Autocar.co.uk has praised the Amarok

Autocar.co.uk has praised the Amarok in the first UK road test, posted online yesterday from the international launch in Argentina.

Tester Ed Keohane wrote "the Amarok combines excellent off-road abilities with solid, predictable car-like handling" and described the ride as "exceptionally good for a vehicle with a payload of 1150kg." In summary, he added: "Given VW's reputation for build quality and reliability it's safe to say that Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi should be concerned. "

Autocar.co.uk readers also praised the pickup on the site's forum. One wrote: "This VW should have been called the VW Runamok, cos that's what it's going to do amongst those lame Jap Crap 'lifestyle' pickups, lay waste to them."

The road test will be published in Autocar on 24 February.

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI - Road Test

What is it?
The Volkswagen Amarok is VW's first pick-up and a direct competitor for the ubuquitous Toyota Hilux. Built on a platform at the Pacheco factory in Buenos Aires, it's destined for sale across South America, Austalia and New Zealand, as well as Europe.

The Amarok gets a classy, aggressive interpretation of the VW grille, a six-speed gearbox, low-range transfer box, permanent four-wheel drive, locking centre and rear differentials, the latest direct-injection, twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel unit, tuned for 161bhp and 295lb ft, and traction/stability control.

What's it like?
The interior moves the class to the next level. Despite the low spec levels compared to VW's road cars, the build quality is exceptionally good, with tough but well-textured surfaces and an excellent driving position. Car drivers would notice the unusual height of the seats and driving position, but otherwise everything falls under the fingers in exactly the way that it would in, say, a Golf.

The test car, which was fitted to the top spec level, called Highline for the South American market, didn't have sat-nav, but it will be available on UK vehicles.

On the move, the Amarok combines excellent off-road abilities with solid, predictable car-like handling. The combination of a solid, leaf-spring rear axle, mechanical locks on the centre and rear diffs and traction control means that most extreme off-road situations require little more than pressing the accelerator and adjusting the wheel so that it goes in the correct direction.

Where VW's achievement is much more impressive is the on-road refinement. The Amarok does not ride over broken surfaces with the sophistication of the Freelander, but the ride is exceptionally good for a vehicle with a payload of 1150kg. The steering is well weighted, though devoid of much feel, but provides enough feedback on what's going on beneath the tyres to allow fluent, quick progress on the paved Patagonian highways and dirt tracks that made up the 170 mile test route.

Enthusiastic drivers will find that the stability control intervenes earlier than you'd expect in high-speed corners, but the Amarok is naturally stable with it switched off, exhibiting nothing more than a mild, controllable yaw in all but the most provocative manoeuvres.

The diesel engine, which at 2.0 litres is the smallest in its class, has plenty of torque across the rev range, with 295lb ft available from 1500rpm. Overtaking is not brisk and requires planning, but probably matches the performance of a 1.6-litre diesel family hatch.

The only noticeable problem of the downsized unit, compared with the larger unit in the 3.0-litre unit in a Hilux, is the slight lack of low-end torque as the turbo spins up. The lag is minimal – one turbo is tuned for low-end response and another for top-end power – but it can occasionally catch you out in low-grip situations.

The most positive consequence of the downsizing is, of course, the fuel consumption. VW quotes 36.2mpg, which equates to 206g/km of Co2.

Should I buy one?
If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, then the proof of a pick-up is in driving it for 100,000 miles over bumpy roads. That's obviously not possible within the confines of a one-day test, but given VW's reputation for build quality and reliability it's safe to say that Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi should be concerned.

Volkswagen Amarok.

• Amarok sets new standards in 1-tonne pick-up class
• Payload capacity of up to 1.15 tonnes
• Maximum towing limit of 2.8 tonnes
• 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 Centres in September 2010.

The Amarok has a generous payload capacity of up to 1.15 tonnes and maximum towing limit of 2.8 tonnes. 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 wheelarches 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.

Designed to tackle the toughest off-road terrain, the Amarok is offered with an electronic differential lock (EDL) and Off-Road ABS to significantly shorten braking distances in off-road conditions or gravel roads. At speeds of under 20 mph it also activates Hill Descent Assist to control hill descents by using selective braking interventions. Furthermore, the ESP Plus system includes Hill Hold Assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling back by holding it in place on inclines until the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

Under the bonnet there will be a choice of two 2.0-litre fuel-efficient, Euro5 compliant, common rail TDI engines producing 163 PS, with torque of 400 Nm at a low 1,500 rpm, or 122 PS with maximum torque of 340 Nm from 2,000 rpm.

Both engines have a six-speed manual transmission and will have impressive fuel economy with low emissions to make the Amarok the first all-wheel drive pick-up in this class offering CO2 emissions of less than 200 g/km. Like the new Transporter and Caravelle, the Amarok has a gearchange indicator to help drivers achieve the best fuel economy, which with an 80-litre fuel tank should offer a range of over 600 miles.

UK prices and specifications will be confirmed nearer the Amarok’s UK launch. The range is expected to comprise a standard model for customers who need a pick-up that is as robust and practical as possible, to offering all the latest luxury items expected for those using Amarok as a leisure vehicle. An extensive accessories programme will also be offered for the Amarok – from a styling bar and running boards, through a cargo cover and Multi-Connect load securing system to a selection of stylish alloy wheels.

The large and ergonomically designed interior is the largest in its class and in many ways resembles that of a Volkswagen passenger car. Easy entry, lots of headroom and ample legroom for passengers on the rear bench seat make the Amarok a fully-fledged five-seater. If only two people are travelling, interior storage space can be increased by folding the rear seat.

Key markets for the Amarok include South America, South Africa and Australia; in these countries, because of their versatility, pick-ups are some of the most sought after recreational and commercial vehicles. Thanks to its efficient drive technology and tremendous versatility, the Amarok is also expected to be a trendsetter in the contemporary pick-up class in Europe.