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New safety levels in bakkies

The safety package included with the new VW Amarok sets new standards in its class. Along with driver and front passenger airbags there are also head/thorax airbags, still rare in this segment. Also included, of course, are height-adjustable head restraints and three-point safety belts at all seating positions.

In front, the belts have belt pre-tensioners and on the driver’s side a visual and acoustic belt warning system.

Numerous other features guarantee a high level of active safety. These include the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) which is standard in the Highline models. On all versions with trailer preparation, ESP functionality includes a trailer stabilisation system.

Better off-road braking

Another feature contributing to safety is Off-Road Mode that is activated by the press of a button is enabled up to a vehicle speed of 100km/h. In this mode, the ESP system, electronic differential locks, anti-slip regulation and anti-lock brakes are all tuned for challenging off-road conditions.

The ABS can reduce braking distance both off-road and on gravel, often significantly, depending on the road composition. When Off-Road Mode is activated while the bakkie is running at less than 30km/h, hill-descent assist is also activated.

It holds driving speed constant on steep descents by means of targeted brake actuations.

For the first time in this class, when this system is activated, the driver can individually adapt the vehicle’s speed to a particular driving situation by accelerating or braking. On vehicles without ESP, Off-Road Mode comprises ASR and Off-Road ABS systems that are standard equipment here.

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