Just yesterday I was speak to a European car enthusiast who was asking whether he should sell his beloved Porsche 996 to buy a Tacoma to haul his dirtbike around, or should he use his Audi A4 with a trailer. I suggested a Tacoma would be heresy and a trailer wasn’t such a bad option. He ended the conversation with the lament that it was a shame none of the European brands had a pickup in the States.
The following day, in what appears to be the most twisted logial since Volkswagen of America decided not to bring the new Scirocco to the US, VWoA has decided not to bring its new pickup to the US!

Although North America would appear to be the most obvious market for such a vehicle, a VW representative explained that market penetration for this new model would be extremely difficult given the competitive nature of the US truck market with both established product and low prices. As such, the Argentine-built pickup will be sold in what VW describes as its key markets of South America, South Africa and Australia. It’s also going to Europe and Asia – everywhere but here…
So if you’re one of those European car enthusiast who may have wished to buy this truck, you might want to look away now.
Named the Amarok, it will be initially available as a four-door double-cab version, with a single-cab model to follow in 2011. It’s said to combine the ruggedness of a pick-up with VW’s innovative technology, safety standards, fuel economy and VW standards of comfort, quality and durability.
The Amarok has a generous payload capacity of up to 1.25 tons and maximum towing limit of 3.1 tons.  Its 27sqft cargo area has the largest dimensions in its class at 61” long and 64” wide, plus a best in class width between the wheel arches of 48”, which means that for the first time on a mid-size pick-up, it will be possible to load European-size pallets sideways to save on space.
The official photos show the Amarok reflects the latest VW DNA with front-end styling similar to the latest Transporter and Golf models. The vehicle is 206” long with a ladder-frame chassis and will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive and switchable or permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive.
For maximum convenience, the switchable all-wheel drive is engaged by the push of a button, and also has low gearing for off-road use.
The full-time all-wheel drive version uses a Torsen differential to distribute drive at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles for traction. A rear differential lock is also available.
Designed to tackle the toughest terrain, the Amarok is offered with an electronic differential lock (EDL) and Off-Road ABS to shorten braking distances on poor surfaces. At speeds of below 20mph, it also activates Hill Descent Assist to control descents using selective braking interventions. Furthermore, the ESP Plus system includes Hill Hold Assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling back by holding it in place on inclines until the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
Under the hood there will be a choice of two 2.0-liter common-rail TDI engines producing 160hp, with torque of 295 lb-ft at a low 1500rpm, or 120hp with maximum torque of 250 lb-ft from 2000rpm.  
Both engines have a six-speed manual transmission, impressive fuel economy, low emissions and a gearchange indicator to help drivers achieve a range of over 600 miles from the 21 gallon fuel tank.

An extensive accessories program will also be offered for the Amarok, including a front bar and running boards, a cargo cover, Multi-Connect load system and bigger wheels.
The interior is the largest in its class and resembles VW’s passenger cars.  Easy entry, lots of headroom and ample legroom on the rear bench seat make the Amarok a full five-seater.  If only two people are traveling, interior storage space can be increased by folding the rear seat.
Volkswagen will be putting the Amarok to the test as a support vehicle in the Dakar rally in South America in January.