NOT QUITE a new player in the pick-up market, but certainly one that has left this segment pretty much to others until now, VW reckons that its new Argentinean-built Amarok pick-up will set new standards in the one-tonne class when it hits the showrooms in September.

It will come with a payload of 1.15 tonnes and a maximum towing limit of 2.8 tonnes and its 2.52 m² load area is the largest in its class, reckons VW.

The Amarok will come with either two-wheel-drive (rear), or switchable/permanent all-wheel-drive. A double cab version will be available from launch and a single cab will follow in 2011.

The photo shows it will reflect the latest Volkswagen design DNA, with frontal styling in line with the latest Transporter and Golf.

As you would expect, VW’s excellent 2.0 TDi engine is the main power unit, producing either 161 bhp in its highest tuning, or a de-tuned 121 bhp version.