By offering the widest selection of V6 diesel engines and model variants together with a number of technical advancements, with the latest generation Amarok, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was honoured with the International Pick-up Award 2018 at a special Gala ceremony held during Solutrans 2017, in Lyon, France.
Volkswagen Amarok
Following an extensive group test drive programme held over three days in Romania at the beginning of November, the Amarok V6 emerged overall winner as voted by members of the International Van of the Year Jury.
The fourth running of the biennial International Award for 1-tonne Pick-up trucks had established players – the Toyota Hilux & Volkswagen Amarok, up against two newcomers, the Renault Alaskan & Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
“Jury members adjudged the Amarok V6 to be the best all-rounder in a very close-run competition. The latest Volkswagen Amarok V6 scored 56 points with its new German rival, the all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class achieving 50 marks with the current Toyota Hilux not too far behind on 41 points. Marks were awarded based on powertrain efficiencies, load volume and capability, driver and passenger comfort and safety aspects, as well as low total cost of operation from a business point of view,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, International Van of the Year Jury.
Jarlath Sweeney and Eckhard Scholz
Having received this prestigious accolade on its inaugural presentation for 2010, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was very pleased with the continued success of the Amarok on an International scale: “We are grateful for the IPUA 2018 award and feel honored by the verdict of the jury of international experts. With the Amarok, we listened to the customer and put more power, torque, and usability in all terrains rather than luxury and lifestyle. I promise, we will continue to provide best solutions for our customers to make their business better. Thank you for your confidence.”
Featured below is a selection of voting motivations by jury members on electing the Volkswagen Amarok V6 as the winner of the International Pick-up Award 2018:
“The Volkswagen Amarok is the epitome of the ‘work hard, play hard’ theme that is becoming common place in the Pick-up segment. With a clean-cut design, great fit and finish, a spacious cab with modern layout, it is full of amenities and a layout that enhances well-being. The ergoComfort seats are extremely comfortable and supportive, while the 8-speed automatic is unique in the class, as is the 3.0 litre V6. Both on tarmac and off-road the driveline excels, and the refinement and elasticity of the engine are a new ethos for the segment.”
“Power is not a problem with the Volkswagen Amarok V6, with its broad selection of 3.0 litre TDIs ranging from 120 to 190 kW to fulfill the power and torque wishes for all costumers.”
“Amarok provides the most comfortable seats compared with the competitors – and the roomiest cabin. It’s a top pedigree workhorse.”
