Amarok at AIMS 2010 [Archive] - VWWatercooled Australia

phaeton

10-09-2010, 07:40 PM

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/09/hdr_hero1-1.jpg

Dear Customer,

Get a taste for it

The new Volkswagen Amarok will be coming to Australia in early 2011. But to give you a glimpse into its class-leading features, we've updated the Amarok Record Lab with a few extras.

Earlier this year, the new Amarok was the Official Car of the 2010 Dakar Rally Organisation (and we'll be back again in 2011). Roughing it through Argentina and Chile, the Dakar is the world's most grueling rally where only the toughest off-road vehicles prosper. Amongst these heavy hitters, Amarok stood proud, backing up the successful 1-2-3 win for the Volkswagen Motorsport team. To prove its performance, we've uploaded videos, photos, interviews and the Roadbook.

See it in the flesh

Witness the Amarok in all its glory. We'll be offering the Australian public a sneak peek of it before it launches at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, from the 15th to 24th October 2010. Book your tickets and whet your appetite.

From Your Volkswagen Team

phaeton

10-09-2010, 07:43 PM

I'll be going on Saturday the 16th anyone else going ?

ntboozer

16-09-2010, 07:49 PM

I plan on picking up a cheap return airfare and heading over on the 16th for the day.

brodzta_GTI

16-09-2010, 07:52 PM

i saw three going down the hume freeway near wodonga the other day when i was on a roadtest. couldnt believe my eyes

Peter Jones

30-09-2010, 06:55 PM

Volkswagen - The new Amarok (http://vga.rsys1.net/servlet/website/PersonalizedForm?OnHE7tHkhr_V_9HtiHpngE.26f7beEiLm LkHqhgLlFIpnihgKDJht)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/09/top2-1.jpg
The new Amarok

Win 1 of 100 Motor Show passes

The new Amarok is almost here. And before it launches in early 2011, you could be one of the first to get up close and personal with this pick-up at the Australian International Motor Show (http://vga.rsys1.net/servlet/cc6?NnHQUWRQTVkuPLjkxihOLjJhjQJhuQHmVaVRVXLX)

To celebrate its near arrival, we're thrilled to give you the chance to win 1 of 100 invitations to an exclusive evening showing of the Amarok at the Motor Show on October 19th. Meet The Volkswagen Amarok team who will answer any of your questions and enjoy some food and beverages on us. Feel free to have a wander around the rest of the motor show afterwards. To enter, please send an email to amarok@volkswagen.com.au (amarok@volkswagen.com.au) with your full name and contact details, and tell us in 25 words or less:

What's the first thing that you'd like to do with your new Volkswagen Amarok?

The competition closes 7 October 2010, so get moving. You could be one of the lucky fans to see why the Amarok is a heavy duty ute beyond its class; and discover the toughest Amarok going around. Hint: it has travelled over 3000 miles across Argentina.

Visit the Amarok Record Lab > (http://vga.rsys1.net/servlet/cc6?NnHQUWRQqTViLlLjHrhgLkxIpnihgKQJhuVaVSVXLX)

phaeton

01-10-2010, 01:15 PM

Pity this wasn't on the weekend ^

phaeton

04-10-2010, 11:27 AM

Tickets are booked :D

Can't wait to go !

phaeton

15-10-2010, 03:51 PM

Info gathered so far........
-March launch date announced.
-Petrol 2.0T will be available from launch.
-All drive configurations will be offered - Rear wheel drive, Selectable all wheel drive and Permanent all wheel drive.
-Automatic coming 2012

Reviews and Photos from today's Show Premiere
Volkswagen 2011 Amarok - Sydney show: Volkswagen Amarok arrives | GoAuto (http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/DD9921BE62F58080CA2577BC00131006)
AIMS: Petrol and diesel Amarok for launch (http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2010/commercial/volkswagen/amarok/aims-petrol-and-diesel-amarok-for-launch-22136)
AIMS 2010 - 2010 Volkswagon Amarok 1 of 9 | Photos | Pics | Images | Australian specifications (http://www.themotorreport.com.au/gallery/2447/aims-2010-2010-volkswagon-amarok/37396/2010volkswagonamarokaustralianinternationalmotorsh ow01)
Volkswagen Amarok at 2010 AIMS | Car Advice | Reviews (http://www.caradvice.com.au/87080/volkswagen-amarok-at-2010-aims/)

Ford vs VW
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/sydney-motor-show/ford-takes-shot-at-volkswagen-20101015-16maq.html
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/sydney-motor-show/vw-defends-amarok-20101015-16msr.html

team_v

15-10-2010, 04:22 PM

The VW Australia website has now been updated with new info on the Amarok and Polo GTI

phaeton

17-10-2010, 07:37 AM

Amarok Dakar Press Vehicle at AIMS 2010
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phaeton

17-10-2010, 07:37 AM

Amarok 4Motion Highline with Selectable AWD in Candy White
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/10/5085575123_57c9eb6096_b-1.jpg
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phaeton

17-10-2010, 07:38 AM

Amarok 4Motion Highline with Permanent AWD in Mendoza Brown
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/10/5086165412_b226660c0f_b-2.jpg
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Treza360

17-10-2010, 09:33 AM

Mmm brown. A colour no vehicle should ever be...
That said the interior looks alright. What did the quality feel like Ben? Was it the nice soft touch stuff with a good quality feel?
Cheers,
Trent

phaeton

17-10-2010, 10:01 AM

Mmm brown. A colour no vehicle should ever be...
That said the interior looks alright. What did the quality feel like Ben? Was it the nice soft touch stuff with a good quality feel?
Cheers,
Trent

Dislikes
-Tactile quality of the dash wasn't upto VW Passenger division but was way better than some cars available today didn't feel cheap just not upto VW Passenger division standards.
-Straps that hold up rear seat look and feel like an afterthought and my bet won't last long if used alot.
-Front seat height adjuster also was flimsy the shape and length feels like it could break.
-Fold down rear seat (I didn't do) as it a two person job one person each end must lift the strap to fold seat down.
-Tailgate shut I thought I could see through the gap to the tray on the white one & brown one no gap ?????? (Comp = Holden no gap, Toyota gap, Nissan gap, new Ford no gap & Isuzu gap)

Likes
-Overall quality was great :D Felt like a big Golf which is what I felt & heard lots of people saying.
-Clutch feels nice and easy like a Golf or T5.
-Rear seat was so comfortable with Leather

Treza360

17-10-2010, 02:33 PM

Thanks Ben. Any indication on pricing yet or are they still just saying it'll be competitive with the competition?
Cheers,
Trent

phaeton

17-10-2010, 02:56 PM

Thanks Ben. Any indication on pricing yet or are they still just saying it'll be competitive with the competition?
Cheers,
Trent

Same old same old ;)

gavs

18-10-2010, 07:19 AM

Don't 'spose you saw any branding on the 3 piece hard tonneau did you....? Or location of manufacture?

I agree, when compared to the "passenger" division of VAG, it is a bit of a let down and I think that is what people need to consider, that VW have deliberately put this in their "commercial vehicles" division for a reason, they see it as a workhorse, not a plaything or soft roader (which some of our guys will attest to doing some really hard testing!) but they have failed in their aspirations of making a true off-road vehicle because the chassis bends very easily:( Not a good thing if they want to take on hilux!

phaeton

18-10-2010, 12:04 PM

Don't 'spose you saw any branding on the 3 piece hard tonneau did you....? Or location of manufacture?

No unfortunately - in the engine bay there was a part from the USA :D

flyingfridge

18-10-2010, 12:13 PM

but they have failed in their aspirations of making a true off-road vehicle because the chassis bends very easily:( Not a good thing if they want to take on hilux!

I'm surprised about the chassis bends, the off-roading videos out of argentina have people opening and closing doors with one wheel 4 feet in the air... tell me if i'm wrong but don't most current 4wds flex too much to get the door shut again?

Peter Jones

18-10-2010, 01:37 PM

Any engine bay shots?

phaeton

18-10-2010, 04:29 PM

Any engine bay shots?

The only shot I got is crappy because its basically only the P/S Reservoir LOL :D

I was going to take more but the hoards of people around the car got me distracted.

I agree, when compared to the "passenger" division of VAG, it is a bit of a let down and I think that is what people need to consider, that VW have deliberately put this in their "commercial vehicles" division for a reason, they see it as a workhorse, not a plaything or soft roader (which some of our guys will attest to doing some really hard testing!) but they have failed in their aspirations of making a true off-road vehicle because the chassis bends very easily:( Not a good thing if they want to take on hilux!

I'm surprised by this but its the second time its been mentioned 1st been Ford saying the front end is to Passenger car like.

You would think with the millions of km tested that they would sort any type of weakness.

What kind of testing did the failure happen would be my next question?

ntboozer

18-10-2010, 08:31 PM

Couple of disappointments for me. First is that work commitments will keep me away from the AIMS :(, Second is the interior of the Highline :frown:- I accept that VW wanted a 'tough working ute' interior but in my opinion the pics in this thread (excluding leather) should indicate the trim of the base models not the Highline. The Highline should be a distinct step up from the base and Trendline variant and should have industry standard 'higher spec stuff' like steering wheel mounted audio controls (like the next Toureg variant that I just read about) etc (I believe the competitors eg Hilux SR / SR5, Navara, Triton have this level of equipment in their 'top spec' variant) fitted - not just some chrome bits on the exterior, climate air and bigger rims. A lot of tradies like a work ute that can be cleaned up and used on the weekend as a 'non-work' ute with some creature comforts. Third one would be to read above about the chassis bending :eek: - so how much mod'ing was actually done to the 'tough' Dakar support vehicles????
:confused: Guess I'll have to wait until next year to actually look at and test drive one (look out Geelong VW Commercial :rolleyes:), wait 12mths for all the 'new vehicle' problems to be sorted and buy in 2012 or perhaps re-consider my next 4x4 to tackle the NT and WA outback.
Cheers
nt

Peter Jones

18-10-2010, 08:54 PM

I actually prefer the simple interior.

I count 13 buttons on the wheel of the Golf 6, I think that's getting a bit silly.

If I had my way I'd grab a base model Amarok with the "proper" 4WD system, PVC floor mats and a tub liner. Never mind the bling. Might option the Flare kit though to go a bit wider than the stock steelies though.

Going to wait a while though, see how year one goes, how they tow and see if I can can get someone else to pay the depreciation for me :-)

disco2300

18-10-2010, 09:20 PM

Thanks for these great pics, they just make me want one even more. It looks like a great car and vw through and through. I won't let my SR5 Hilux hear me talking like this or it might give me more trouble than a tail shaft recall.
Bring on the auto Volkswagen?

gavs

19-10-2010, 08:28 AM

I'm surprised about the chassis bends, the off-roading videos out of argentina have people opening and closing doors with one wheel 4 feet in the air... tell me if i'm wrong but don't most current 4wds flex too much to get the door shut again?

Chassis flex is one thing, in extreme off-road conditions it is actually beneficial especially in independent front suspension setups, probably another reason they went with ladder-on-frame design. The only current 4x4 that has so much chassis flex that you can't close the door is the Land Rover defender, all other models don't have that problem. The most flexy chassis out of the dual cabs is the D40 navara, I have been able to twist it just by swinging on the roof rack! What I mean is that they actually permanently defromed the chassis in a test that all other off-roaders don't have an issue with, which leads us to believe that this was never truly designed as an off-roader, otherwise VW would have designed it to withstand stronger loads.

You would think with the millions of km tested that they would sort any type of weakness.

What kind of testing did the failure happen would be my next question?

Unfortunatley I can't disclose that, but it's one we do on every new model on the market and to this point, we haven't had a failure like this one. We have deliberately tried to destroy a great wall V240, but it didn't deform like this, which I am really disappointed about, as are alot of the guys here because we were hopinig this might have been the silver bullet to fix all that's currently wrong with the dual cab 4x4 market!

Oh, and those hefty looking under-body protection "skid plates" aren't anywhere near as robust as they look..... The front diff is an aluminium jobby and you really want those plates to hold!

team_v

19-10-2010, 08:39 AM

That really is a shame Gavs.
I was hoping the Amarok muight finally provide a true off-road type vehicle for the future but it sounds like it won't be suitable from the factory for anything heavy.

Having said that, i probably wouldn't take one too far off road as all the eletronic wizardry worries me.
I don't know if they have many VW dealers who could fix an issue if you decided to go across Australia.

flyingfridge

19-10-2010, 08:43 AM

It'd be very interesting to know just how extreme the test was where the chassis deformed. I know you can't share the exact details with us Gavs, but is it a 'normal 4wding' sort of test or is it a 'super extreme test'....

Transporter

19-10-2010, 11:30 AM

Hmm, that would be my back up vehicle and the weekender. Maybe they will fix the problem in second year of production - if there is anything to fix.

DionM

19-10-2010, 01:26 PM

gavs - did you load up the rear axle to GVM and then go offroad ...

That interior looks really cheap and nasty to be honest. Fine for a sub-$30k working vehicle but if they're targetting the $50k work-and-play market it looks a bit of a let down.

Here's hoping they bring out a wagon version that is better appointed ...

flyingfridge

19-10-2010, 04:40 PM

That interior is far and away better than anything else in the 4x4 dual cab segment

phaeton

19-10-2010, 04:46 PM

That interior is far and away better than anything else in the 4x4 dual cab segment

Yes but no multifunction steering wheel is a big no no.

Even the Polo 77 TSI with Comfort pack has it for 27K????

DionM

19-10-2010, 04:56 PM

Its just a wall of grey. Hard, grey plastic. Doing the centre console as one big mould (as it appears) looks tacky.

Take a look at a Triton or Navara - much better.

phaeton

19-10-2010, 04:58 PM

Its just a wall of grey. Hard, grey plastic. Doing the centre console as one big mould (as it appears) looks tacky.

Take a look at a Triton or Navara - much better.

I think it looks classy :D

On the chassis flex - Which is best: stiff or flexible chassis @ ExplorOz Forum (http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/71022/Which_is_best_stiff_or_flexible_chassis.aspx)

gavs

20-10-2010, 07:22 AM

To try and kill a few birds with one stone here:

Dion, we have a fleet of every dual cab on the market bar the current BT-50 and while it does look cheap being hard plastic, not fancy soft touch like we're used to in a VW, remember that bar the leather inserts, a $120,000 200 Series Sahara has no soft touch plastics and has a shocking driving position, the seats are crap and it feels like you're driving a simulator. I am also guessing you haven't spent long periods of time with a Navara, the triton isn't too bad though. My favourite thing about the navara is watching the whole dash twist as you use 1st and 2nd gears.....

Over harsh roads, the vw build quality clearly outperformed the hilux, while the whole interior of the hilux like to rattle and shake itself around, the vw was steady as a rock.

Loaded to the hilt, 80kph up a hill (like mt dandenong tourist rd from ferntree gully) in 6th gear isn't too bad for "a p*ssweak 2ltr" vs 4th gear in a "muscular" 3ltr hilux! ;)

Sam, unfortunatley, it was a very standard off-road test, one that any proper off-roader will encounter numerous times.

Transporter

20-10-2010, 07:49 AM

Sam, unfortunatley, it was a very standard off-road test, one that any proper off-roader will encounter numerous times.

So, most of the Amaroks that went through the Dakar ended up with the bent chassis. Right?

Did you use winch or lift the Amarok with long lift jack?

flyingfridge

20-10-2010, 07:55 AM

Yes but no multifunction steering wheel is a big no no.

Even the Polo 77 TSI with Comfort pack has it for 27K????

yeah i concur on the multi fn swheel. I still wouldn't be surprised if it was offered as an option in the oz market, they do offer it on the transporter, caddy and crafter so to blankly leave it out wholesale would be a surprise...

Over harsh roads, the vw build quality clearly outperformed the hilux, while the whole interior of the hilux like to rattle and shake itself around, the vw was steady as a rock.

Loaded to the hilt, 80kph up a hill (like mt dandenong tourist rd from ferntree gully) in 6th gear isn't too bad for "a p*ssweak 2ltr" vs 4th gear in a "muscular" 3ltr hilux! ;)

Sam, unfortunatley, it was a very standard off-road test, one that any proper off-roader will encounter numerous times.

damn, that's a shame. all the videos of the thing in testing make it look like it's bulletproof from that respect. fingers crossed you guys got an 'early production' one eh?

hehe love the hilux comparison :)

DionM

20-10-2010, 01:16 PM

To try and kill a few birds with one stone here:

Dion, we have a fleet of every dual cab on the market bar the current BT-50 and while it does look cheap being hard plastic, not fancy soft touch like we're used to in a VW,

That's thing, I was hoping for a little better from VW. It just looks monotonous - at least others dress it up a little. Maybe it'll look better in the skin.

remember that bar the leather inserts, a $120,000 200 Series Sahara has no soft touch plastics and has a shocking driving position, the seats are crap and it feels like you're driving a simulator. I am also guessing you haven't spent long periods of time with a Navara

Nope, I wouldn't buy a Navara or Pathy for quite a number of reasons, esp their diesels. (I just bought an NT Di-D Pajero, so was test driving quite a few options).

Sam, unfortunatley, it was a very standard off-road test, one that any proper off-roader will encounter numerous times.

Hmmm. Off-angle recovery pull on one side of the chassis? Ala what everyone claimed would destroy a monocoque Pajero and MMA had to go and prove it wouldn't?

gavs

20-10-2010, 03:56 PM

So, most of the Amaroks that went through the Dakar ended up with the bent chassis. Right?

Nope, coz they couldn't do this test..... ;)

Nope, I wouldn't buy a Navara or Pathy for quite a number of reasons, esp their diesels. (I just bought an NT Di-D Pajero, so was test driving quite a few options).

Very nice choice, I think that is probably one of the nicest of all the 4x4s on the market, bar the induction noise of the diesel, unless you option the Rockford Fosgate stereo to drown it out ;)

DionM

20-10-2010, 04:12 PM

Very nice choice, I think that is probably one of the nicest of all the 4x4s on the market, bar the induction noise of the diesel, unless you option the Rockford Fosgate stereo to drown it out ;)

Yep, I have the MMCS / Rockford Fosgate system in mine :cool: Am quite happy with it - a bit of a step down from my previous XJ Cherokee that had a few mods in terms of outright capability, but far and away a better tourer.

I just wish someone made a decent bullbar that let me retain my headlight washers ... the Mitsu one is horrible.

sh|tbmxrider

20-10-2010, 10:08 PM

Whats the bloody test?

Transporter

22-10-2010, 07:07 AM

Whats the bloody test?

You shouldn't ask. Now, the conversation died. I suppose we have to assume that chassis bending is real and reconsider purchase if Amarok would be used for frequent off road duties. Triton looks good at the moment and certainly price is competitive, few of my customers now changed from Navara to Triton and they're really happy with it. Two weeks ago, I did 10,000km service on 2.5CRD dual cab and kind of like what I saw... and ques what? No DPF! :)

DionM

22-10-2010, 08:31 AM

Mitsu have been very proactive on the DPF issue. 2009 Pajeros had issues with it, so in 2010 they removed it ...

gavs

25-10-2010, 08:14 AM

Sorry I haven't replied in a while guys, things have been more than a bit hectic at work so time isn't something I haven't had the liberty of.

Look, to try and douse the flames a bit from earlier on, I can't disclose any other info which I am sorry about but I am sure that any of you cannot tell me about every sorded detail of anything that you are working on at work, especially if you are not a company owner. Some of you know where I work and will draw your own conlusions, that is why I may come accross a little vague in some posts or replies.

To keep enthusiasm up and so people don't start throwing their hands in the air saying "bloody VAG, I knew they would screw the car up", I will say that this is the result of new pedestrian impact safety regulations for the EU, soon apparently getting introduced here. This results in a chassis front that cannot be utilised like other manufacturers because the whole front is one giant assembly. There are ways around it, it just takes time though. This could also be why the rumours of only plastic frontal protection systems will be introduced at an OE level....

Transporter

25-10-2010, 09:51 AM

I know mate, and understand. We are grateful for even small info or head up and it's good to have members like you in the forum. :)

phaeton

25-10-2010, 12:10 PM

sh|tbmxrider

25-10-2010, 11:44 PM

I think I understand where you are heading now, re: problem.

gavs

27-10-2010, 11:44 AM

So what your possibly saying is, VW may not be the first to fail this tests once the next gen of utes get this EU reg on their vehicles.

Incidently do you guys report back to the manufacturer as an aid for future development of their product?

When it comes to dealing with OE auto companies, in their minds they are never wrong. Feeding back information to them is redundant unless you are an OE supplier, otherwise they generally come back with an answer of "you were doing it wrong!" which as ridiculous as it sounds, is what you are told. They will always try and discount you as a manufacturer, which is why you have to always engineer your products to be better and stronger than the original vehicle. On the other hand, you also have to make sure that if something does fail, it is not a result of your product but neglect by the vehicle manufacturer.

If you look at the last 3 models on the market (BT-50 especially), you can see by their frontal design that they have been designed for a specific regulation. Good luck trying to get a neat fitting and looking frontal protection setup on the new BT-50 when it gets here!