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Volkswagen Amarok here next week

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Volkswagen Amarok

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Volkswagen Amarok

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Volkswagen Amarok

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Volkswagen Amarok Trendline

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Volkswagen Amarok Highline

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Volkswagen Amarok Highline

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Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate

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Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate

Home > News > Volkswagen

21st February, 2011

With the new Amarok, Volkswagen is presenting a new-comer for their Australian line-up. The Argentine-manufactured Volkswagen Amarok will go into a showroom battle with Next Car favourites, the Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Hi-Lux along with other strong competitors, such as the Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado, Ford Ranger and Mahindra Pik-Up.

The engine of the VW Amarok – a boosted direct injection diesel – will set competitive standards when it comes to fuel economy and emissions, although the lack of an automatic transmission will hamper sales especially in metropolitan areas.

The ute’s active and passive safety systems and convenience features are to modern day standards, unlike, for example, the cheap ute from Great Wall.

Many of the technologies implemented in the Amarok are being used for the first time in the 'Japanese' ute segment. They include Bi-Turbo charging of the engine and an optional permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive with Torsen differential, which is one of three driveline options of the new model. In terms of its space, load area width and height and cargo loading abilities, the new Amarok is amongst the class leaders. Although when it comes to towing capacity, the new VW Amarok falls short.

The ute from Volkswagen begins its Australian career as a Dual Cab with a four-door body that offers space for five adults. The two-door Single Cab version that permits a longer load area will arrive in 2012. In both concept and style, the VW Amarok is clearly influenced by the new Volkswagen Design 'DNA'. This is reflected in its typical emphasis of horizontal lines, in the interplay of body surfaces and precision of its workmanship.

Specifically, one of its most prominent identifying features is the visual unit formed by the horizontal headlights and radiator grille with its louvers and decorative trim accents. Extending back from the vehicle’s front face is a surface that develops over the guard contour to the side windows and encloses them in an arch. The cleanly sculpted curvatures of the ute’s side body panels and engine bonnet give the Volkswagen Amarok the typical rugged look of a Japanese-styled ute. At the rear, a prominent Volkswagen logo is on the tailgate.

TDI engine

On the powertrain side, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is introducing a technological achievement at the Amarok’s market launch: With 120 kW in power and 2.0 litre displacement, the TDI 400 features common rail direct injection with two stage control bi-turbo charging and generates a maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres at 1,500 rpm. The combined cycle fuel consumption is 7.7 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (Amarok 2WD). The 4MOTION variants have consumption figures of 7.9 litres per 100 km. These consumption figures are based on standard test formulas.

Transmission

All Amarok models have six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is not available.

Driveline

Amarok customers can choose from three different driveline versions: permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION), selectable four-wheel drive (4MOTION), and rear-wheel drive (2WD). The latter represents the entry-level version and should appeal to customers who are mainly interested in the ute’s practicality.

The Amarok 4MOTION with selectable four-wheel drive and a red “4” in the signature is the ideal choice for journeys over all terrains. When 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 easier to master. 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.

The Amarok 4MOTION with a black “4” is optional on the Amarok Ultimate with permanent all-wheel drive and greater comfort. It exploits the advantages of all-wheel drive for superior vehicle dynamics on paved roads too. Its Torsen differential is a rarity in its class. It distributes drive forces variably between the front and rear axles; in the default setting, power is distributed 40:60. This results in excellent vehicle dynamics combined with high traction.

All drivelines also have an electronic differential lock that utilises automatic braking intervention; this system improves traction on all types of road surfaces. Moreover, a rear differential lock is standard for rugged Amarok driving conditions on all 4MOTION variants and is an option on the Amarok 2WD variants.

Brakes

Disc brakes upfront and drum brakes at the rear.

Equipment lines

The Volkswagen Amarok is launching on the Australian market in four equipment lines. The entry model relies on mechanical and extremely tough components: electric windows, remote central locking and electrically adjustable door mirrors are all standard. The interior comes with rubber floor covering to reflect the heavy duty credentials. Standard comfort features include Climatic air-conditioning, driver and front passenger seats with height adjustment as well as interior grab handles. The bumpers, door handles and mirrors are unpainted, and this makes them ideal for heavy duty use. Other standard features: variable folding rear bench seat, locking glove box and load area lighting. A special feature: the radio antenna is integrated in the door mirrors. The Amarok comes in 2WD rear-wheel drive and optional selectable 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

One grade higher is the Amarok Trendline. On this version, the front bumper, door handles and mirror housings are painted in body colour. The rear bumper comes with an integrated step. In addition, multi-functional display, cruise control and front fog lights are all standard equipment. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels emphasise the Amarok’s strong image. The cabin of the Amarok Trendline comes with carpet floor covering as well as drawers under the front seats. This version is available in selectable 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

The Amarok Highline offers exclusive features. Building on the Trendline equipment line, the Highline has upgrades such as a rear bumper with chrome details, part-chrome mirror housings, various chrome accents outside and inside the vehicle and mudguard flares in body colour that provide space for 18-inch alloy wheels.

In addition, this equipment line is characterised 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 high-quality fabric seat covers. Other impressive features include an alarm with back-up horn, privacy glass in the rear, leather gearshift knobs and handbrake lever as well as a leather steering wheel. The Amarok Highline comes in selectable 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

The Amarok Ultimate is the most exclusive equipment level. Some distinguishing features above the Amarok Highline are leather seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, side steps, stainless steel sports bars and ‘Ultimate’ badging. The Amarok Ultimate comes in both optional permanent all-wheel drive 4MOTION and selectable 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

In addition to the ute’s numerous standard features, an extensive accessories programme is being offered for the Amarok as well – accessories range from a styling bar to side steps, cargo cover, the versatile MultiConnect mounting system and a selection of alloy wheels.

Interior

The vehicle’s exceptional interior dimensions make it amongst the most spacious in its class. The vehicle’s ergonomics are typical of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Easy entry, a generous seating lay-out and lots of head room characterise the workspace behind the wheel. When only two persons are aboard, the fold-up rear seat and folding backrest increase interior cargo space.

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Load area

It measures 1,555 mm long by 1,620 mm wide, yielding a load area of 2.52 m2. And that’s not all. There is a maximum load width of 1,222 mm between the wheel wells. For the first time on a mid-size ute, this makes it possible to load Aussie and Euro pallets sideways, a space-saving feature. It is easy to transport sports equipment like quads as well as bulky machinery, thanks to its large dimensions, load sill height of 780 mm and payload capacity of up to 1.15 metric tonnes. Four lashing eyes at the corners of the load area have the prospect of protecting cargo during the drive. When towing a trailer, the ute can handle up to 2,800 kg of trailer load with 280 kg of down ball weight.

Safety

Along with driver and front passenger airbags, there are also head/thorax airbags. Also included are height-adjustable head restraints and three-point safety belts at all seating positions. In front, the belts have belt tensioners and on the driver’s side a visual and acoustic belt warning system.

Numerous other features guarantee a high level of active safety as well. For example, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Brake Assist is standard equipment. Another feature contributing to safety is “Off-Road Mode” – activated by the press of a button – which is enabled up to a vehicle speed of 130 km/h. In this mode, the ESP system, electronic differential locks (EDL), anti-slip regulation (ASR) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are all tuned for challenging off-road conditions.

The ABS system can reduce braking distance both off-road and on gravel road surfaces, often significantly depending on the road composition. When “Off-Road Mode” is activated while the ute is driven at less than 30 km/h, Hill Descent Assist is also activated; it holds driving speed constant on steep descents by means of targeted brake actuations. For the first time in this class, when Hill Descent Assist is activated the driver can individually adapt the vehicle’s speed to a driving situation by accelerating or braking, including in the neutral gear position.

Prices* (MLP*)

Volkswagen Amarok RWD dual cab utility
Amarok: TDI 400 120 kW, two-wheel drive, 6 Speed Manual $33,990*

Volkswagen Amarok 4MOTION dual cab utility
Amarok: TDI 400 120 kW, Selectable four-wheel drive, 6 Speed Manual $43,990*
Amarok Trendline: TDI 400 120 kW, Selectable four-wheel drive, 6 Speed Manual $47,990*
Amarok Highline: TDI 400 120 kW, Selectable four-wheel drive, 6 Speed Manual $52,990*
Amarok Ultimate: TDI 400 120 kW, Selectable four-wheel drive, 6 Speed Manual $58,490*
Amarok Ultimate: TDI 400 120 kW, Permanent four-wheel drive, 6 Speed Manual $58,490*

NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice.


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