Category Archives: Manufacturer

VW Amarok takes on the world

No matter whether it be in South Africa or Australia, pick-ups represent an approach to life and without them certain tasks would be impossible to master. When faced with large loads, challenging country tracks or off-road terrain, everyone is happy to have a pick-up they can rely on.

The Volkswagen Amarok has thus, for example, been used for wildlife preservation in South Africa since way back in 2011, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a partner of the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) in its important rhinoceros protection work. 

Completely new vehicle with “clear Volkswagen DNA”

Looks good, and is highly capable: the new Amarok not only has a completely new appearance inside and out, but in future will also have even more extensive equipment on board. “The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives,” says Dr Lars Krause, Brand Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.” 

Now in its third generation, the new vehicle has significantly more driver assistance systems and will impress customers with its connectivity. The Amarok will, from 2022, feature innovations that have not been seen before in this segment. And it will still, of course, not be deterred by any rough terrain. 

As Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ all-rounder, the new Amarok impresses with its compelling lines and its overall appearance. “The striking front, and above all the defining X design clearly distinguish the new Amarok and emphasise its claim to be leading the way,” confirms Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.” This shows the confidence of the model. 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Amarok has been in series production since 2010. The premium pick-up used to be made in Hannover and will continue to be built in Pacheco in Argentina. The newest version will also be built in future in the South African city of Silverton. Over the last decade, more than 800,000 vehicles have been sold globally, solving challenges for their owners and drivers on many continents. 

In the southern hemisphere, the vehicle – the only one to date with V6-cylinder diesel engines to make a name for itself in pick-ups’ so-called B segment – is still going strong. In Europe it will again be possible to order the Amarok as a new vehicle from late 2022.

Beefed up Yaris muscles in on market

Toyota Yaris Cross

By Bill McCarthy


Built for the European market, Toyota designers says the theme for this beefed-up Yaris was “Easy, Fast, Smart,” defined with the goal of creating a car that is an ideal partner for day-to-day activities. Not sure what that means, but it features the same wheelbase as the Yaris, but is taller, wider and longer.

It looks the part in metallic silver, with contrasting black roof and sitting high off the ground with, depending on the model,16, 17 or 18-inch alloys wheels. It has a ground clearance up from 25mm to 177mm and the wheel arches and sills get plastic protectors for that extra rugged look.

 The front features eye-shaped headlights and two distinctive grilles flanked by two striking vertical daytime running lights.

To the rear there is a wide tailgate with a full-width light bars that feature LED technology.

The interior is smart, roomy and practical with hard-wearing upholstery, plus robust and logical switchgear. 

Even the base model is well equipped with the usual electric and electronic aids, but this version adds piano black finish and dark chrome detailing on the upper front grille and auto-retracting door mirrors. 

In the cabin, there are heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and power lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat.

The brains of the car on this model is the new High Definition Toyota Smart Connect with nine-inch display touchscreen. It controls major functions like navigation, infotainment and connectivity and offers live-updating via an embedded SIM card.

Navigation is connected cloud to services to provide live information. In addition, the binnacle contains a multi-function information right in the driver’s eyeline.

It is a roomy place to be with good headroom, although as you might expect from this size car, legroom isn’t so great in the back.

On the road, the car is powered by Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid electric technology, a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and provides a lively, yet economical drive.

Acceleration is brisk, with the growl of the three-pot engine offering a sporty note.

The 0-60mph sprint is achieved in around 11 seconds, while at the same time delivering low carbon emissions. 

For a vehicle sitting high off the ground, it has sharp, agile handling and direct steering.

It is equally at home on the motorway, with plenty of grunt available, while road and wind noise, although noticeably present on this more than the standard Yaris, are reasonably well suppressed.

Boot space is large and versatile with 397 litres increasing to 1,097 litres with the multi function seats folded.

The Yaris is one of the safest small cars around. It features a full complement of airbags, including a centre airbag, stability control, intelligent adaptive cruise control, plus Safety Sense as standard which includes lane assist, pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, steering control and a host of other features to keep families safe.

FAST FACTS

Toyota Yaris Cross Dynamic

Price: £26,465

Mechanical: 114bhp, 1490cc, 3-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motors driving front wheels via e-CVT transmission

Max Speed: 106mph

0-62mph: 11.1 seconds

Combined MPG: 55.3

Insurance Group: 12E

C02 emissions: 112g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles