Unlike in the U.S. where pick-ups are as popular as apple pie, here in the UK they aren’t considered to be the same lifestyle choice – probably because there’s still not a majority of two, or three car families where the Ute can be part of the families transport solution.
Here, manufacturers tend to describe them as ‘artisanal’ products, the same with vans, they have double cabs and, increasingly car-like trim and fittings such as air-con and other added niceties like electric windows. That means during the working week Dad can use his van or pick-up for work and at weekends, or evenings, it doubles as the family transport.
Typical of this genre is VW’s Amarok which has just gone on sale and it’s proved an immediate success with the less than 1000 to be imported in the initial tranche already snapped up.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a two-lite, 161 bhp diesel version developing 295 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500 to 2000 rpm.
It comes well equipped with CD player, air-con, cruise control and other ‘luxuries’ such as privacy glass and heated seats which move it out of the utilitarian market into a more sophisticated product. Add to that, four-wheel drive, including low range, and the result is a product that could knock on the door of such workhorses as the Land Rover Defender, but roomier and more sophisticated.
An Amarok wouldn’t find its way into my garage on a permanent basis, but I begin to understand their appeal – even the local bovines seemed quite impressed.
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