The vw Amarok pick-up truck marks Volkswagen's official entry to the mid-range pick-up segment of the market. It is also the first 1-ton class pick-up to be developed in Germany. The Amarok is regarded by many as a sharp departure from what they've been using to seeing Volkswagen roll out. The truck will be available as a four-door version with double cab the single cab version is set to arrive in the first half of 2011. Buyers can choose from two engines. First, there's the 2.0 TDI with common rail injection engine, which develops 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm. Then there's the four-cylinder TDI, which will be added to the lineup in the first half of 2010. To control the engine, there is a 6-speed manual transmission, which will be the single one available for both engines.
The engines' power will be taken to the ground by the use of three drive concepts: full-time all-wheel drive, switchable all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Interestingly, the base version of the Amarok comes in rear-wheel drive. The Amarok uses the full-time all-wheel drive and has a drivetrain (which is not typical in this type of car) that is made up of Torsen differential which delivers the power in a 40:60 ratio.
At the dealerships, potential buyers will be offered a choice from three trim levels: Base, Trendline and Highline. Base is characterized by manual operated windows, unpainted front bumper, door handles and mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, height-adjustable front seats, variable folding rear bench seat, locking glove compartment and cargo platform lighting. Meanwhile, Trendline offers body color front bumper, door handles and mirror housings, audio with CD player, climate control (Climatic), multi-functional display, cruise control system and front fog lights. Lastly, Highline completes the range with part-chrome mirror housings, Climatronic, leather detailing, high end sound system and fabric seat covers. The car won' be left behind when it comes to safety and has the following features: Safety wise, the pick-up packs ABS, ASR, electronic differential lock and ESP with Hill Descent Assist.