The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a US-only SUV/Coupe thing

Our avid readers from across the pond will recognise the above as the Volkswagen Atlas. But wait, this is no standard Atlas SUV – this is the new, less practical, five-seat coupe-fied version of the Volkswagen Atlas known as the Cross Sport.

Forget the obvious impracticalities for a moment, though, and let us know in the comments below what you think of the Cross Sport’s looks compared to the standard Atlas (non-Americans – Google it).

The Cross Sport is 7cm shorter and almost 6cm lower than its seven-seat sibling, and there are new lights and a three-bar chrome grille up front. The rear-end gets the biggest update of course, with a raked boot, more new lights and a new rear bumper featuring some of the worst fake exhausts we’ve seen this year.

There are chunky arches, though, and R-Line models get even sportier bumpers and the option of 21-inch wheels. In total there are eight - yes eight - different trim levels.

Only two engines are available, both of which burn petrol rather than diesel. The largest of the two is a 276bhp V6, whilst the smaller is a turbocharged four-cylinder with 235bhp. Both are connected to an eight-speed auto ‘box and are available with all-wheel-drive. There’s plenty of safety tech too, with the base model getting Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert.

Inside, the Americans don’t get the option of the Touareg’s 15-inch Innovision Cockpit so have to make do with a smaller screen, but there are still customisable digital dials on SEL models. Trim level permitting, you can also get heated rear seats, a Fender Premium Audio System and much more besides.

Plus, you’ll get access to VW’s Car-Net system which allows you to control a whole host of features – including starting the engine – via an app on your phone. Occupants will then be able to connect four different devices to a Car-Net hotspot.

Waddya reckon?