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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.

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok picks up inaugural International Pick-Up Award

The new Volkswagen Amarok has been honoured with the International Pick-up Award 2011.

The accolade, awarded for the first time this year, was judged by the highly regarded panel, representing 23 countries, that elects the prestigious International Van of the Year awards.

During the judging process, the Amarok was praised by the jury for its ‘effortless off-road abilities’, while its capacity on-road was judged to be the best against all other competitors. The jury was also impressed by the Amarok’s interior, in particular, the layout and generous space for both front and rear passengers in the double-cab cabin.

On the Amarok’s success, the jury commented: ‘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.’

Set for launch in the UK in 2011, the Amarok boasts the largest load dimensions in its class with a load area of 2.52 m² (1,555 mm long, 1,620 mm wide, with width between wheelarches of 1,222 mm), a maximum payload capacity of 1,057 kg and maximum towing limit of 2.8 tonnes.

All models also feature advanced technology and safety systems including EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Assist and off-road ABS designed to significantly shorten stopping distances on loose surfaces.

3 replies on “Volkswagen Amarok picks up international award”

I don’t want to sound overly cynical but this just smacks of a bunch of “specialist European fleet, van and truck publications” creating this special “international award” in an “experimental category” simply because all of a sudden, Europe has a pick-up truck that they want to give a gong to.

And the comment about “fantastic driving qualities, both on- and off-road” seem to be a bit at odds with the two UK judges earlier comment that “there was unexpected feedback through the steering over the ruts, which we never felt in the other front-runners”…

AndrewH, you do sound overly cynical! For one, it’s not European – it comes from South America. Not that it matters given all the “Japanese” ones come from Thailand. Second, Europe considers Ford as much a European brand as anything else, there’s no special favouritism for VW.

It doesn’t surprise me that the Amarok won this award – it’s the newest product, and given it would have been benchmarked against the competition you’d expect the newest to be best. Just as Ford have been benchmarking the Amarok while developing the new Ranger/Mazda BT50 to come next year. I’d expect a bit of leapfrogging in the category.

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