VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK LOSES TWO DOORS

When Volkswagen introduced the Amarok double-cab bakkie (pickup) to Mzansi it followed the adage “set the cat amongst the pigeons”, and thanks to a combination of pretty design, a flexible body and some marketing push, the Amarok is selling very well in the market. In fact last month it sold 169 more units than the Nissan Navara, which is also the only double-cab only bakkie in the market. Now there’s a new single cab version being sent to finally challenge Toyota’s dominance.

In the next few months and indeed years we will be able to see exactly whose marketing buck and strength is the more influential between Toyota and Volkswagen since single cabs are the sales cornerstone of any bakkie battle.

Central to the Amarok single cabs are its engines and powertrain, which consist of the only all-turbo work horses in the country. A basic package Amarok features things like ABS with EBD, 16-inch tyres, power steering, daytime running lights, a driver airbag, multi-adjustable steering wheel and a 12V socket.

The Trendline models add a CD/ radio combination, remote control central locking, an alarm system, electronically adjustable side mirrors, cruise control, power windows and air conditioning among others.

An optional ESP suite includes safety features like Hydraulic Brake Assist or HBA, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which aids pullaway by applying brake pressure for 3 seconds on an incline, Load sensing and roll over protection. The Amarok double-cab received a 4 star Euro NCAP rating, which is pretty safe, and the single cab has benefited from many of that car’s safety characteristics.

In total the vehicle measures 5.2 metres in length, 1.8m in height and 1.9m wide. As with the double-cab, there is enough space to load a French pallet on, plus the added length. In fact, it can take two of them. It has a payload of between 1 225kg and 1 354kg.

The engines supplied are a 2.0 TDI with different power outputs, and a 1.8 TSI petrol. The 2.0 TDI has one turbo and makes 90kW of power and 340Nm of torque, while its BiTDI counterpart has two turbos helping it produce 120kW and 400Nm. The 1.8 TSI is the only petrol and it kicks out 118kW and 300Nm of torque. This model will only be available close to the end of 2011. All models come standard with 6-speed manual transmissions with an upshift/ downshift indicator to help save fuel.

Volkswagen’s first foray into the bakkie market seems to be going rather well and the single cab will certainly add significantly to that basket. With the all-new Ford Ranger also nearly here, and the facelift Toyota Hilux slated for early 2012, the market will ignite in a way seldom seen before. An additional 2 000 a month or so units of the single cab will have to be added to the double cab sales in order to catch up with king Hilux. Good luck VW.

Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab Pricing

Basic

Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 90kW 4x2 (R205 500)

Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 90kW 4Motion (R257 400)

Trendline

Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 90kW 4x2 (R265 800)

Amarok Single Cab 2.0 BiTDI 120kW 4x2 (R287 100)

Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 90kW 4Motion (R313 700)

Amarok Single Cab 2.0 BiTDI 120kW 4Motion (R335 000)