Has anyone had the chance to see drive and get the low down on the new VW utes. I forget the name on the badge but would like to see how they compare to a trusty old Toyota Hilux. I saw one on a car truck headed north, south of the gateway in Briz. The size of the vehicle seems a bit bulky and reminds me of a F truck.
Would be good to get a survey of what people think?

that would be the amarok - bigger than hilux, comfy back seats compared to any other ute ive sat in, no typical new vw plastics on the engine, more ute like interior but still similar to the passenger models, glovebox is useless, the one you saw is non-complianced demo to sit in dealer showrooms for a week at a time, the "pretty front" & business back seems to work ok too but makes me think of a mullet the wrong way around, im curious how it drives though - have to wait a month or so to do that

oh and it left the ipswich vw dealer today & is headed to another, not sure which though so might be worthwhile having a look for yourselves, its been to austral already so wont be there, thats all i can tell you for now unfortunately

saw one in sydney. big truck, great quality. around 50k for the 4x4 version. i think its a winner

The Amarok (Inuit language for 'wolf') is due for local release in March. There were three examples on display at the Sydney Motor Show last October. This is from the VW press release then:

With the Volkswagen Amarok,Volkswagen is showcasing the most advanced production ute, which will hit the Australian market in the first half of 2011. The Amarok boasts fuel efficiency, rugged good looks and uncompromising design and is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors at this year’s Australian International Motor Show.

The highly advanced TDI engines of the Amarok – all boosted by direct injection – set new standards when it comes to fuel economy and emissions. The ute’s active and passive safety systems and convenience features all fulfil passenger car standards. Many of the technologies implemented in the Amarok are being used for the first time in the mid-size ute segment, including a bi-turbo charged, 120kW diesel engine in the Amarok TDI400. In terms of its space, load area width and height, cargo loading abilities and payload capacity, the new Amarok is “Best in Class”.

The Amarok begins its international career as a four-door Dual Cab with space for five adults. In both concept and style, the Amarok is clearly influenced by the new Volkswagen Design DNA. This is reflected in its typical emphasis of horizontal lines,in the well-defined interplay of body surfaces and high precision of its workmanship. Specifically, one of the most prominent identifying features is the visual unit formed by the horizontal headlights and radiator grille with its louvers and decorative trim accents. The cleanly sculpted curvatures of the Amarok’s side body panels and engine bonnet give it the typical rugged style of a ute. The Amarok’s exceptional interior dimensions make it the most spacious ute in its class. Easy entry, a generous seating layout and lots of head room characterise the workspace behind the wheel. Ample leg room on the rear bench also makes the Amarok a fully fledged five-seater. When only two persons are aboard, the fold-up rear seat and folding backrest increase interior cargo space.

The load area of the Amarok Dual Cab serves up the largest dimensions in its class as well. It measures 1,555 mm long by 1,620 mm wide,yielding an impressive load area of 2.52m2. And that’s not all. Also “Best in class” is the ute’s maximum load width of 1,222 mm between the wheel wells. For the first time on a mid-size ute it is possible to load Euro pallets (1.2 x 0.8 m) sideways, a space-saving feature. It is easy to transport sports equipment like motor bikes as well as bulky machinery, thanks to its large dimensions, load sill height of 780mm and payload capacity of up to 1.0 metric tonnes. Four lashing eyes at the corners of the load area secure cargo during the drive.

The safety package of the Amarok includes driver and front passenger airbags, there are also front seat head/thorax airbags. Also included are height-adjustable head restraints and three-point safety belts at all seating positions.

Numerous other features guarantee a high level of active safety as well. For example, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) is standard equipment. Another feature contributing to safety is “Off-Road Mode” – activated by the press of a button – which is enabled up to a vehicle speed of 130 km/h. In this mode, the ESP system, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti- Slip Regulation (ASR) and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) are all tuned for challenging off-road conditions.

They are ready on sale, have seen about 12 on the road.
Shame there is no DSG option, will hurt alot of sales

I spotted one a few weeks ago in the holding yard at the Port Macquarie dealership (John Oxley Motors). Certainly a nice looking setup, and walking around it, it didn't seem noticeably bigger than a Hilux or whatever, although I didn't have one on hand to compare to.

Nah - not on sale yet according to VW - launch date is middle March (17th I think ?)

I climbed all over one at the same time as STIDUB... pretty cool and very solid. DSG is meant to be coming in 6-12 months... then a 2 door option and also a 4x2 version.

I'll definitely be taking one for a test drive soon as I can, but unfortunately the other day had to settle for taking a Mk VI Golf R for a bit of a blast instead...

DSG ?

^^^ speaking of which, it was late to leave today so i have some pics, will put them up later

DSG = Direct-Shift Gearbox, which is VW's code name for the double-clutch auto box.... similar to a sequential gearbox, except it's basically two gearbox's internally with two separate clutches... one for odd gears, one for even's... and the computer switches between which gearbox is in use by just engaging/disengaging the clutch. Makes shifts REALLY quick... like less than 10ms.

For Amarok it's rumoured to be a 7 speed...

pics as i said earlier...

Oh - and on the size thing - they sell Nissan's there also, and Shaw (the sales guy) said that parked beside a Navara D40 ute the Amarok was considerably bigger... about 2-3 inches taller for a start.

I think the quote was something like "the Amarok looked like it could make the D40 it's b!tch"

So yeah... you could call it a FBT (F...in Big Truck)