Volkswagen Tarok ute concept debuts

The all-new Volkswagen Tarok pick-up concept made its world debut at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil overnight.

Sitting on the same MQB platform as the Volkswagen Polo, Golf and Tiguan, the compact dual-cab ute will join the full-size Amorak and the Atlas Tanoak in the German car-maker's growing global pick-up range.

Created specifically for growing markets like Brazil -- which also produces the Renault Duster Oroch that Renault Australia is currently lobbying to import -- Volkswagen says the equally compact Tarok twin-cab could “conceivably be suitable for other regions” and has not yet ruled it out for Australia.

José Carlos Pavone, the head of design for Volkswagen of South America, explained that markets like Australia are on the wish list for the new ute.

He told Rodrigo Ferreira editor of carsales.com.au's sister site in Brazil, WM1.com.br, that the idea is to sell the pick-up truck in other markets, some of which are already very interested. As reported by Rodrigo via video (above), Pavone observed that the Tarok could be a good option for Australia but he didn't go so far as to confirm it, saying it was a possibility.

If it arrives Down Under, the Volkswagen Tarok could cash in on Australia's strong appetite for four-door pick-ups, even if it lacks the sturdy ladder frame of traditional 4x4 utes.

"Traditionally, compact utes haven’t been a major player here, but when we learn more about it we might revisit this," Volkswagen Group Australia’s general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger told us last week.

Measuring in at almost five metres long, the Volkswagen Tarok is more than 320mm shorter than the Amarok but to make up for its shortcomings in length, engineers have designed a novel variable loading area incorporating a pair of fold-flat rear seats and a rear tailgate that can be driven in a lowered position, extending the bay.

It's not clear if the unique cargo solution will reach production but, in total, the concept's load bed extends out to a decent 2775mm long and its payload is a full tonne.

As well as being a potential workhorse for tradies, the Volkswagen Tarok also caters for the lifestyle crowd, hence the full-length panoramic roof, satin finish for the rollover bar and looks borrowed directly form the brash Atlas Tanaok, which could be another ute option for Volkswagen Australia.

Inside, the concept gains a cabin virtually indistinguishable from Volkswagen's current passenger car range with a large virtual cockpit instrument display and widescreen infotainment system. One change, at least for the concept, is the air-conditioning controls are now hidden under a protective plastic cover, hiding them away from any damaging dust or water.

Under the bonnet, the Tarok gets Volkswagen's 110kW 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that's combined with a six-speed automatic and the firm's 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

It's thought a production version will also be available with a 110kW 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel.