Volkswagen Amarok crosses the Simpson on one tank of fuel

SYDNEY – Sept 10, 2013: The multi-award-winning Volkswagen Amarok has completed one of Australia’s toughest driving challenges, a point-to-point drive across the Simpson Desert on one tank of fuel.

To show the strength, durability and most importantly, efficiency of the Volkswagen Amarok, a group of Australian motoring journalists crossed the Simpson Desert on one tank of fuel; travelling from Mount Dare in South Australia to Birdsville in Queensland.

With over 505km between the fuel stops, over 1,100 dunes and temperatures soaring over 40 degrees, the crossing of the Simpson Desert via the French Line, from Mount Dare to Birdsville, is one of Australia’s most iconic and challenging drives.

Supported by a local expert and Volkswagen staff driving support Amaroks, the journalists drove standard TDI420 diesel dual-cab Amarok Trendlines featuring permanent 4MOTION and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All vehicles were equipped with jerry cans carrying spare diesel and water as a precaution.

Arriving at the famous Birdsville Hotel and marking the end of the Simpson Desert challenge, the Amaroks covered the distance with fuel to spare.

The Amarok with the best result used 67.3 litres and covered 513km in total.

Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Philip Clark, commented on the expedition.

“The Simpson Desert can make or break a vehicle, and the Amarok has shown it is well-equipped to handle these conditions,” Mr Clark said.

“While every measure was taken to ensure the safety of our drivers on the challenge should the unforeseen occur, it’s fantastic the Amaroks can not only complete the drive comfortably, but were so efficient they could have kept going beyond Birdsville.”