Review of the Amarok

[jriosa]

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Pretty good write up here

2010 Volkswagen Amarok First Drive

Some pretty impressive stats - payload slightly over that of the TRs, smaller twin turbo diesel - pretty much a match in dimensions to the TR 40, but wider. Looks would be less controversial, and I would suspect refinement will be a bit better.

Almost wondering if they are watching M&M to see if there is a market.

Jim

[pee wee]

You know they're watching Mahindra, I bet all the truck makers with an interest in the U.S. market are watching. I'd be surprised if the VW pricing was comparable to the Mahindra, reading reviews from Australia the price of the Pik-Ups are lower than the Toyota Hi-Lux and other similar trucks. Once prices climb into the high 20's, I'm not interested no matter how nice it is supposed to be, but there are people here who will readily pay over $30,000 for a pickup truck. That said, I'm ready to welcome more choices to our market.

[howam00]

Unless VW can make the truck here (North America) it would be too expensive given the alternatives. However I am sure that it would be a success given that there are a lot of VW fanatics here in the states.

I wouldn't mind comparing the VW to Mahindra back to back and see which I'd like better for my needs and we might possible get to do this in the future if the Mahindra trucks sell reasonably well here.

[Bugman]

That's a good looking truck Bring it on VW..Lets get some small diesel truck competition going....

[TXBlackKnight]

Though it would be nice to see those vehicles [both the Amarok and the Hi-Lux], it will probably be along time before one would hit the shores. They will wait to see the success [if M&M have it] with the TR series. If they decide to bring them over, I still may be a little biased and brand loyal since Mahindra was the first to bring it here.

[Max465]

Originally Posted by TXBlackKnight

Though it would be nice to see those vehicles [both the Amarok and the Hi-Lux], it will probably be along time before one would hit the shores.

I think you’re right. Based on what I’ve read about the Amarok it will be sold in virtually all major markets EXCEPT here. It’s honestly not a surprise to me – manufacturers have let the compact/midsize pickup segment progressively rot in the U.S. Mahindra seems to be the only manufacturer with the guts to go for it, and from what I have been able to read about the company, they seem like a high quality outfit. Mahindra’s TR20 and TR40 power ratings are encouraging, their size is manageable and they come with a Bosch-influenced clean diesel engine.

[datnoidu235]

Found this small truck being introduced to S America
New Peugeot Hoggar: Pocket-Sized Pick-Up Truck Based on the 207 Hatch - Carscoop

[jrel85]

South America seems to get all of the cool diesel rides. That is what drives me insane is that GM has the Colorado with a diesel in almost every other market except here and same with the global Ranger from Ford. The technology is there yet in the US it does not come because they say that we do not have a market for small trucks. The reason that there is no current market is because every small to midsize truck costs as much and provides the same fuel economy as the full size. I think that the Amarok would sell if they brought it here. I would also like to see a pickup based on the Jetta wagon TDI with a 40-50mpg rating similar to the rabbit pickup of the 80's.

[Max465]

Originally Posted by jrel85

South America seems to get all of the cool diesel rides. That is what drives me insane is that GM has the Colorado with a diesel in almost every other market except here and same with the global Ranger from Ford. The technology is there yet in the US it does not come because they say that we do not have a market for small trucks. The reason that there is no current market is because every small to midsize truck costs as much and provides the same fuel economy as the full size. I think that the Amarok would sell if they brought it here. I would also like to see a pickup based on the Jetta wagon TDI with a 40-50mpg rating similar to the rabbit pickup of the 80's.

What do you think of the Mahindra pickups?

[jrel85]

I really like the idea of the Mahindra pickup. From what I have read they are built to a high standard and with high quality components. I also like that they are willing to go to the experts instead of re-inventing every component. I am very excited for this truck to come out as I feel that it will provide a cost effective choice for people like me that are looking for a midsize truck that provides low cost of maintenance and high fuel economy.
That being said I am still worried about the infrastructure as this is Mahindra's first entry into the U.S. market. The availability of service and parts will also be something that I am going to look into before I make my decision about this truck. That is something that I would see as an advantage to a vehicle such as the Amarok over the Mahindra is that I know that I have a VW dealer less than 5 mi from my house and that I can order parts direct over the internet if needed at a low cost from Parts Place Inc. Hopefully Mahindra has thought about this and has the infrastructure in the works as it would be very difficult for me to buy, even the greatest product unless the manufacturer can provide me with the reassurance that there is going to, be ample parts available at a reasonable price and trained professionals available for when I cannot figure it out in my garage.