VW Amarok workhorse revealed in SA

Published May 18, 2011

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Volkswagen's first proper bakkie, launched in double cab format last year, has stripped down to bare basics for South Africa's biggest agricultural show, Nampo - near Bothaville.

As far as we can ascertain, this is the first time that the workhorse version of the single cab has been shown anywhere in the world.

Of course, with South Africa being the world's largest single cab bakkie market, it's also fitting that we'll be the first country to receive the new Amarok single cab - it goes on sale here in the first week of July this year.

The workhorse single cab, shown in the pictures, is clearly distinguished from the more upmarket Amaroks we know by its black bumpers and mirrors as well as its utilitarian steel wheels, but there will also be a Comfortline version for those seeking more style and creature comforts.

But the single cab was primarily designed for a hard day's work and in that regard, it has some impressive numbers to brag about. Firstly, there's the payload of up to 1279kg, and there's plenty of space to stow that weight with a class-leading loading width of 1222mm between the wheelhouses.

The load compartment also measures 2205mm in length and 508mm in height, while six lashing eyes are in place to secure the load. This Amarok's also equipped to bear its bakkie burdens with a strong ladder frame chassis supported by heavy duty springs.

The single cab will be launched with the two 2-litre turbodiesel engines that do service in the double cab, these being the single-turbo 90kW version that delivers 340Nm between 1750 and 2000rpm and the biturbo 120kW version with 400Nm of twist from 1500rpm. The single cabs also offer a braked towing capacity of 2800kg.

Given VW's modern engine technology, these bakkies should also deliver the best fuel economy in the segment and range won't be an issue either thanks to an 80-litre fuel tank.

Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, driving either the rear wheels in 4x2 models or all wheels in models equipped with VW's selectable 4Motion system.

No word on pricing or interior specification as yet, but VW has disclosed that there will be a generous helping of standard safety kit, such as an electronic diff lock, off-road ABS, traction control and anti slip regulation.

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