Volkswagen's first-ever pick-up, the Amarok, has gone on public display on the manufacturer's stand at the Geneva Motor Show.
The vehicle will initially be sold in double-cab guise only, but company executives say a single-cab low-spec version will be shown at the Hannover Show in 2011.
The Amarok goes on sale in the UK in September and is set to challenge established models such as Toyota's Hilux and Ford's Ranger, but its launch couldn't have come at a worse time as pick-up sales are down more than 30% in 2010.
Christian Wattenberg, product marketing manager for Amarok, says: "We needed to be represented in the key pick-up markets so that's why we've launched the Amarok. The UK market for these types of vehicles is not as good as other markets like Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Australia, which is where we forecast Amarok sales to be strongest. It's both a commercial and lifestyle vehicle and it also happens to be one of the most fuel-efficient with 34.8mpg on a combined cycle."
A spokesman said that for even greater fuel efficiency, the Amarok will get the option of BlueMotion technology, which includes longer gear ratios and aerodynamic aides.
When asked about the lower cubic capacity 2.0-litre engines, Wattenberg adds: "It's not entirely all about cubic capacity, it's about power and torque and the ability to get 160hp and 400Nm from a biturbo 2.0-litre whereas some of our competitors need 3.0 litres. That's how we are able to deliver power and economy."
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