Volkswagen Ute (Robust) spy photos
1 May, 2008
53 Comments 
When we received these spy photos from our European photographers, there was a moment of silence from all of us, a VW Ute? Or as the Americans like to say a Pickup Truck?
Yep! We knew VW was serious about beating Toyota to become the world’s number one manufacturer, so this new model should come at no surprise.
The mid-size truck – photos of a quad-cab – will be built in Hannover, Germany, as well Argentina, and so far has been labelled as the “Robust”.
The Robust should be available with two-wheel-drive and “off-road capable” 4×4 versions, combined with VW’s award winning power plants, the Ute might just put some of the Japanese competitors to shame.
Its competitors would include the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
OH GOD NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! NOT VOLKSWAGEN!!!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 12:25 am
Meh, bound to happen. Kinda like the Cayenne, you need the bread and butter models to build the KFC dipped in Nutella hotrods.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
Waahey another ute that looks like…. well another ute. BORING.
Surely making a pick up won’t be enough to beat Toyota to No1??
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May 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
A nicely propertioned ute, then. There, that wasn’t hard, was it, Hi-Lux?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:32 am
i think it will be a good model from VW, the touareg is a grat vehicle but just a tad overpriced…. a volkswagen ute with the touareg engines would be great!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:32 am
I actually love the look. Gotta applaud VW with bold plans of being number 1. Seems like there designs are in line with that thought process….cute!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
Line up Hilux with this….and seems a lot cooler and more prim and proper! They have a cunning plan the VW club!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 8:12 am
# Alex Says:
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
“OH GOD NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! NOT VOLKSWAGEN!!!”
Typical comment from a Holdord Bogan.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 8:15 am
Who said that in a series “I have a cunning plan?” Baldrick off Black Adder?
All I can say is can I be a Ra Ra girl for VW to kick Toyotas arse!
Cheer leaders sing!
“Toyota really sucks, with their ugly Roll-lux”
5,6,7,8
“VWs new Pickup, really does look great”
“”GOOOOOOOOOOOO VW”
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May 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Well done. You pass. Remember Blackadder telling Baldrick about Welsh people….”They are large gangs of tough sinewy men roaming the valley terrorising people with there close harmony singing. Dont ever go to Wales for a holiday, you will be pulling phlegm out of your hair Baldrick for two weeks” Classic words….guess who wrote those words?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
LOL @ Baravian Missle
GOOOOOOOOOOOO VW
Seriously I think I read somewhere that VW Passenger Sales match Toyota its only in the Commercial sector where VW fall behind.
(Not saying this is completely true but there must be some truth to it.)
A Robust study will be shown in September at the IAA in Hanover this year which is focusing on the Commercial Vehicles.
We in Australia should get it as soon as RHD production starts in Germany or South Africa (or possibly from an ASEAN region plant in Thailand or Indonesia) - Around 2010 or later.
I look forward to it
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May 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 am
Can’t quite see this becoming the indestructible workhorse of Africa and other third world places, dependable electronics and all, that the Hilux has been for the last 30 years. But good luck anyway.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 am
The 4×4 version with the luvly 3.0 V6 diesel would be the absolute best out of this class ov vehicle.
The Toyota is fugly, the Triton is fugly, and the Navara is too long. Then there’s Rodeo and colorado clone, BT50 and ford clone, and a couple of others filling out the sector.
There’s plenty of customers for these things, so it’s vital for VW to enter this sector.
If VW is to knock off GM/Toyota from the 1/2 position, they will first have to fix their substandard dealers and dealer network, at least in Australia.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
I like it. I am looking for a 4×4 quad cab with a simple clean design, strong TDi engines (preferably a small V6) good ground clearance and decent cabin space.
While many have some of these requirements, none have all. Most of the Jap pick ups are just plain ugly
Triton.. what happened there?? & Hilux.. almost as bad!,
only the BT-50/Ranger have a decent looking interior, Navara… just average
And none of the Jap utes ahave what I would call a decent Turbo Diesel.
The VW may just be a great new model!!
If only the F-150 was available in Australa with a good 3-3.5 Turbo Diesel and better handling!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
How can they possibly identify that as a VW?? No badges, no obvious VW design cues??
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May 2nd, 2008 at 10:22 am
It’s the vibe…
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May 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Dont get too excited just yet. Looks like any one of a dozen dual cabs that are sold in the US market. And how can anyone say this is nicely proportioned and the others arent? From what can be seen it looks very BLAND! Typical slabsided pickup with the typical bolt on plastic flares. Wheres the originality? And if Toyota and Mitsubishi are fugly doesn’t this conservative design become whitegoods on wheels?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
I’m all for Volkswagen beaing Toyota, but there are zero Volkswagen styling cues evident. If someone had said these pictures are of the new Toyota/GM/Ford/Hyundai 4×4, no-one would blink. Those covered bits need to be sufficiently different if the model is to succeed.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 11:39 am
Honestly it doesn’t look all that great. Looks like a merge of the Triton and Hilux. But where i think VW will have a winner here is the engine and transmission range, offroad ability and the safety features, seeing as most utes on the market now have little or no safety gear.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 11:50 am
Jbot, when it comes out of a VW factory
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May 2nd, 2008 at 11:56 am
Fair enough haha.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
hahaha….that would be the clue……..thats the biggest car bra Ive ever seen!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Its a VW, coz its got base model Touareg rims on it. This would be awesome with the V10 diesel powering it!!
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May 2nd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I don’t reckon there’s enough room for the V10, and the brakes would have to be uprated, meaning bigger wheels and as a result, no suitable load carrying tyres.
But it could come with the 2.5 since it seems to have the transporter/Touareg R5 brake and wheel package, so if the 2.5 fits, so might the V10.
In this config, it would be unmatched by anything else
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May 2nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Does it have a bench seat?
Can you get it with LPG?
I think vw should worry less about being #1 [which Toyota won’t let them anyway] and concentrate on improving the quality of its products.
Frankly its gone downhill, but not but much as it was low already!
Cheers
F-0
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May 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
What I was saying VW_Freak is that its not quite right somehow. What if Renault or Peugeot put out a truck? Or BMW?! None of its right somehow. It also looks too much like a Hilux from the rear door back. Another problem is the sort of people who will buy them. I don\’t want Volkswagens scattered all over building sites! Toyota with the Hilux, Mitsubishi with its um… interestingly styled Triton, Holden with the Rodeo or whatever they call it. You don\’t buy a car from any of those brands for driving quality (although thats starting to change) or that little bit of prestige - you do from Volkswagen. Also whats a Holdord Bogan?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Come on Alex, haven’t you heard of a Transporter, Crafter, Trafic or Kangoo? All commercials, all likely to be found on building sites and used by couriers and the like. And before the years done we’ll have Peugeot vans here too! Not to mention the likes of Merecedes Benz who have been selling vans here for 10 years.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Vans are different - very different. Because you dont see nearly as many of them on building sites and also I was refering to Trucks not vans. Those are all more used for delivery vans rather than builders tools of trade. You still see alot more falcon and commodore utes on building sites than than you do any of those. I can see im the only one who thinks this way so Ill pipe down this time but I would like to know what a Holdord Bogan is. Anyone?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
It may put the japanese competitors in shame, but in price? I dont know? I’ll have to wait and see till it comes out.
Though is it me or the whole exterior design looks very similar or identical to the hilux ute (excluding headlights)?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
It’s an interesting addition to VW’s line-up, especially considering that during the 90s in Europe, VW actually rebadged the Toyota Hilux as the VW Taro. The rebadging effort was about as severe as Nissan’s when they rebadged the Falcon ute (ie: they swapped the badges and that’s about it).
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May 2nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
TP, would you care or like if VW did beat Toyota in sales?
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May 2nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Just wondering if your worried.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Alex - you said”I don’t want Volkswagens scattered all over building sites!”
Oh how sad for you, what will you do, presumably go about a campaign to rid the site of the awful VW’s trucks. You could even start a petition in parliment to ban the import as you don’t like them so much. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to “put up” with staring at those things all the time. Whats the world coming to for Gods sake.
Pffft. twit
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May 2nd, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Jbot - the wheels are a dead giveaway (Touareg wheels), the fact that this has been photographed in Europe with VWAG development plates……………………………and if your still not convinced look at the Skoda and Touareg in the background of the pictures
Alex - the future of VW succeeding is growing in all sectors including pickup trucks and in the near future Heavy Trucks and Buses have a look at the VW South Africa Commercial site to see what I mean
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I’ll have one thanx!!!! but are you sure it’s not a Toyota wearing a cardigan!!!!LOL
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May 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Tonyn,
you say the touareg is over priced,
well if they price this in the same manner it wont sell.
they are entering a category where people dont buy these things unless they are familiar with them.
they would have to price it under what any other of its competitors charge to even get a look in.
even Madza had to do this to enable its BT50 the solid following it now has. the Mazda commercials use to be easily the best value for money. now that they have solid sales, their pricing has slipped in line with the others.
on the other hand toyota still charges an arm and a leg for the hilux. why? because it is probably the best established name plate in the game. also i suppose its due to the massive discounts they give to fleet, so they have to make it up in what they charge the private sector
and who said VW is equal on passenger sales to toyota?
i find that hard to believe.
i know a hell of a lot of toyotas sales come from the commercial side, but i didnt think VW’s sales were that close
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May 3rd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Does this mean that we could possibly see a Porsche 911 Pick-Up possibly with a GT-3 or Gemballa Body Kit?
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May 3rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
^You wish Wheelnut!
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May 3rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
hahaha…….probably Duck ,he wants a ute!
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May 3rd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
yeah he wants a ute with a crappy rolla cover.
(just trying to have a dig at u wheelnut)
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May 3rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Andrew M: I’m not that fussed so long as it isn’t a
T-erribly R-otten D-river..
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May 3rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Play nice boys or i’ll have to get the whip out…..hang on Big W will like that!
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May 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
ah so you shop at Big W?
yeah you whip that Big W neon sign girl!!!
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May 3rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
hahaha………your in good form today.
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May 3rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
pitty “your” spelling isnt
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May 3rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Pg 219 Oxford Pocket Dictionary……correct spelling Andrew M is pity! LOL…………………………..! You should learn to spel beter
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May 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Ur bn ril piky? I text too much !
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May 3rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
hahaha…….trust you teacher teacher……I guess I should pass the cane over to you ? I think Andrews too young to remember the cuts or cane? {That will arc him up,I know he hates me stirring him on his age} Waiting waiting waiting !
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May 3rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
“If VW is to knock off GM/Toyota from the 1/2 position, they will first have to fix their substandard dealers and dealer network, at least in Australia.”
AMEN Reckless1 !!!
Certainly applies to austral volkswagen in Brisbane. Their sales and service is woeful! I love VW but where to buy from!?!? Maybe 2nd hand is the go (I hate compromising too!!!).
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May 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
yep i knew as soon as i pressed the submit button i hadn’t spelt pity right. i was hoping you wouldnt notice ha ha ha ha ha
so the summary goes…….
“your” spelling isnt any good, and
“Pitty” i cant spell any better ha ha ha ha ha
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May 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Not many cars came across from VW to suggest new models but they will come hey!
I have been looking at many Ford’s and other cars today…
I suggest to you to look up following: Opel Mereva, Dodge Zero, Geely GE, Geely GT, Geely Tiger, Saturn Extreme, Mazda Ryuga, Renault Alpine, Ford Capri (another version with triangular front lights is cool), Ford F250 Reflex, Ford Iosis X (similar to Kuga), Ford Puma, Ford Start, Ford Verve Sedan and 3 door, Ford Visos. Suss em out as Iam looking at net 99% more then before! The Ford ones are hot as!
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August 4th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I work with atleast a couple of hilux’s every day. No matter what way you look at it, you just cant kill the things, same thing goes for their landrcuisers, i have one at home that has done over 700,000kms no work done by us ex mine vehicle, still runs like a charm. VW have a long way to go before besting toyota in a field they have mastered and dominated in for so long. You just can’t beat toyota for reliability.
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August 20th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Luke is right, the Toyota will be tough to beat no matter how they look. If anybody watches Top Gear they’ll know that the Hilux is virtually indestructible. Everybody should watch “Killing a Toyota” (on you tube) before they decide which is the better truck. Although that VW does look… robust.
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