New Volkswagen Amarok latest pictures from SMG Tonbridge Kent & Sussex, this great new Eurovans Pickup

Eight months before its UK launch, Volkswagen’s new Amarok pick-up joined the Dakar-winning Touaregs in a gruelling workout as support vehicle.

A total of 35 of the new 4x4s faced the ultimate shakedown, battling up 12,000-feet peaks and across 5,600 miles of South American wilderness to keep up with the competition-winning Volkswagens. The rally started in Buenos Aires, Argentina, crossed the continent to Chile, then headed back to Buenos Aires on a more southerly route.

The Amaroks were at home on the tough terrain in more ways than one. With an electronic differential lock (EDL), Off-Road ABS and Hill Descent Assist, they were built to cope with extremes. Not only that, but they were on home turf, being built at Volkswagen’s Argentine factory.

"We are thrilled to put the new Amarok through its paces as part of this long-distance challenge, the world’s toughest, before its official launch," said Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

As support vehicles, 20 Amaroks not only had to keep up with the Touaregs – which took all three podium places in the Dakar – but even to get ahead on some stages of the rally. Pushing through challenges such as the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest place, required vehicles and drivers to be at peak performance. A further 15 Amaroks were supplied as crew and press vehicles.

The Amarok will be available as a four-door double cab version from launch in September, with a single cab model to follow in 2011.  It combines the robustness of a pick-up with innovative technology, high safety standards,