What do you think about VWs new addition to their fleet? In Europe the Amarok will be categorized as a midsize pick-up, I guess in the States it's just another small car, isn't it?

I once swore never to buy a VW again because I had only problems with the two I owned. Both were brandnew but rogue cars, the first one sent its clutch every three weeks to Valhalla due to a gearbox construction error by VW, the second one went to the eternal hunting fields after 21747 mls. with a total engine collapse (cylinder crankcase bursted).

But looking at the Amarok could take VW back to my short-list.

Amarok 1
Amarok 2
Amarok 3

It's already available in Southamerica and will become available in Europe in the middle of this year. Unfortunatly I do not know if and when it will become available in the States.

Some technical Details:

Engine (only one available by now):
2.0 ltr common rail diesel at 163 hp, 400 nm at 1.500 rpm

Transmission:
Manual 6H gear shift, either permanent 4WD with TORSON differential lock or manual connectible 4WD, both with reduction and rear axle differential lock, automatic transmission planned for 2012

Empty weight:
1875 kg up to 2171 kg (4133 lbs up to 4786 lbs)

Price:
starting at 28.000 Euro (~ 38.500 US$)

Seems very expensive but for a VW it's cheap - at least here in Europe.

Yes, a poster on a Ford Ranger forum found the info on the Amarok. Looks great and the general consenus was that we would buy if it comes to the US with the diesel (which we doubt). But yes the price is steep for a small truck and I too question VW realiability.