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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released the first official images and more reportsof 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 tag along in 2011, merges the sturdiness of a pick-up with innovative technology, high safety standards, admirable fuel economy and Volkswagen standards of comfort, quality and stability.

Production of the Amarok is ready tostart 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 preliminary models expected to be in UK Volkswagen Van Centres in September 2010.

The Amarok has a liberal payload capacity of up to 1.15 tonnes and maximum towing limit of 2.8 tonnes.  Its 2.52 m² cargo area has the biggestdimensions in its class at 1,555 mm long and 1,620 mm wide, additionallya best in class width between the wheelarches of 1,222 mm, which implies thatfor the first time on a mid-size pick-up, it is possible to stack Euro pallets sideways, saving on space.

The official photos show the Amarok imitates the latest Volkswagen design DNA with frontal styling in line with the latesta Torsen differential to distribute drive at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles for outstanding vehicle dynamics and high traction, and also ensures that the wheel with the finesttraction always obtains the most power.  A rear differential lock is is also presented.

devisedto tackle the rough off-road terrain, the Amarok is offered with an electronic differential lock (EDL) and Off-Road ABS to considerably cut down braking distances in off-road conditions or gravel roads.  At speeds of under 20 mph it also triggersHill Descent Assist to control hill descents by utilizing selective braking interventions.  Furthermore, the ESP Plus system containsHill Hold Assist, which checks the vehicle from rolling back by holding itin place on inclines till the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

Under the bonnet there will be a option oftwo 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 very littleemissions to make the Amarok the first all-wheel drive pick-up in this series givingCO₂ emissions of under 200 g/km.  Similar to the new Transporter and Caravelle, the Amarok has a gear shift makerto help drivers attain the goodfuel economy, which with an 80-litre fuel tank mustoffer a range of over 600 miles.

UK ratesand specifications will be confirmed nearer the Amarok’s UK launch.  The range is expected to comprise a standard model for consumers who requirea pick-up that is as sturdy and convenientas possible, to offering all the up to dateluxury items expected for those using Amarok as a leisure vehicle.  An extensive accessories programme will also be presented for the Amarok – from a styling bar and running boards, through a cargo cover and Multi-Connect load securing arrangementto a variety ofstylish alloy wheels.

The heftyand ergonomically planned interior is the biggest in its division and in severalways strikes a chord with that of a Volkswagen passenger car.  Easy entry, plenty ofheadroom and ample legroom for passengers on the back bench seat make the Amarok a fully-fledged five-seater.  If only two people are travelling, interior storage space can be enlargedby folding the back seat.

specificmarkets for the Amarok include South America, South Africa and Australia; in these countries, due totheir flexibility, pick-ups are some of the most chosenrecreational and commercial vehicles.   As e result of its efficient drive technology and marvelous versatility, the Amarok is also anticipatedto be a leader in the contemporary pick-up class in Europe.

Volkswagen will be placingthe Amarok to the test as a support vehicle in the tough Dakar rally in South America in January.  For the meantime to see more of the Amarok and to sign up for Amarok informationand events previous to its UK launch, go to www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/amarok.

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