VOLKSWAGEN has a superb reputation for producing reliable, well-built and attractive passenger cars plus some useful people carriers.
So why is the German marque so keen to get into the one-tonne pick-up market which seems already sewn up by the likes of Toyota and Nissan and several US manufacturers?
Simply, VW believes its all-new Amarok can beat the opposition on build quality, better load capacity, fuel economy and lower emissions.
The Amarok is a ground-breaking move for VW and first impressions are that it has made a good job when it comes to styling.
The front end is very much like any other car in the VW range and the double-cab and load area is like – a pick-up!
The double cab, with room for five adults, is pretty much the same as you would find in a Golf or Polo with switchgear any VW owner would be familiar with. But the centre rear passenger may find space at a premium.
Driving position is high, giving excellent all-round vision and I was impressed with the quality of the tough panels and surfaces.
There’s no lack of comfort features in the Amarok. Front seats are height adjustable and there is full air conditioning, CD and radio, electric windows and mirrors, three-spoke steering wheel, digital display and room for a built-in sat-nav system.
Why all this luxury for a truck? Well VW believes that as well as being a top load-lugger for commercial use the Amarok will also be attractive to people with active sporty lifestyles who need space for the family plus the load space for bulky gear.
Built at VW’s plant near Buenos Aires, in Argentina, the Amarok has a maximum towing weight of 2.8 tonnes and a maximum payload capacity of 1,057 kg for the selectable all-wheel drive 122bhp model.
The Amarok has a six-speed gearbox, low-range transfer box, a choice of rear wheel drive or permanent or selective 4MOTION all-wheel drive
Power comes from a new direct-injection, twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel unit, tuned for 163bhp plus traction and stability control, hill-hold assist, off-road anti-lock brakes, and hill descent.
VW claims the Amarok will give around 36mph on a combined run and it has a top speed of 112mph and a 0-62mph time of 11.2 seconds.
On the road, admittedly without a payload, the Amarok behaved in a civilised manner with a smooth ride over most surfaces and was almost car-like in its handling.
The name Amarok is from the Eskimo Inuit language and means wolf and when I took it on a pretty demanding off-road course in shocking wet weather the pick-up bared its fangs and claws and dug into the mud with assurance.
This is where the low ratio gearbox, hill-hold and hill descent came into their own.
I don’t expect the weekend sporty types to have much use for these aids but I can see farmers, forestry workers or builders taking advantage.
The Amarok won’t be on sale in the UK until the first half of next year and when it is in the showroom it will come in three trim levels, yet to be named by VW.
Prices in the UK have still to be decided, but in Germany, where the Amarok will make its European debut in the autumn, it has been priced at £22,000.
The Amarok will be up against stiff opposition from the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, the Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara, but the German company is confident its new venture in the pick-up sector will dent their sales.