This is Volkswagen's new pick-up geek, the Amarok, designed as a go anywhere, do anything behemoth for bear hunters and yummy mummies alike. Pick-ups are all about the numbers, so if stats are your thing, the Amarok's vitals will make sensational reading. Here goes...
Its payload capacity is 1.15 tonnes, its towing limit 2.8 tonnes, its 2.52 square metres load area 'class leading' and the 1,222mm between its wheel arches equip it with the ability to take Euro pallets sideways - a first for a mid-size pickup. Nelly!
On sale September 2010 (following its debut at the
Geneva Motor Show), it's not just the breadth of the Amarok's load talents that impress, but the fact that it also has a cabin more akin to a VW car than a builder's van. Plus it's four-wheel drive so it can go off road. At launch it will be double-cab only, but a single-cab version with only two doors will appear later: perfect for romantic weekend getaways among young childless lumberjack couples.
Running costs are impressive too, because the 161bhp 2.0-litre TDI under the bonnet is Euro V compliant, emits less than 200g/km of CO
2 and will have a 600-mile range from its 80-litre tank. Its 295lb.ft of torque comes at just 1,500rpm and there will be a cheaper 120bhp version too with 251lb.ft.
January's Dakar rally will see the Amarok debut as a support car, and although there's no pricing info as yet, VW has said it will release a basic version for those with only fundamental lugging needs in mind, alongside more splendiferous version for the 'lifestyle' buyer. We'll keep you posted.
Mark Nichol - 2 Dec 2009