 Volkswagen
Amarok announced for Australia
2nd December 2009
With the Amarok, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now also entering the
segment of mid-range utes, representing an annual market volume of two
million vehicles worldwide. The Amarok is not only the fourth model series
of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, it is also the first 1-tonne
class ute to be developed in Germany. The new model unifies the robustness
demanded of a ute with innovative technology, high safety standards and top
values in fuel efficiency, comfort and ergonomics. Production is about ready
to begin at the “Pacheco” plant in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The
Amarok is launching worldwide in a four-door version with “double cab” – a
“single cab” will debut in the first half of 2011. Conceptually and
stylistically, the Amarok – up to 5.25 meter long – is a ute that looks like
it came right out of the pages of a stylish copybook. Its body, set upon a
ladder frame, clearly reflects properties of the new Volkswagen design DNA.
As usual, the emphasis here is on horizontal lines, a clear interplay of
surfaces and precision.
 Unifying
the horizontal headlights and grille into a single design element is a
characteristic of the Volkswagen face for the new era. The louvres and
decorative trim of the radiator grille are styled with a distinctive love
for detail. Extending back from the front face is a surface that develops
over the fender contour to the side windows and encloses them in an arch.
The defined curvatures of the side panels and engine bonnet lend the
sculpted Amarok a truck-like stability supported by amply sized wheel
housings.
Finally, the Volkswagen logo crowns the smooth surface of the
tailgate, framed by rear lights whose distinctive signature is a
characteristic night design. Even in the styling of the bumper and its form
fit to the truck body, the high standards of its designers show through, and
this sets the Amarok apart from the competitive field as a genuine
Volkswagen with quality and precision.
Cultivated, powerful
and efficient: Robust TDI engines with innovative technology
For
the powertrain, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has chosen two reliable,
fuel-efficient and clean high-tech turbo-diesels for the ute’s market
launch. The 120 kW strong 2.0 TDI with common rail injection has two-stage
bi-turbo turbocharging, which generates a torque of 400 Newton-meters at a
low 1,500 rpm. Another four-cylinder TDI with 90 kW will follow as a second
engine variant in mid-2010. It has a turbocharger with variable turbine
geometry and develops a maximum torque of 340 Newton-meters from 2,000 rpm.
Both engines are paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
In
addition to their agile responsiveness, the two engines dazzle with their
extremely low – and for the entire market segment pioneering – fuel
consumption values. Take the Amarok with switchable all-wheel drive as an
example. Even in this 4x4 version, the 90kW TDI consumes just 7.6 litres per
100 kilometres (equivalent to 199 g/km CO2). In the case of the 120kW TDI,
fuel consumption is also very economical at 7.8 litres (206 g/km CO2). This
is the first time an all-wheel drive vehicle has been offered in this class
whose CO2 emissions are less than 200 grams. Thanks to its 80-litre tank,
the ute is also capable of ranges of over 1,000 kilometres! All Amarok utes
are equipped with an upshift indicator as well to assist drivers in
attaining an economical mode of driving.
 Three
drive variants:Dynamic and safe on all roads
For power
transfer, three different drive concepts are offered – each tailored for a
specific market: full-time all-wheel drive, switchable all-wheel drive and
rear-wheel drive. In the base version, the Amarok has rear-wheel drive. This
version is intended for customers who mainly chose the ute for its body form
and its versatility.
The two all-wheel drive variants are right at
home on all terrains. The ideal choice for journeys up hill and down dale is
the Amarok 4MOTION with switchable all-wheel drive and a red “4” in its
signature. Making its appearance with full-time all-wheel drive and greater
comfort is the Amarok 4MOTION with a black “4”. It exhibits the same vehicle
dynamics advantages offered by all-wheel drive, but for paved roads.
The Amarok with switchable all-wheel drive uses a positive clutch that is
practice proven in the ute segment. When engaged by the push of a button, it
produces rigid power transfer between the axles. For the most difficult
jobs, low off-road gearing is also provided, making it easy to take on
complicated off-road passages; the truck can even conquer 100 percent
gradients with full cargo loading. The progressively tuned heavy-duty spring
pack guarantees a high overload safety factor with its three main and two
auxiliary spring plates.
The full-time all-wheel drive version is a
rarity in its class. The Torsen differential distributes drive forces at a
40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles, and this simultaneously assures
both excellent vehicle dynamics and high traction. In addition, selective
braking interventions in tough terrain ensure that the wheel with the best
traction always gets the most engine power. This drive concept is paired
with a chassis that was specially tuned for comfort.
An optional
rear differential lock is available for all drive types.
From
utility truck to lifestyle ute:Three equipment lines for a wide range of
demands
Three equipment lines are available on the Amarok. The
base version relies on purely mechanical and extremely robust components –
with manual operation of the windows, door locks and mirror adjustment. The
front bumper, door handles and mirrors are not painted, making them ideal
for heavy duty use. The base version stands on standard 16-inch steel. Other
standard features: height-adjustable front seats, variable folding rear
bench seat, locking glove compartment and cargo platform lighting. A special
feature: antennas integrated in the outside mirrors.
 One
grade more luxurious is the Amarok Trendline. On this version, the front
bumper, door handles and mirror housings are painted in body colour. Window
lifts, door locking and mirror adjustment are all electrically operated. In
addition, a radio with CD player, climate control (Climatic),
multi-functional display, cruise control system and front fog lights are all
standard equipment. 16-inch aluminium wheels underscore the truck’s strong
appearance.
The exclusive Amarok Highline is equipped for enhanced
comfort. Building on the Trendline equipment line, the Highline is upgraded
by features such as part-chrome mirror housings, various chrome accents
outside and inside the vehicle and fender skirt extensions in body colour
that create space for 17-inch aluminium wheels. In addition, the top
equipment line is characterised by a colour contrasting instrument panel
depending on vehicle configuration, automatic climate control (Climatronic),
leather detailing, an even higher end sound system and elegant fabric seat
covers.
Besides this wide range of features, an extensive accessories
programme is also offered for the Amarok – from a styling bar to running
boards, cargo cover and Multi-Connect load securing system (standard from
Trendline) and a selection of alloy wheels.
Lots of space for
occupants and cargo: Generously sized interior and widest load space in its
class
Interior: The large and ergonomically designed interior,
the largest in its class, bears a close resemblance to other Volkswagen
models. Easy entry, generous space and lots of headroom characterise the
“workplace” behind the steering wheel. These properties and ample legroom
for passengers on the rear bench make the Amarok a full-fledged five-seater.
When just two persons are aboard, interior storage space can be increased by
folding the tall rear seat.
Exterior: The Amarok’s cargo area
delivers the largest dimensions of its class. On a truck bed height of just
525 millimetres, the cargo area measures 2.52 square meters (1,555
millimetre length, 1,620 millimetre width). But that is not all: Also “Best
in class” is the 1,222 millimetre width between wheel wells. For the first
time on a mid-size ute, it is possible to load Euro pallets sideways, saving
on space. Thanks to its large dimensions and a payload capacity of up to
1.15 tonnes, sports equipment like quads and bulky machinery can also be
transported. Four tie-down eyes in the corners of the truck bed protect
cargo during the drive. In addition, the (optional) towbar can handle up to
2.8 tonnes trailer load.
 Four
airbags, ESP, ASR, ABS and assistance systems: The Amarok sets standards in
its class for safety
The Amarok has height-adjustable head
restraints and seatbelts at all five of its seating positions. The belts on
the front seats are equipped with belt tensioners and are coupled to a
visual and acoustic belt warning system. Side curtain airbags for head
protection are also available for the driver and front passenger. ABS and
ASR are standard features on the Amarok as is the electronic differential
lock (EDL). Another standard feature activated by pushbutton is Off-Road
ABS, which significantly shortens braking distances on off-road trails and
gravel roads. If the optional ESP system is installed, when Offroad-ABS is
enabled at vehicle speeds under 30 km/h this also activates Hill Descent
Assist. It keeps driving speed constant by selective braking interventions,
enabling safe and controlled hill descents. For the first time in this
vehicle class, when driving under 30 km/h the driver can individually set
the driving speed for the given descent conditions by braking and
accelerating.
Furthermore, all vehicles are equipped with ESP plus
Hill Hold Assist, which holds the vehicle in place while driving uphill
until the driver presses the accelerator pedal enough to prevent rolling
back.
Launch in South America; to be followed by Australia
and South Africa as well as Europe
Key markets for the Amarok
are South America, South Africa and Australia; in these markets utes are
some of the most sought after recreational and commercial vehicles, because
of their versatility. Thanks to its efficient drive technology and
tremendous versatility, the Amarok is also expected to be a trendsetter in
the contemporary ute class in Europe. Its market launch in South America is
scheduled for early 2010, and Australia will follow in the second half of
2010.
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