Volkswagen lifted a page from the Jeep handbook, scoring a hit with the Basecamp concept it introduced at last year’s New York International Auto Show, showing off all the ways its popular Atlas sport-utility vehicle can be customized for outdoor types.
Almost exactly one year later, the VW Atlas Basecamp is set to become reality, the German automaker introducing a line-up of off-road-inspired features and exterior styling options as part of the new Basecamp Accessory Line.
“Our goal is to provide customers with an extensive catalogue of accessory options that cater to their desires for distinctive styling and functionality,” says Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategy at Volkswagen of America. “The public interest and customer enthusiasm sparked by the Atlas Basecamp concept created a strong business case to further explore off-road-themed components for production.”
The Basecamp Line was directly influenced by the 2019 NY show concept, VW notes, where it highlighted such possible accessories as custom wheels, all-terrain tires, roof rack with bike mounts, and LED light bars and a lift kit.
(Check out the original VW Basecamp Concept.)
The Basecamp styling package, the automaker notes in a statement, dresses up the stock Volkswagen Atlas in “two-tone satin silver and textured anthracite front bumper guard, textured anthracite fender flares with integrated splash guards, satin silver side door rocker panels, and satin silver rear valance with trailer hitch access. This kit comes with exclusive front quarter-panel-mounted Basecamp badges that are not offered separately. “
At last year’s show, the automaker focused on as SEL Premium version of the Atlas, but the Basecamp accessories can be added to the entire range of models. The exception is that the styling package is “not recommended” for models without a trailer hitch and isn’t compatible with the Atlas R-Line.
Sadly, it doesn’t appear that the accessory list includes the customized tow-behind camper VW showed off last year.
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The Atlas has become one of Volkswagen’s biggest hits in a number of years. Along with the older Tiguan, SUVs now dominate the marque’s U.S. sales and are expected to continue gaining momentum with the addition of the brand new Atlas Cross Sport, a two-row version of the original, three-row Atlas.
VW will shortly add another crossover slotting in below the Tiguan, while also introducing late this year the ID.4. To no one’s surprise, that model, it’s first long-range electric vehicle earmarked for the U.S., will be an SUV, as well.
We’ll be waiting to see if the launch of the Basecamp Accessory Line for the Atlas will be followed by similar accessories for VW’s other utility vehicles.
Look for the Basecamp line to go on sale this spring.
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