In an attempt to illustrate the diverse applications of a bakkie like the Amarok, VW has created a concept vehicle for the Geneva Motor Show.
The Amarok Canyon concept has been specially configured for the popular extreme sport of 'freestyle kayaking'.
All aspects of the vehicle have been designed to meet the requirements of this extreme sport - from the bakkie's running gear to details of the cargo box.
The Canyon is significantly taller and wider than the production Amarok, and its colour is also more exotic.
Its body, which shimmers in the three-layer effects of its bright 'Baladi Orange' paint, is a full 85 mm taller than the production model.
The freestyle bakkie also has auxiliary headlights mounted on its roof, and additional visual accents are provided by the smoked rear lights and the colour-contrasting underbody protection.
Two electrically deployed tread plates make it easy for all occupants to step into and out of the vehicle, despite the raised ride height.
The two carbon fibre kayaks are securely mounted to the cargo floor: at the rear, the floor is designed with two formed cut-outs with soft padding, while the kayak bows are mounted on a styling bar in 'High Gloss Adamantium Dark' with straps for firmly securing the boats. The paddles are firmly latched in place on the inside surface of the easy-to-operate tailgate, ready to grab.
All other gear - white-water helmets, flotation devices and rafting shoes - are also stowed securely: the helmets in nets on the front wall of the cargo bed, and the rest of the gear in smaller boxes that can be locked with watertight lids.
Inside, a special colour scheme was used with many details and new accents.
This concept also receives a more powerful version of the familiar 2.0 TDI bi-turbodiesel, this one putting out 132kW and 400Nm.