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Pros: Classy, refined, good to drive.
Cons: No single cab version, reliance on touch controls for infotainment.
Volkswagen Amarok Design
The second-generation Amarok is the result of a commercial vehicle partnership between Volkswagen and Ford. Co-developed with the Ford Ranger, it’s no secret that the two pick-ups are built in the same factory in South Africa and share the same chassis, engines and other bits and bobs. Yet, Volkswagen position the Amarok a little more premium. There’s an unmistakable classy finish to this Amarok with a completely redesigned front end that bears a striking X-motif in the front bumper and matrix LED headlights on high-end versions.
Five trim levels are available for Ireland and all come as a double cab – there’s no single cab option like in the Ranger or Hilux. The top of the range Aventura model on test adds a sprinkling of bling including chrome door mirrors and handles, and chrome inserts in the side sills and rear bumper. It’s stunning finished in Mid Blue Metallic and commands a lot of admiring glances. It will be as welcome at a building site, as the posh surrounds of a luxury hotel. 21-inch alloy wheels complete the upscale look.
The new Amarok is bigger too. The overall length now stretches to just over 5.3 metres. Front and rear overhangs have been reduced, which improves the approach and departure angles for greater capability off-road. The payload is just over 1.1 tonnes – though beware this is reduced to 573kg in the Amarok Aventura. Otherwise, it’s a workhorse: it can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and fit a Euro pallet sideways between the wheel arches. Accessories like a hard top or powered roll cover are available to protect tools and other valuables. A new feature is the roof load capacity of 350kg when stationary - enough to pitch a four-man tent!
Volkswagen Amarok Interior
There’s a fair bit of distinction to the Amarok’s cabin too. A soft leather finish to the top of the dashboard and doors adds an instant plush feel, while there’s also a unique Volkswagen leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery. There’s been a massive technology upgrade courtesy of the Ford collaboration including the same digital instrument cluster and portrait-style infotainment screen as the Ranger – but with bespoke Volkswagen graphics and menus. The touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto but is less impressive overall than the Ranger’s: there’s more reliance on touch control for climate and ventilation, which can be clumsy to adjust while driving or wearing gloves. A rear-view camera comes as standard and Aventura models add luxury features like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats with power adjustment and a premium Harman Kardon stereo.
The new Amarok’s longer wheelbase makes it a little bit more spacious inside. In the back there’s adequate headroom and legroom for adults to get comfortable as well as a few creature comforts like an armrest, power sockets and separate vents.
Volkswagen Amarok Performance & Drive
The Amarok range starts with a four cylinder 2.0-litre diesel with 168hp and a 6-speed manual. The same engine is also available with 202hp and a 10-speed automatic. The jewel in the crown is the 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 240hp and 600Nm of torque – ideal if you need more torque for towing or just enjoy the feel of a more powerful pick-up. It comes with the 10-speed automatic and offers a smooth and steady power delivery with a little V6 hum. Consumption is in the region of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite the quite basic ladder frame chassis and leaf spring suspension, the Amarok offers decent levels of comfort and refinement, just feeling a bit bumpy in town or on rural roads. Otherwise, it settles down well to a cruise on the motorway, while never getting too noisy. The Amarok gets new driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist and traffic sign recognition.
When it comes to off road, the selectable four-wheel drive system offers a number of options including an automatic and low range setting. New pre-configured drive modes adjust the settings to best tackle what’s in front of you whether that's snow, mud or sand. The wading depth has increased from 50 cm to 80 cm. There’s also a rear locking differential and hill descent mode.
Volkswagen Amarok Pricing
The Amarok range kicks off from €48,930 rising to €72,255 for the top of the range Amarok Aventura 3.0 V6 diesel.
Carzone Verdict
Volkswagen has brought the Amarok right up to date when it comes to design, interior, equipment and how it performs on- and off-road. It shares a lot with the Ranger but it has enough distinction inside and out to make it a classy and refined choice among its peers.