this has got to be a joke!!!..

50000 dollars for that little thing and puny engine

in no way will this overrated truck ever compare to the king ranch trim level....

Eh, it's not quite as dumb as it sounds. Fuel costs are significantly higher in Europe, and they don't have an obsession with "bigger is better." It's still a 1-ton truck with a diesel and a manual transmission (perfect powertrain in my mind), and it has a lot of torque if not a ton of horsepower. Bear in mind, half of a fullsize truck's power goes to just moving its own weight down the road. I'd rather own this than a King Ranch. That said, $50K for ANY truck is a little rich for my taste (in my mind that's luxury-car territory), so I'm probably not the target market for this OR the King Ranch.

They are as yet not selling it in Austalia, No Automatic. They are trying to sell it at a price that will be equivalent to the Hilux. Not at those prices will they be competitive.

WOW! Rub it in our face will ya because we can't have one! Thanks VW of Germany!

"There are no plans to sell it in the U.S."
That's the smartest thing about this story.

"WOW! Rub it in our face will ya because we can't have one! Thanks VW of Germany!"

Yeah, seriously, I have no idea what you're talking about. I want a small truck, but for that price I'd rather not bother. I could get an F-150 for less.

35k for a ridgeline???? you have got to be kidding me

Keep in mind European prices and American prices are not directly comparable.

For example, in Germany a BMW M3 Coupe starts at 68.350,– Eur, which is $91,807.60 U.S. when converted.

The same car, in the United States, starts at $58,400.

Europeans pay a lot more for the same vehicle than we do.

The Amarok would not carry a starting M.S.R.P. anywhere near $35,000 if it were brought over here.

@Paul: Part of that price difference is because cars sold in Europe carry some level of VAT. When they are exported here, the VAT is removed. If the Amarok was sold in the U.S., it wouldn't carry a VAT either but it would be levied with the 25 % chicken tax. It might not start at $35K but it wouldn't be price competitive with U.S. built trucks either.

Mike vehicles here in Australia and in Europe to a lesser extent have a much higher resale value, than you would ever get in the US. So the sellers get a lot more for the sale of their vehicles.

Sorry Americans, but You should listening to me (=European guy) before, as I had written here when first Amarok news arrived at PT, that VW builds overpriced, over-hyped vehicles, not worth that pots of money, especially when they're equipped with TDi-diesel engines, that very often got broken! That normal price for this kind of car in Europe, but that doesn't mean it's normal...it's just ridiculous! Still hate US trucks, good equipped, with durable large displacement engines? :) Remember that VW Concern is building more and more powerful (HP) diesel but usually based on the same engine (displacement) - that means in the real world more and more technical troubles, I'm seriously! Whe have now a new trend here - engine downsizing (4-, 3-, even 2-cylinder engines with turbochargers/superchargers) and in the same time bigger/heavier cars, so You can imagine, that they can make mostly about 150k kilometers before the get a piece of junk under the hood... Not to imagine that situation with a classic American larger displacement gas engine, what?
I just want to clear for all of You our automobile situation, where now about more than half of the cars are diesels, but over 90% of troubles are connected with these overrated gas-oil burners.

"Remember that VW Concern is building more and more powerful (HP) diesel but usually based on the same engine (displacement) - that means in the real world more and more technical troubles, I'm seriously! Whe have now a new trend here - engine downsizing (4-, 3-, even 2-cylinder engines with turbochargers/superchargers) and in the same time bigger/heavier cars, so You can imagine, that they can make mostly about 150k kilometers before the get a piece of junk under the hood."

The new 6.7 Ford and GM engines are also highly stressed but not to the extent of the car diesels you get in Europe. They are tending to build "throw a way" vehicles on both continents that last as long their emission equipment. The days of something lasting 20-30yrs is almost becoming a memory.

This truck would be a niche truck..just for VW diehards...but it is a lemon !! Especially if used for a work truck/towing/hauling...VW and Audi diesels have timing belts !! Garbage,avoid any car /truck with a timing belt,unless you want a $1500 + bill to replace a leaking waterpump and timing belt at any mileage...Honda/Mitshubishi are common to go under 30k !! Alot of Vdubs and Audis as well ,gas and diesel !!

The Amarok seems to fall into the same problem as other compacts. The price is way too high. What is the incentive to buy any compact when the price is close to a full size? I know that you can get bare bones regular cab compact dirt cheap, but those trucks can't carry a family of 4.

If Ford sold the F150 overseas with the 3.0 V6 diesel from the Jag/LR (200kw/600Nm) and an option 4.4L V8 diesel, it would be a huge hit also. Even if it was US$60,000+ Pickups have just not been a commonly available in other markets, doesn't mean there isn't a demand for them.

"if Ford sold the F150 overseas with the 3.0 V6 diesel from the Jag/LR (200kw/600Nm) and an option 4.4L V8 diesel, it would be a huge hit also. Even if it was US$60,000+ Pickups have just not been a commonly available in other markets, doesn't mean there isn't a demand for them."
Actually Ford has sold these engine or the rights to them to Land Rover. A $60,000 Pickup would go down like a lead balloon. Ford has no current or future plans to sell the F150 in any other markets other than the current ones.

those south american dope dealers are the only one's that can afford that thing

Robert, I was in Australia when ford was selling the f250s for $60k-80k. They couldn't keep up with the demand. It would happen again if Ford shipped off RHD versions. The top spec Hilux and Navara are around $50k, I think people would gladl hand over another $10k for an F-series.

I wanted this truck as soon as I saw it, but wondered why it wasn't coming to the USA. Now I know, understand, and agree with why. I'm willing to pay for quality and I'd love a small diesel pick up, but at that price, I can buy a full size truck and all the gas I need, even when gas prices rise rise rise. $24k with 4x4 and the slightly more powerful engine sounds more acceptable.

At that price VW can put that thing where the sun don't shine.

Robert, I was in Australia when ford was selling the f250s for $60k-80k. They couldn't keep up with the demand. It would happen again if Ford shipped off RHD versions."
The demand was almost non-existant. Ford stopped bringing in the Brazilian F250's that they trialed and found it was a total waste of time.As a result if you want an F250 or any F series you have to go through some dodgy small importers.

Robert, Ford Australia did not find it a waste of time, but Ford in Michigan might not see the point of engineering it for RHD for small markets. Like I have pointed out over and over, www.autotrader.com.au you will find loads of F250s with 7.3L diesel still selling above $60,000. Many, depending on condition are going for more than they cost when they were new, seeing as they are unavailable. Toyota sells the POS 70 series in the $60ks. It's manual only, single cab only, cab chassis only and gutless, and drives like crap (I have driven it). A Landcruiser 200 is about $90k, there are horsey people and boat people who would love an F-series for around $60k. People who are sick of towing with Commodores. I think you come here trying to put down American pickups, but the fact is, there are crap loads of people outside North America who want them.

"People who are sick of towing with Commodores. I think you come here trying to put down American pickups, but the fact is, there are crap loads of people outside North America who want them."
Well if there are Ford Australia appears not to be interested and they are after any market that can make money for them at the moment.

Robert, Ford Australia can't get the F-series! It's not up to them. The only options are not viable ones. Ford Aus could import left-hand-drive ones, and convert them and re-engineer them for the Australian market. So it would be doing what VDC does, and selling them for $140k. Not viable!
Manufacture them in Australia, like it did in the 90s in Queensland, but the market isn't big enough for them to do that. The RHD market just isn't big enough. Australia is the only country in the world I know of where Left hand drive cars are illegal (though there are exceptions for classics). UK and Japan you can drive LHD. Australia is also one of the very few RHD countries where big 4x4s have any noticeable demand. So Ford Australia just doesn't really have any viable options. Mark my words that if Ford global offered it in RHD, Ford Australia will pounce on the opportunity.

After seeing the re-badged Toyota HiLux with VW symbols in Greece about 2 years ago, no suprise this thing resembles a HiLux!

Reminds me of when Isuzu built GM's first compact, Mazda built Ford's first compact and Mitsubishi built Dodg'e first compact until they were strong enough to build one on their own!

Too bad Toyota already had their 4wd out in 1979, years before the big 3 could even make their very first 2wd...

Great truck. Wrong price. Dumb decision not to bring it to U.S.

I have to agree with Jonathan...

35 K for this dressed up Ridgeline ? No thanks...

Dodge - You really have no clue about anything do you? If you are paying over $1,000 for a timing belt and water pump replacement you are getting ripped off. It is also doubtful, except in your little world, that they commonly fail at 30k miles. My 87 GTI never had a failure. Replaced it at 60K just like what was recommended. Did the water pump at 120k as it should last longer than 60k. The only reason the water pump gets recommended for replacement is due to it being readily accessable during a timing belt replacement. To do it alone you pay t he same labor charge for taking all the stuff out of the way that is already off for the timing belt remove and replace. BTW most newer timing belts have a 100k change interval. My 1999 Subaru 2.5RS did.

I don't care about this little truck. I am still pissed off at Ford for all the hype about their new 6.7L diesel truck. I almost ordered one untill i read some of the mileage and power to the ground output real world tests. Fuel economy that is the same as the 3 year old Cummins engine that doesn't use DEF ( urea fluid). All that horsepower and torque ratings 390 HP and 735 torque and it barely edges out the Cummins and has to rev higher to do so. I am glad i didn't get sucked in by the Ford hype this time, as i got burned when i got my 04 6.0L F250, what a problem child it turned out to be. Dam, even though the new super duty has got an ugly front grill and headlamps i would have bought one if it would have gotten mid 20mpg combined and was able to smoke a 3 year old design. The Duramax is going to be a monster compared to the new diesel from ford.

Kevin I just drove the f250 lariat fx4 diesel with 3.55:1. I was nailing the throttle, breaking the tires loose and having fun. Around town I averaged about 20 mpg. If I had of babied it, I would have got 22-24 no question. It was the refinement that impressed me most. The Cummins is not going to get mid 20s, so I don't know what you think Ford owes you with this engine.

I agree with Alex. Didn't this site test drive a new 6.7L and get better mileage than the Ram VS Superduty comparo that was here a short while back? I also seem to recall the Ford getting better mileage towing and loaded than the Ram in that test which makes no sense. The Cummins by design, not using urea, is doomed to poorer mileage. Why do you think over the road trucks, Ford, GM and even Ram's commercial application Cummins' use urea? I can't wait to see the HD Shootout done by this site. The last few have been great, done well and good info!

FWIW I am guessing the 2010 Ram used in the test had quite a bit more miles on it than the 2011 Ford. That could easily explain the poor unloaded mpg's.

@alex, If i drive my 6.7L and "baby it" i can get 25 mpg ,without the use of urea so whats the big deal with the new ford getting 20mpg. I get 28mpg easy driving with my Duramax and no urea, This is with the program on economy mind you, but also 4 year old technology. Ford is no better than the other two diesels. All are capable of towing massive loads and get over 12-13 mpg doing it thru mountain passes. Long live the diesel pick-ups.

Awesome if you can get 25mpg with the 6.7 Cummins, I have heard people getting about 22 with the older 5.9 and about the same with the 7.3 PowerStroke, but my understanding was the standard 6.7 Cummins used a bit more fuel. I would like to see what performance and economy improvement the Ford could get with a program. I agree that we have never had better choices with all of them. Either way, you can't really go wrong.
One thing I don't agree with the journalists on the 6.7 is where they say "no noticeable turbo lag." On kickdown you don't notice it, but flooring it from the lights, there seems to be a delay. But it could either be turbo, traction control or some other delay. The 2009+ F150 has some delay too, which obviously isn't turbo lag, so I would be interested to know what is causing this.

@Alex
Both trucks do seem to have a throttle lag, but its from both using Drive-By-Wire throttle systems. Both trucks have torque management software in the ECM to keep you from punching the throttle and just sitting and spinning the tires. The torque management pretty much keeps the throttle from going WOT instantly and instead it comes on gradually over a second or so then goes WOT. Ford does this since the new 6-speed trans have a very low first gear and Dodge does this since the Cummins has gobs of torque right off idle. Any custom tuner out there can remove this.

Thanks Tim, that makes sense. It would be a very savage beast without that limiter on it.

It would make more sense to buy Ford Transit Connect which has lot more space and is available for just 23K or some other CUV.

Pickup market is on the decline.

The biggest problem with the new diesels is that people are driving them the way they drove the old diesels before all the emmisions equipment. Excessive idling. If the truck is being driven as intended (under load) the DPF should reach the proper temp to regen without the use of fuel being injected into the exhaust. If the truck is being driven as a daily driver and not for hauling and towing fuel than must be added to achieve the high temps required. Fuel mileage is typicaly poor when this happens. Lots of idle time + not working the truck hard enough = poor mileage.

@Max Reid:
Wow, I'm astonished - the Ford Turneo Connect (Transit Connect equivalent in Europe) costs about the same in Europe or USA. That means much, considering that for a standard European prices for cars (also new models) in US are very low! Although I think, the American Transit counterpart are better standard equipped, but Ford still impressed me at this point!

The Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 with the comparable 126kW/343Nm 3.0l Diesel costs in Germany:

Sol 32.487,00 €
Executive 36.533,00 €

The VW Amarok Double Cab 4x4 120kW/400Nm 2.0lDiesel costs in Germany:
in Standard Trim 28.700 € as mentioned above in the Article which leaves room for the price of Trendline and Highline trim to be ok in comparison to Toyotas prices.

Please don´t complain about the prices of the Amarok if you dont know the prices of trucks in Germany..

Im sorry, 30.844 with this engine for the Amarok, wich is still lower..

Just read the article again and have seen the price for the Highline model (a little late :))

37.169€ for Amarok Highline compared to
36.533€ for Hilux Executive.
(Toyota prices from the Toyota.de webpage)

I think the Price is fine for Germany cause Germans love VW much more than Toyota, so it´s ok it´s a little higher.

When the Amarok will come to the USA (problably through the new VW Chattanooga plant in maybe 2 years, im sure it will come) it will have a price fitting the US market..

be glad that this ridiculous overprized Volkswagen plastic-bomber will not be sold in the US.
VW keep pretending they'd build "premium" vehicles
just be cause they overprize all their vehiocles.
Not proven but quality, where the're ranking at the
lowest levels. The major german Motor-magazine AutoBILD recently wrote:
"if you want to see Volkswagen at top (end of the quality
ranking) you got to turn the scale upside-down."

should have read:
...Not proven by quality, where the're ranking at the...

Just looking at jdpower ratings by brand.

Volkswagen has a medium three points in "overall quality" and "overall quality - mechanical" which are the two most important categories.
they share those three points with 20 other brands all of them having three points, in the first categorie only five are better than that (three of them luxury brands) in the second categorie only six are better (four of them luxury brands).

In the second categorie all manufacturers which have the same points are listed in alphabetical order, thats why volkswagen shows in the lower part of the ratings list, doesn´t mean its worse than acura, honda or ford, for example. the first categorie is unsorted.

The only relevant weak spot is the categorie "powertrain quality - mechanical", where its still on par with brands like mitsubishi, mazda, dodge, suzuki, hummer, land rover and others, so this 2 point rating is nothing which shows why some people are bashing so much on volkswagen for its quality.

it´s just not true that volkswagen is such a poor quality brand as some people here claim. more than 6 million car customers every year buy volkswagen products, are they all stupid, or what? is the jd power survey stupid as well?

Well going by the history of VW pickup trucks... oh wait, there isn't any. Seriously though, they are ok for quality, nothing special, I do find the cars a little bland though.

I did some research on VW when my wife and I were looking for a new "kiddie" hauler. The gassers have had many problems with electronics. The diesel VW's don't seem to have any real problems. Anybody I've talked to whom own a diesel VW have nothing but good things to say about them.
I'd like to see this truck in North America. In the not too distant future, Toyota, and Nissan will be the only players in the compact truck arena.

The real shame in all this is the so-called "Value Added Tax" which is being floated here in the U.S by the Obama administration. It adds 6 grand on top of an already crazy-priced rollerskate.

If the Amarok is made in South America, then it shouldn't be subject to the 25% chicken tax, right? I think that tax only applied to trucks coming from Europe and Asia. I think protectionist taxation ends up hurting the domestic industries in the long run, but this may not be the forum for political opinions.

must be some good pickups built by VW I bought mine new in 1972 and it is still going with original motor and running gear.

I JUST SAW TWO AMARAKS DRIVING AROUND ASU!!! They were covered in mud!!