VW unveils more details of Amarok pick-up

Date: Monday, December 14, 2009

Volkswagen has revealed more information about its all-new entrant in the one-tonne pick-up market, claiming its new Amarok sets class-leading load space in the double cab sector.

On sale from next September in the UK, the Amarok will arrive first in double cab form, with a single cab following in 2011. The double cab can fit a euro pallet in sideways — which VW claims is a sector first — and the load length of 1,550mm, maximum width of 1,620mm and a width between the wheelarches of 1,222mm are all more than anything currently on offer.

Power will come from a choice of two 2.0-litre diesel engines with 163hp and 122hp alternatives; CO2 emissions are claimed to be under 200g/km. VW is quoting agross payload of 1,150kg and a braked towing limit of 2,800kg.

The Amarok, which will be built in Argentina and sold through VW’s commercial vehicle specialist dealers, will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive and switchable four-wheel drive or permanent four-wheel drive, as well as a low range transfer ’box and hill descent control for off-road use. And judging by the pictures, at least the top-spec models will have a six-speed manual gearbox. Another first for this sector.

More detail, including pricing and the full model line-up, will be announced nearer to the launch, but VW has confirmed it’s looking at a basic model for those looking for a working vehicle and a lifestyle version for customers looking at the Amarok as a leisure/lifestyle vehicle.

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