First... three bakkie stories from Volkswagen
Seems like Wolfsburg has much on its plate that can be filed under the section marked 'bakkie'.
Thing One is a newcomer doublecab that slots beneath the Amarok. It is called the Tarok and there’s much to be excited about.
"With its striking Targa-inspired roof bar, charismatic front end, three-dimensional LED lighting strip in the rear, and powerful yet stylish side panels, the Tarok Concept's expressive design makes it the first pick-up to combine the stylistic elements of an urban SUV with an authentic off-road design." explains Klaus Bischoff, VW Head Designer.
"The Tarok's DNA adds an exhilarating dynamic to the segment".
Indeed, it is all those things, and it will do it under the power of the sort of engines you’ll find in a modern Polo. But what of big brother now that little Tarok has been conceived?
Then there’s Thing Two, the Amarok itself which if rumours are to believed, is to be built on the same platform as the next Ford Ranger thanks to some cunning brand synergy. Imagine that.
Whatever shall become of the established bakkie rivalries of South Africa? I guess it’s everyone against the Hilux? VW CEO Herbert Diess cautioned that “There’s nothing signed yet with Ford. We are in talks.” That's talks around light-duty vehicles. Insert knowing wink here.
Lastly, Thing Three comes from Brazil – is named the Saveiro and is essentially the half tonner VW pundits have long desired to rival the Opel Corsa Ute and Nissan NP200. We’ve actually mentioned it before, and how it is meant to live as a Left Hand Drive only vehicle, but as always – watch this space.
And Everything else:
Not to be outdone, Toyota gives their bakkie the Gazoo treatment with the new Hilux GR Sport
VW have unveiled GTS concepts for the Polo sedan and hatch and the results are stunning
Sad news from Bugatti – the W16 engine doing service in the current Chiron will be the last of its kind
Mazda prove they don’t do teasing well with this lousy preview of the next Mazda 3 ahead of the LA Motor Show
