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Arctic Amarok has cappuccino maker

- David Linklater

you want multiple displays, the navigation map (also tweaked with different graphics and menus) is basically the background for everything.

There’s also now a Controls the screen, using the steering wheel and its remote buttons as controls.

When parked, of course. Even since our test drive there’s been a further minor software update that has added a driving game (Pole Position) and it even allows you to plug a proper console controller into the USB port. That’s how they roll at Tesla. Nerds.

Any other cars I should consider?

It’s a fully electric luxury SUV, so the Tesla Model X is unique. For now.

The interestin­g thing about 2019 is that the Model X is going to suddenly have a whole lot of competitio­n: Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace and the Mercedes-Benz EQC. For 2020, there’s also the BMW iX3. Pretty sure you can’t play classic video games in any of those though. A one-off Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck designed exclusivel­y for life in the Arctic Circle features raised ride height, huge all-terrain tyres – and a cappuccino maker.

The truck, modified by off-road specialist­s, Arctic Trucks, in partnershi­p with United Kingdom Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer Hekla, is currently being put to work in Iceland as a support vehicle for winter driving experience­s, leading customers out onto the snow and ice.

The Amarok AT35 has a 25 millimetre front and rear suspension lift. New flared fibreglass wheel-arches have been trimmed to accommodat­e the larger wheels and the 315/70R17 all terrain tyres – plus larger mud flaps front and back have been added.

Inside, the Amarok has been given an expedition makeover with a fire extinguish­er, portable generator – and even a cappuccino machine.

A VHF radio, toolbox, jack, first-aid kit with defibrilla­tor and work light are also included in the Arctic Trucks conversion.

Under the bonnet is the standard Amarok’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.

 ??  ?? The ‘‘new’’ Model X looks the same. Because Tesla updates don’t work like that.
The ‘‘new’’ Model X looks the same. Because Tesla updates don’t work like that.
 ??  ?? The excitement of Atari games is almost enough to make you forget about the Model X’s other unique features.
The excitement of Atari games is almost enough to make you forget about the Model X’s other unique features.
 ??  ?? The tricked-up Amarok will serve as lead/rescue vehicle at snow driving events.
The tricked-up Amarok will serve as lead/rescue vehicle at snow driving events.

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