assist subtly nudged the steering wheel to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
As I continued my drive, I took the opportunity to test the Cross Sport’s handling on some winding back roads. Here, the vehicle’s sportier character truly came to life. The body felt well-controlled through corners, and the steering remained responsive and engaging. The Cross Sport’s chassis felt composed and confident, making it a pleasure to drive on more challenging roads. Even though it was a prototype, the engineering and design were evident, and I could sense the potential for a truly enjoyable driving experience once the vehicle reached production.
Returning to the dealership, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the Atlas Cross Sport had exceeded my expectations. The prototype had demonstrated a strong balance of performance, comfort, and technology, all wrapped in a strikingly modern design. It was clear that Volkswagen had taken a bold step with this new model, aiming to appeal to drivers who wanted a blend of practicality and excitement in their SUV.
As I handed back the keys and thanked the team for the opportunity, I felt a sense of satisfaction. Driving the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport prototype had been an exhilarating experience, offering a glimpse into the future of Volkswagen’s SUV lineup. It was a reminder of how much innovation and passion go into creating a new vehicle, and I eagerly anticipated the day when the Cross Sport would make its official debut on the market.