It's normal to use a 40-tonne mechanical digger to bring down disused buildings and chimneys, but Volkswagen thought it would let its new Amarok pick-up have a go for a change.

A 67m tall chimney in Reading was scheduled to come down at a former brewery when Volkswagen stepped in to offer the services of four of its new pick-ups. Attached to 200m lengths of rope, the Amaroks simply pulled down the chimney, though each rope was fitted with a quick release device just in case it all got a bit too close for comfort.

The new Amarok goes on sale on 9 May and uses a 161bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Prices start at £21,343 for the four-door double cab, which seems like good value for a car with chimney-toppling credentials.

Alisdair Suttie - 5 May 2011