Samaco launches Amarok, first pickup from Volkswagen, in Saudi market

Entering the lucrative medium-sized pickup market, Volkswagen launched its latest offering, the Amarok via Samaco, its exclusive dealer in Saudi Arabia. 

Volkswagen Samaco’s director, Philip Burrluck, said that the new pickup – a first by the German manufacturer – meets every lifestyle need with its unprecedented features in the segment. 

Burrluck said the Amarok features the same comfort and safety levels as a passenger car. Its cabin accommodates five, the rear seats can be folded in for greater space and the wide doors offer easier entry and exit. 

The Amarok’s large dimensions grant it immense road presence. Its aggressive design cues tie in with its name, which means “loves rocks” in Spanish and “wolf” in an Eskimo dialect. 

The car measures 5250 mm long and 1900 mm wide and has a loading space of 2.52 square meters, which can accommodate up to 1150 kilograms. The car can even tow a trailer weighing 2800 kgs. 

Powered by a 120 kW / 163 PS 2 liter TDI featuring Common Rail Direct Injection with two-stage control bi-turbo charging, the Amarok generates a maximum torque of 400 Newton-meter at a low 1,500 rpm. 

It manages to combine blistering performance with a fuel consumption of just 7.6 liters diesel per 100 kilometers (Figures are for the Amarok 4x2). 

Volkswagen also offers a second engine variant with the 90 kW / 122 PS 2 liter TDI. Its technology includes a turbocharger with Variable Turbine Geometry. The “small” TDI already develops an impressive torque of 340 Newton-meter from 1,750 rpm. This engine consumes just 7.5 liters per 100 km. Both engines comply with the 200 g/km CO2 emissions limit that Euro-5 regulations require. 

The car is equipped with Torsen differential discs, known for their traction control and stability, also a rarity in this segment. It distributes drive forces variably between the front and rear axles with power distributed 40:60 in the default setting. 

The Amarok sets new safety standards in the pickup segment. Along with driver and front passenger airbags, there are also head/thorax airbags, another rarity in this segment. Also included are height-adjustable head restraints and three-point safety belts at all seating positions. In front, the belts have belt tensioners and on the driver’s side, a visual and acoustic belt warning system. 

Numerous other features guarantee a high level of active safety. The car comes with an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) as standard. On all versions with trailer prep, ESP functionality includes the trailer stabilization system. Another feature contributing to safety is the “Off-Road Mode” which at the press of a button enables vehicle speeds on 100km/h in off –road conditions. In this mode, the ESP system, electronic differential locks (EDL), anti-slip regulation (ASR) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are all tuned for challenging road conditions. The ABS system can reduce braking distance both off and on the road. When “Off-Road Mode” is activated while the pickup is driven at less than 30 km/h, Hill Descent Assist is also activated, handling braking as the car travels down a decline that could go steep as 45 degrees. All the driver has to do is steer. 

The Trendline equipment line of the Volkswagen Amarok will appeal tocustomers who use their pickups both professionally and personally, whilst valuing convenience, comfort and appearance. Body colored mirrors and door handles, the aggressive front spoiler and the contrasting black read bumper combine to create a beautiful package. 

The high performance Climate Control with semi-automatic electronic temperature control is standard equipment, as is a radio with a CD player, a multi-functional display, a cruise control system and front fog lamps. 16-inch alloy wheels emphasize the truck’s strong image. 

The Amarok Highline offers exclusive features such as a chrome rear bumper, chrome accents outside and inside the vehicle and body colored wing flares that create space for the 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition, the top equipment line is characterized by a colour contrasting instrument panel, an automatic climate control system that offers exceptional comfort, a high performance sound system and premium fabric seat covers.