Built for maximum driving pleasure, the handsome, versatile, and durable VW Amarok double-cab pick-up has been revised in order to firmly secure its position in a crowded market segment. Benefitting from a mild facelift, and a brand new diesel engine, the big VW pick-up is one of the best vehicles in its class. Current rivals to the VW Amarok include the Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux, Fiat Fullback and Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
New Diesel Engine;
The new VW Amarok looks pretty much the same as the original in many respects, with its underpinnings remaining unaltered. Exterior changes have been limited to a redesigned front bumper, front grille and alloy wheels, while inside there is a new dashboard and an improved infotainment system. The highlight, however, is the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, which makes light work of any job that the Amarok is faced with. This wonderful engine is standard across the entire Amarok range, with all models attracting annual road tax of just €333 (standard commercial vehicle tax rate).
Specification & Transmission Options;
Three specification levels are available in the new VW Amarok –Comfortline (204bhp), Highline (204bhp or 258bhp) and Aventura (258bhp). Transmission choices comprise of a 6-speed manual gearbox (204bhp engines only), or a silky smooth 8-speed automatic (258bhp engines only)– representing a ‘first-in-class’ in the segment.
Test Car;
My test vehicle was a new VW Amarok 3.0-litre V6 ‘Aventura’ (flagship model) finished in Ravenna Blue Matte paintwork for maximum visual impact. A stop/start system is standard across the Amarok range, as is BlueMotion engine technology, and ‘4Motion’ all-wheel-drive. With a safe wading depth of 500mm, this is a seriously capable vehicle off-road, but offers a genuine car-like driving experience on-road. Driving the new Amarok is a pleasure – thanks in no small part to the 258bhp (and a whopping 580Nm of torque) under the bonnet of my test vehicle, and the reassurance of VW’s outstanding 4Motion system. I found the 3.0-litre V6 engine to be muscular, yet quiet, making it an excellent proposition. Fuel consumption is another area worthy of praise, as this new engine is capable of fuel consumption as low as 7.7l/100km on a combined driving cycle. The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 7.4-seconds, on the way to a top speed of 203km/h – where permitted.
Impressive Specification;
Standard specification across the entire Amarok range is impressive, while the Aventura model includes such standard features as 20” ‘Talca’ alloy wheels, sports bar in body colour, chrome side bars with steps (illuminated), ‘Discover Media’ satellite navigation with DAB radio, voice control and Car Net – App Connect, leather multi-function steering wheel with shifting paddles, Bi-xenon headlamps, heated seats & washer nozzles, special design leather seat trim covers, ‘Ergo-Comfort’ seats with 14-way adjustment, load compartment coating (which is resistant to abrasion and stone impact) and numerous other safety, security and comfort features. Optional features fitted to my test car included a full body cover with additional transport protection measures, roof-mounted LED auxiliary lights, black ‘Talca’ alloy wheels, black door handles, black & chrome exterior door mirrors, and power-adjustable, heated & folding door mirrors.
Impressive Space;
The VW Amarok has very generous dimensions, with a length of 5.32m, width of 2.2m (including door mirrors) and a height of 1.834m. A payload of 672kg, and a towing capacity of 3,500kg are more than acceptable in this class too. Add a locking tonneau cover to the load bed, and it turns the Amarok into a large and practical family car. No other pick-up provides so much space between the wheel housings. The loading width of 1.222m even enables Euro pallets to be loaded crosswise. The spacious, 2.52m² cargo box features some impressive dimensions – such as the 508 mm high side panels and the low loading sill height of 780 mm. Once inside the cabin of the Amarok, it will become apparent just how much space there is on offer, while driver and passenger comfort is top class. The rear seats provide plenty of leg and headroom for passengers, with seat bases that are higher off the floor than in rival pick-ups.
Award-Winning Pick-Up;
The Volkswagen Amarok has won the ‘International Pick-up Award 2018’ (IPUA 2018). Like its predecessor in 2010, the new Amarok, now with high-torque V6 engines, has also succeeded in winning over the jury of transport journalists. The International Pick-up Award (IPUA) is awarded only every two or three years by a selection of the IVOTY (International Van of the Year) jury members, a group of renowned trade journalists from 25 countries. Sixteen of them evaluate the nominated vehicles independently of each other according to previously defined criteria. The Volkswagen Amarok won the IPUA in 2010 and so becomes the only pick-up to win this accolade for a second time.
Pricing;
The wonderful new VW Amarok range is currently priced from €46,885 (including VAT). For buyers in the market for a worthy, stylish, capable and reliable 5-seat pick-up, the ‘100% Pick-Up, 100% Premium’ VW Amarok should not be overlooked.
Fact Box
1) Versatile & Durable 5-Seat Pick-Up
2) Three Specification Levels
3) New V6 Diesel Engines
4) Manual or Automatic
5) Priced From €46,885 (inc VAT)
