The Amarok pickup from Volkswagen begins its international career as a Double Cab with a four-door body that offers impressive space. The two-door Single Cab version that permits a longer truck bed will follow in the first half of 2011. Volkswagen Amarok customers can choose from three different driveline versions: permanent all-wheel drive, selectable four-wheel drive (both 4MOTION) and rear-wheel drive (4×2). The latter represents the entry-level version and should appeal to customers who are mainly interested in the pickup’s body styling and versatility of its use. The two all-wheel versions are right at home in all terrains.
The VW Amarok 4MOTION with selectable four-wheel drive and a red “4″ in the signature is the ideal choice for journeys over hill and dale. It utilizes a rigid lock for its four-wheel drive, a feature that is practice-proven in the pickup segment. When it is engaged at the press of a button, it produces solid power transfer to the axles. For the most difficult jobs, there is also reduced off-road gearing that makes complicated off-road passages easy to master. Even 100 percent inclines with a slope angle of 45 degrees at full payload are no obstacle. At the same time, the progressively tuned Heavy Duty spring package with three main and two auxiliary spring packs assures a high overload safety factor and uniform comfort in all load situations.
On the powertrain side, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is introducing a sparkling technological achievement right at the VW Amarok’s market launch: With 120 kW / 163 PS in power and 2.0 litre displacement, the TDI features common rail direct injection with two-stage control bi-turbo charging and generates a maximum torque of 400 Newton-meter at a low 1,500 rpm. This superior performance contrasts with a remarkably low combined fuel consumption of just 7.6 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (Amarok 4×2).
The second engine variant, following in mid-2010, is another TDI four cylinder with 90 kW / 122 PS. Its technology includes a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The “small” TDI already develops an impressive torque of 340 Newton-meter from 2,000 rpm. This TDI consumes just 7.5 l/100 km. And so, both TDIs break the 200 g/km CO2 emissions limit that was considered a barrier in this class. Refueling becomes a side issue with the Volkswagen Amarok with ranges of more than 1,000 kilometres, enabled by their low combined fuel consumptions. The turbo-diesel direct-injection engines also fulfil the Euro-5 emissions standard. The pickup comes with a standard six speed transmission.
The Volkswagen Amarok is being launched on the market in three equipment lines. The base version relies on purely mechanical and extremely tough components: window lifts, door locking mechanisms and mirror adjustment are all manual. The front bumper, door handles and mirrors are unpainted, and this makes them ideal for heavy duty use. Other standard features: height-adjustable front seats, variable folding rear bench seat, locking glove box and truck bed lighting. A special feature: the radio and navigation system antennas are integrated in the door mirrors.
One grade higher in convenience features is the Volkswagen Amarok Trendline. On this version, the front bumper, door handles and mirror housings are painted in body colour. Window lifts, door locks and mirror adjusters are all electrically powered. In addition, a radio with CD player, semi-automatic climate control system (Climatic), multi-functional display, cruise control system and front fog lights are all standard equipment. 16-inch alloy wheels emphasize the truck’s strong image.
The VW Amarok Highline offers exclusive features. Building on the Trendline equipment line, the Highline has upgrades such as part-chrome mirror housings, various chrome accents outside and inside the vehicle and fender flares in body colour that create space for 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition, the top equipment line is characterized by a colour contrasting instrument panel (depending on vehicle configuration), an automatic climate control system (Climatronic) that offers exceptional comfort, a higher performance sound system and classy fabric seat covers.
