Tag: Amarok

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Safety Issues Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG announces international recalls

Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG issued an international recall notice on Friday which will affect over 2.6 million vehicles worldwide.

A total of three campaigns are being run:

  1. Tiguan vehicle lights (affecting approximately 800,000 vehicles)
  2. DQ200 DSG oil change (affecting approximately 1.6 million vehicles)
  3. Amarok fuel pipe (affecting approximately 240,000 vehicles)

Tiguans built between 2008–11 will have a fuse replaced to remove the possibility of a faulty fuse blowing and causing one of the two light circuits to fail.

All vehicles fitted with a DQ200 7-speed DSG which use synthetic oil will be recalled to replace the synthetic oil with mineral oil. This is to prevent “electric malfunctions” on vehicles “subject to a hot and humid climate, coupled with a high proportion of stop and go driving”.

Volkswagen Australia says it has already issued a recall covering 25,928 vehicles with DSG gearboxes built between June 2008 and September 2011. About 40% of owners affected by this recall have already had their gearbox oil changed and they will not need to return their vehicles for further attention as a result of this new recall.

Some Amarok models fitted with a 2.0 litre TDI engine can suffer from a leaking fuel pipe in the engine compartment. Volkswagen Australia will contact owners of affected vehicles and bring them in to fit a chafe protector to the affected areas.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Wörthersee 2013: Volkswagen Amarok R-Style

Volkswagen Amarok R-Style Concept

We expect Volkswagen to jazz up a Golf GTI for Wörthersee, but it’s not everyday they go to town on the Amarok pick-up. But that’s exactly what they’ve done with the Amarok R-Style Concept. It’s had the works thrown at it, including having a 200kW/600Nm 3.0 litre V6 TDI stuffed under the bonnet.

Massive 22″ rims wrapped in 295/35/22 tyres complements those aggressive guards, which have been pumped out by 60mm. The front spoiler has been finished off with a carbon fibre diffuser, which ties in with the cover for the cargo area.

The carbon fibre theme continues inside too, where you’ll also find an 8″ touchscreen and 500w subwoofer in the GTI-inspired interior.

In truth the concept illustrations available after the break look better than the real image you see above. All in all though this would make an awesome workhorse for all those odd jobs you don’t really need to do.

[Source: WCF | Thanks to Tom for the tip]

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

AIMS 2010: Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok

The reveal of the Volkswagen Amarok was one of the better executed unveilings at AIMS yesterday. Three different scenarios were presented, with a family beach holiday the most plausible. The other themes were a Dakar Rally inspired motorsport reveal and a suburban couple on their way to a romantic dinner, presumably. Although this was, perhaps, the least convincing scenario.

Interesting to note that no farmers or tradies were seen during this presentation. When you consider Volkswagen are expected to target the Hilux market quite aggressively this could be considered a questionable exclusion.

Inside the Amarok things look pretty good, for a work truck. But don’t go in expecting Golf or Passat level interiors. And whatever you do, do not, under any circumstances, choose the dual-tone grey and brown interior as seen inside the brown Amarok at AIMS. While some might consider the all grey/dark theme from the white Amarok on show a tad bland, it is, by far, the better option of the two!

The Amarok goes on sale in Australia next March and we’ll have full details as soon as Volkswagen Australia releases them. In the meantime you can see more pics from the motor show after the break.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Amarok picks up international award

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen’s new Amarok (think of it as a German Hilux) has just been named the International Pick-Up of the Year for 2011. The prize was awarded for the first time ever at the Hanover Truck Show recently.

The gong was presented to the Amarok by a jury representing over 20 countries. They reckon the new VW truck possesses effortless off-road abilities while being a class leader for on-road performance, as well.

A statement from the jury reads, “The new Volkswagen Amarok distinguishes itself by fantastic driving qualities, both on- and off-road. It sets new standards in the pick-up category in respect to load capacity, payload, interior room, comfort, ergonimics and fuel consumption.”

This news is perfect timing for Volkswagen Australia who are expected to show a production version of the Amarok for the first time at the Australian International Motor Show, which starts in Sydney this Friday. In 2009, at the Melbourne International Motor Show, Volkswagen had the Amarok concept vehicle on display.

A press release from Volkswagen UK follows.

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Volkswagen

VW Amarok single cab spy shots

VW Amarok single cab

Until nowimages of the new Volkswagen Amarok have been dual cab models. Recently spotted near the Nürburgring, of all place, was this single cab Amarok without any of the familiar disguises manufacturers like to use.

Compared to the dual cab variant the rear tray for the single cab is obviously longer. Really keen Amarok spotters, and I know there are a few out there, will also notice the b-pillar is a bit wider now. Presumably this offers some small storage space behind the seats.

Its is expected the single cab Amarok will go on sale early next year. On that basis I would suggest Australian sales would commence in the latter half of 2011.

[Source: World Car Fans]

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Motorsports Volkswagen

Volkswagen Amarok set for Sydney show debut

Volkswagen Amarok

The Volkswagen Amarok will make its Australian debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney this October. However, while the Amarok is scheduled for local sales in 2010 Volkswagen Australia spokesman Karl Gehling remains coy about the pick-up’s launch date, “Until we lock in production dates, we can’t say when it will go on sale.”

It is likely the Australian release of the Amarok will follow other markets which means an initial engine line up comprising a pair of 2.0 litre turbo diesels. The entry level tune will offer 90kW/340Nm, while the higher spec model will provide 120kW/400Nm.

[Source: GoAuto]

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Volkswagen

The wolf is mightier than the elephant

VW Amarock TVC

We know that Amarok is the Inuit word for wolf. But we didn’t know the wolf is mightier than the elephant. At least, that’s what this latest television commercial from Brazil is trying to convince us.

The Amarok is now on sale in South America, but Australians will have to wait until the end of the year before they can get first hand look at the vehicle Volkswagen hopes can break the Toyota Hilux.

After the jump you can see the elephant commercial. There’s also another Amarok ad that reminds you never to give the keys to a an old Spanish looking geezer.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Amarok at 2010 Dakar Rally

2010 Volkswagen Amarok

Here’s a short and sweet photo gallery showing the Volkswagen Amarok getting down and dirty during the 2010 Dakar Rally. In all 35 Amaroks were used during the event, 20 of those assisting the successful Race Touareg teams, while the other 15 were used by media and race officials. Looks like they had fun.

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Volkswagen

Amarok gets dirty at Dakar

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen are happy on two counts as far as the 2010 Dakar Rally goes. Firstly, approaching half race distance Carlos Sainz currently leads the rally in his Race Touareg. However, of more importance to Volkswagen’s production vehicles is the debut of the new Amarok which is being used as a support vehicle during the event.

There are 35 Amaroks on duty during Dakar, with 20 for the Volkswagen race team, and a further 15 used by race officials. The Amarok is being built in Argentina, and the SUV has just gone on sale in South America. Australian deliveries are due towards the end of this year.

As you would expect, VW’s top brass are not missing the promotional opportunities presented by the Amarok’s Dakar role, “We are thrilled to put the new Amarok through its paces as part of this long distance challenge, the world’s toughest, before its official launch,” said Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

If you want to find out more on the Amarok, including updates from Dakar, then check out Volkswagen’s special microsite. For more on the progress of the Race Touaregs at the rally take a peek at Volkswagen’s Dakar iPhone app.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Amarok – first official photos

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen have already announced that the Amarok will take on support duties at next year’s Dakar Rally. Good idea, then, to release some official pics of the production ready model in advance, and here they are.

The Amarok will be built in Buenos Aires, Argentina and will go on sale in South America from January next year. European buyers can expect deliveries in mid-2010, while Australian customers will have to wait until the end of next year to get their hands on Volkswagen’s first serious foray into the pick-up segment.

Initially, the Amarok will be available only as a dual cab, but a single cab model is due for release in 2011. The SUV will be available in 2WD, switchable 4WD and permanent 4WD. The switchable system can be activated from inside the cabin with the touch of a button. The permanent 4motion system for the Amarok will utilise a Torsen diff set up and will distribute power to the wheels with a 40:60 rear bias.

Low gearing will be available for more heavy-duty off road duties, at which point electronic aids, such as Hill Descent Assist and an ABS system tuned for off road use, will start to do their thing.

From launch two engine options will be on offer, both 2 litre turbo diesels. The base spec 2.0 TDI will offer 90kW/340Nm, while a more powerful 120kW/400Nm will also be available. A bit under powered perhaps?

With a payload capacity of over 1 tonne and a towing capacity of 2.8 tonnes the Amarok should prove suitable for most needs in its target audience. Volkswagen boast the dimensions of the Amarok’s rear tray are the largest in its class and say a Euro sized pallet can fit in between the rear wheel arches.

Volkswagen Australia have been closely monitoring sales of Toyota’s Hi-Lux, which are very impressive, it must be said. For Volkswagen to cut deeply into the Hi-Lux’s customer base the Amarok will need to be priced competitively and pack a lot more punch under the bonnet. I just can’t see Volkswagen Australia entering the local market with a 120kW turbo diesel option, much less a 90kW version.

UPDATE 19 June 2010: Over 20 new photos added below.

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