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Amarok is Bakkie of the Year

ILL-JUDGED: VW’s new Amarok has been voted International Pick-Up of the year. What do Europeans really know about bakkies though?
ILL-JUDGED: VW’s new Amarok has been voted International Pick-Up of the year. What do Europeans really know about bakkies though?
The new Volkswagen Amarok has won the International Pick-up Award 2011 - and is a finalist in the South African Car of the Year competition.

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" and its capacity on-road was judged to be the best against all other competitors.

The jury was also impressed by the Amarok’s interior and generous space for both front and rear passengers in the double cab.

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."

Advanced technology

The Amarok has the largest load dimensions in its class with a load area of 2.52 m² (1.555m long, 1.620m wide and with the width between wheelarches of 1.222m). Maximum payload capacity is 1057kg and it is rated to tow 2.8 tons.

All models also have advanced technology and safety systems that include an dlectronic Differential lock), wheelspin braking, electronic stability control and hill-start and hill descent assistantance. It's anti-lock brakes also cater for off-road driving.

Interestingly the judging panel was an all-European affair, with not a single judge from traditional bakkie markets such as South Africa, Latin America or Australia.

Undoubtedly the Amarok is the most sophisticated bakkie yet built yet how well-positioned Europeans are to judge a vehicle designed for southern hemisphere markets remains debatable.
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