Volkswagen has issued a recall for the V6 Amarok, because of a potential point of failure within the power steering system. Like so many of these recalls, it’s little things that have the potential to become big problems.
There’s a small clip that might be fitted incorrectly, and it can rub on a hydraulic fluid return hose. If that hose breaks, you lose your power steering (and all of the fluid), and that’s obviously not great news.
If it affects you, get in touch with your local servicing dealership, and book in a fix/inspection. With any luck, it will be a quick and easy fix.
The recall is limited to MY17 and MY18 Amaroks with the V6 engine. All of that grunt under the bonnet means the V6 Amarok is a good seller; more than 6300 VIN numbers are listed in the recall.
New 2018 Ford Ranger Spied!
This blue unit was spotted cruising around Thailand, where they are manufactured. You can see the exterior has been tweaked up, but Ford is sticking with the same overall look.
But looks aren’t the most important thing here. What about changes under the sheetmetal? Well, we don’t know everything yet, unfortunately, until it has been all confirmed by Ford. The waters get muddied further, because American and Australian Rangers are being developed alongside each other, probably with different specs and drivelines.
But, some details have slipped through. You can see it will have a ‘smartkey’ with proximity entry, as well as push-button start. Ford will likely continue with an onslaught of new technology in high-spec models, so will up the ante with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and other safety gear.
We aren’t sure of what engine is going to land in Australia yet. There’s talk of blown V6 petrols and twin-scroll diesels, but it’s all speculative so far. It will be governed by emissions at the end of the day. But, the dichotomy is that Aussies love their cubes and horses; two potentially mutually exclusive objectives.
Mercedes reveals X-Class camper
Thought that vehicle manufacturers didn’t give a hoot about campers and ’vanners?
Me too, but it looks like Mercedes-Benz might be an exception to that rule.
The imminent X-Class is a hot topic: Everyone’s ears prick up at a 190kW V6 diesel, and the promise of even more refinement for this one time rough-and-tumble workhorse segment.
But now it’s even more enticing to those yearning for a life on the road, with some serious options like a full-blown slide-on tub camper for the German ute. It’s made by German mob Tischer, and doesn’t look too dissimilar to something like a Lance camper. It has two metres of headroom, as well as 1.5-metres of width.
There’s also a pretty swish tub set-up available, with a slide-out kitchen (using a fridge, sink and water arrangement). It looks pretty high-end and has another side ready for the rest of your gear.
We don’t know if these options will be available in Australia, or if they are going to be reasonably priced or not. But I’m just excited Mercedes is looking at the RV segment pretty seriously with some genuine camping and touring gear.
2017 Sales Figures
SUVs and utes continue to dominate
2017 was another big year for vehicle sales in Australia, and the trend towards SUVs, 4WDs and utes shows no sign of abating.
Overall, the Australian new car market increased by 0.9 percent, with 1,189,116 total vehicles being sold in 2017. SUVs and utility vehicles are driving huge growth.
SUVs managed to outsell passenger vehicles 465,646 to 450,012, according to the VFACTS data. Light commercials (utes, mostly) account for 236,609 total sales, going up an impressive 8.6 percent.
Isuzu has capped off yet another big year, with nine years of more than 10 percent growth. The D-Max outgunned the Navara this year for fifth place, and the MU-X is the No.1 mid-sized 4X4 wagon.
Mitsubishi has also done very well, with the keenly priced Triton and Pajero Sport racking up big numbers (20,513 and 7618, respectively).
Although in terms of ute sales, none can equal the battle at the top: Ford’s Ranger made 42,728 sales, compared to Toyota’s 47,093 total for HiLux.
Toyota’s LandCruiser and Prado still did big numbers (12,814 and 15,982), whereas the Fortuner was a bit more reserved (2851).
There’s only one way (up) for Jeep’s Grand Cherokee after another tough year of losses – 5356, down 16 percent.
Strengthened by the V6, the Amarok has notched up a 16 percent improvement in sales to reach 5356.
