Oops, there goes the low box

Originally a very competent if expensive off-roader, Volkswagen finally came to the conclusion that Touareg buyers don't want to go off road* and has eliminated low-range gearing from the latest model. However, hedging its corporate bets, an off-road pack incorporating the gearing is available as an option on the two V6 turbo diesel models – but not on the top air suspended V8 turbo diesel that replaces the V10.

* If I'd just spent between $92,000 and $139,000 on a new 4WD I probably wouldn't want to go off road in it, either.

Say again, I can't hear you ...

The other week I drove on the motorway for a short time alongside a Nissan Patrol shod with a set of Simex Extreme Trekkers, aka the Centipede. Man, what a noise they made. They sounded like a squadron of Zero fighters coming in low during the fall of Singapore in 1942 (not that I was there to actually know this, of course). Not crticising the Centipedes here, they're not supposed to be an on-road tyre and there have been many times off-road I've wished I'd had them. Ever since buying a set of asymmetric Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs earlier this year, I've become interested in tyre noise, as they're claimed to be fairly quiet on-road. While you'd expect them to be whisper quiet compared to the Centipedes, I was in for another surprise:

Recently, I had an opportunity to drive a bunch of Skoda models on a 12km road circuit south of Auckland. The route included long patches of our infamous coarse-chip pavement and I noticed how noisy the Skodas' tyres were on this surface. They were running a variety of good brands including Dunlop, Continentals and Bridgestone (lots of Europeans now come with Japanese-brand tyres). Later, out of curiosity, I drove the Jeep with the MT/Rs over the same coarse chip at the same speeds and, despite the Rubicon's lack of soundproofing, they were quieter than the low-profile street rubber. This was a measure-by-ear evaluation but the difference was easily discernible. I'm not suggesting for a moment the Skodas' soundproofing wasn't up to scratch either, as the VW-owned company makes beautifully engineered cars. I'm just reporting an unusual and interesting quirk of tyre design and compounding that may be more pure luck on this particular surface than a stroke of brilliance by Goodyear engineers but, hey guys, feel free to take the credit!

Challenger joins the 3-tonne tow club

Mitsubishi's Challenger, a wagon I rather like, has had its braked tow rating increased by 500kg to 3000kg, but its unbraked rating remains at 750kg. The company says engine and chassis upgrades allowed towing capability to be improved. For those who keep track of such things, 11 versions of the Challenger, Triton and Pajero are now rated for 3000kg or better (the Pajero can do 3300kg).

Challenger rocks – well, its new improved braked tow rating does.

Driving Volkswagen's Amarok

 Update: The German ute is being introduced to the media here Feb 14-15. 4wdNewz will be there.

Volkswagen has a few early-production Amarok utes in the country and I've just been backroading in one of the double cab 4WDs. This is the first 4WD utility to seriously challenge the dominance of Japan's products – the SsangYong was a fizzer and Land Rover has only been able to carve a mini-niche with its utes. Volkswagen is gearing up to make the most of its opportunity, adding a bunch of service outlets and new dealers so that customers can have an Amarok, no matter where their paddock. The company's talking 400-450 in the first year and has taken deposits on 130 of them. (Update: one has posted an interesting comment, below.) Built in Argentina – and soon, also, in Germany – the Amarok is competent, slightly larger than most Japanese rivals, and has a good load area. There's an earlier posting here. Its cab is well designed and roomy, with rubber floormats on the base model.

It's powered by a two litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) common rail diesel developed from the unit in Golf, Jetta and Tiguan. The 4WDs use a bi-turbo version that produces 120kW and 400Nm of torque from 1500rpm. An entry-level 2WD will have a lower powered version with 340Nm. The twin turbos eliminate lag and provide possibly the smoothest-performing diesel ute on the market. The 400Nm of torque is more than enough, despite what some rivals will claim, but I'm wondering whether it has quite enough kWs? The ute will first be available only with a six speed manual, but an auto is expected late next year. The ratios are well chosen and the ’box a pleasure to use.

Volkswagen has worked out indicative pricing that puts the leather-upholstered Highline 4WD double cab at $62,000 compared to $60,390 for the equivalent Hilux. The lower-line model is $56,800 compared to Toyota's $55,690. These  numbers may change by the time the trucks arrive, but were it my money, I'd gladly pay the extra for the Amarok at those prices, but the reality is that when the respective brands' salesmen have finished playing their discounting game, the Japanese product is likely to be significantly cheaper and, despite VW's efforts to extend its network, has a far deeper sales and service network. However, the Amarok deserves a place in our market and 2011 will be one of the most interesting years ever to watch how the ute market evolves.

Presence of Amaroks provided a surprise at the launch of the new Touareg. No, it's not crazy styling you're looking at, just the effect of a very w-i-d-e angle lens.

Three takes on the tray, from left, a hard tonneau; New Zealand-made sports bar; and Plain Jane (the far one's a 2WD)

Nissan's cheque is not in the mail

I've recently been driving a bunch of compact-to-medium soft off roaders and the one that stands above the rest is Nissan's X-Trail diesel. I know I said in an earlier post that I wouldn't write about soft off-roaders any more – the ones without low gearing, with no ground clearance to speak of, and dangerously shallow approach and departure angles. However, if you're in the position of needing a machine of this type in your family, do try the X-Trail diesel. It's not a good looker, but drivers of "proper" off-roaders will like its general "feel" and the stoic nature of the Renault-Nissan motor. It's also roomy for its size and well built. Look for more in the January issue of Top Gear NZ.