• Amarok sets new standards in 1-tonne pick-up class
• Payload capacity of up to 1.15 tons
• Maximum towing limit of 2.8 tons
• 2.52 m² load area has largest dimensions in its class
• Load area 1,555 mm long,1,620 mm wide
• 1,222 mm between wheelarches to take Euro pallet
• Rear-wheel drive, and switchable or permanent all-wheel drive
• On sale in UK in September 2010
• Double cab available from launch. Single cab to follow in 2011
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released the first official images and more details of its new pick-up, the Amarok.
The Amarok, which will be available as a four-door double cab version from launch with a single cab model to follow in 2011, combines the robustness of a pick-up with innovative technology, high safety standards, excellent fuel economy and Volkswagen standards of comfort, quality and durability.
Production of the Amarok is about to start at the Volkswagen factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina ahead of its worldwide launch starting in its native South America in early 2010 and in Europe next summer, with first models expected to be in UK Volkswagen Van Centers in September 2010.
The Amarok has a generous payload capacity of up to 1.15 tons and maximum towing limit of 2.8 tons. Its 2.52 m² cargo area has the largest dimensions in its class at 1,555 mm long and 1,620 mm wide, plus a best in class width between the wheel arches of 1,222 mm, which means that for the first time on a mid-size pick-up, it is possible to load Euro pallets sideways, saving on space.
The official photos show the Amarok reflects the latest Volkswagen design DNA with frontal styling in line with the latest Transporter and Golf. It is 5.25 m long with a ladder frame chassis and will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive and switchable or permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
For maximum convenience, the switchable all-wheel drive is engaged by the push of a button, and also has low off-road gearing.
The full-time all-wheel drive version is a rarity in the pick-up sector, and uses a Torsen differential to distribute drive at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles for excellent vehicle dynamics and high traction, and also ensures that the wheel with the best traction always gets the most power. A rear differential lock is available.