We have a brand new car. And as Volkswagen representatives say, this is the first full-size European pickup truck. The developers boasted of two economical diesel engines, a heavy-duty frame and other "chips" that, in their opinion, others do not have.
Facts:
Price: from 990,000 rubles.
Engine: TDI 1968 cc cm, 4 cyl. 24 cells, 163 hp at 4.000 rpm, 400 Nm at 1.500-2.000 rpm
Transmission: MKP6, four-wheel drive
Ratings: 0-100 km/h 11.1, Vmax 181 km/h, 7.9 l/100 km
Weight: 1875 kg
Dimensions: 5254 x 1944 x 1834
On sale: autumn 2010
The main thing for a pickup truck is body dimensions and carrying capacity. What is ready to surprise Amarok?
Indeed, the carrying capacity is not bad - depending on the version, it can carry from 775 kg to 1145 kg. But, alas, Amarok still loses a little and, which have a load capacity of 1175 kg. Even at the presentation, the phrase was heard several times that the body is also suitable for transporting an ATV or a motorcycle. Let's figure it out. So, the length of the Amarok body is 1555 mm, and the width is 1222 mm. Now we take a fairly popular Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV, which is 2065 mm long and 1181 mm wide. Fits in width, but in length? In the best case, one axle will stand on the tailgate, and in the worst case, it will hang in the air. The situation is the same with a motorcycle - only a small enduro can be squeezed into the body. In a word, the main advantage of the Amarok body is the width, which is really larger than that of other pickups officially sold in the Russian Federation.
How does the Amarok drive?
But if the cargo compartment in the Volkswagen Amarok did not seem to us something outstanding, then the driving performance is really good. The buyer is offered a choice of two modifications of the diesel engine - one produces 122 hp. and 340 Nm of torque, the second is equipped with not one, but two turbines and develops 163 hp. and a moment of 400 Nm. I had a chance to try out only a more powerful version, and, I will say, the car accelerates perfectly.
Depending on the configuration, the Amarok can be either rear-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. Not a bad idea - why would a person who uses an Amarok for commercial needs need four-wheel drive? But...not to our liking. It must be understood that this car on Russian soil has no chance of becoming a "workhorse". Well, we don't have a small farm, we don't have vineyards. In Russia, fodder beets and rutabaga are growing, which are taken out of the fields by Kamaz trucks. All companies that supply pickup trucks to our country understood this long ago and began to position their product for people leading an active lifestyle, fishermen, hunters. Moreover, despite the presence of versions with a single cab in the model range, these cars were not even taken to Russia, realizing that there would be no demand. I think the same fate awaits the Volkswagen Amarok - the overwhelming demand will be for the all-wheel drive version with a full-size interior.
By the way, did you like the full-size interior?
It is designed according to "Volkswagen" strictly. But the ergonomics are great. I also liked the front seats, which, by the way, depending on the configuration, can be endowed with height adjustment. Behind, as in any pickup truck, it is not very comfortable to sit - a short pillow and a vertical back. But in principle, you can get used to it. To be honest, only one thing is seriously embarrassing - the unpleasant smell of plastic, which literally finished me off already 50 km after the start. I stopped the car, walked a little, breathed. All further journey had to be done with the windows open. 
Is the all-wheel drive system identical to the VW Touareg?
Nothing in common - all off-road potential comes down to a lower row and a rigid center lock. Yes, there is still a system for keeping the car on a slope. True, the excellent geometric cross-country ability saves the situation a little. The Amarok has a decent ground clearance of 240mm and short front and rear overhangs. Specialists from Volkswagen have prepared a special track to demonstrate exactly these qualities of the novelty. They are really impressive - a steep climb, and the novice overcomes a sharp descent without problems. 