Volkswagen Amarok Turns Ute for Australia

One of the most pick-up loving markets in the world, Australia is now bracing for the arrival of the Volkswagen Amarok, the first pick-up produced by the German manufacturer with world-leading goals. And since Aussies have a special way to describe the pick-ups, the Amarok will be sold locally as the Volkswagen Ute.

The trait which the German auto maker hopes will set the Amarok aside from its competitors is its fuel consumption. With an estimated 7.7l/100 km fuel efficiency, the pick-up is advertised as the most fuel-efficient Ute in its class.

For Australia, the model will be offered in four trim levels, each building in terms of features on the previous trim: entry level, Amarok Trendline, Amarok Highline and Amarok Ultimate. All versions are equipped with the 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

Power from the Amarok comes from a 2.0l TDI400 common rail direct injection diesel engine, good for 161 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque just above idle: 1,500 rpm.

The Amarok promises to be a useful tool as well, as it comes with the promise of 2.52 square meters of load area, enough to allow it to carry Aussie and Euro pallets sideways. The payload capacity is rated at 1.15 metric tons, while the trailer towing capability is somewhere in the vicinity of 2,800 kg of trailer load with 280kg of downball weight.

The Amarok tends to the safety needs of the passengers as well, being equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, head/thorax airbags, ESP, ABS and Hill Descent Assist.

Pricing for the model for the Australian market has not yet been released.