Pickups on our side have always been associated primarily with capable and durable work machines that are subjected to heavy loads on a daily basis. But in the last decade, this segment is also becoming more and more luxurious, and buyers choose these cars as an indicator of lifestyle and status. One of the models that satisfies both performance and higher comfort requirements has always been the Volkswagen Amarok. Its first generation was produced from 2010 to 2022. But in Europe, its life was shorter – only until 2020, because new EU requirements on ecological indicators came into force. A total of 830,000 first-generation VW Amaroks were sold.
Now, the new Volkswagen Amarok, developed in collaboration with Ford, has arrived. It is produced in South Africa, based on the modernized Ford T6 platform – T6.2. This platform has been used by Ford since 2011, it is used for the production of medium-sized pickup trucks and SUV models. In 2021, it was modernized, and Ford Ranger, Ford Bronco and Ford Everest are also built on it.
Although the Amarok is available elsewhere with one petrol engine and three different diesel engine versions, here you can only buy this pickup with a three-liter V6 TDI diesel engine. It develops 240 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The TDI abbreviation suggests that there is a Volkswagen engine in the engine compartment, but the Amarok diesel engine (AJD-V6) comes from Ford-Jaguar-Land Rover circles. It is also found in several Peugeot and Citroen models.
TECHNICAL DATA
- Engine: 3.0 V6 TDI, 240 hp at 3250 rpm, 600 Nm at 1750-2250 rpm.
- Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
- Drive: 4MOTION all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds
- Average fuel consumption (WLTP): 10.3 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions (WLTP): 270 g/km
SIZES
- Length: 5350 mm
- Width: 1910mm
- Height: 1884 mm
- Garenbāze: 3270 mm
- Clearance: 230 mm
- Approach angle: 29-30 degrees
- Obstacle crossing angle: 20-21 degrees
- Departure angle: 20-26 degrees
- Parmesan: 2348 kg
- Full weight: 3300-3350 kg
- Turning radius: 12.9 m
- Water passage depth: 800 mm
- Trailer max. weight: 3500 kg
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Bright design, but the origin of the model cannot be hidden
The new Amarok has become more massive, with a more aggressive design of the front part, where a large area is occupied by a decorative radiator grille. But the decorative panel in which it is integrated forms the shape of the letter X. Curved decorative grooves in the hood. Although Volkswagen tries to emphasize the Amarok’s individuality with expressive body panels and other cues, the Ford origins are not hidden. From the outside, the shape of the cabin and the line of the side windows show it the most, while inside the cabin, the resemblance to the Ranger is even greater. The front panel is almost identical, only the details in various elements differ – the filling of the ventilation holes, the row of shortcut keys under the infosystem screen, the VW-style steering wheel and the seats have differently configured switches.
A vertical format 12-inch touch screen is placed in the center of the front panel. Here, too, digital trends have not followed suit, and mostly all functions are controlled by this screen. The first time you use this system, you need to get used to it, but in everyday use, everything seems logical and understandable. Overall, the system is fast, although switching between feature views was delayed on a few occasions. Physical keys are placed below the screen, with which you can access various functions faster. It seemed strange that the button for turning on the maximum air flow in the direction of the windshield is inconspicuously located next to the external lighting switch on the left side of the steering wheel.
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
The mood of the Amarok also changes depending on the equipment version. In the “cheaper” Style (previously Highline) equipment versions (from 51,879 EUR), the exterior of the car will be a little more down-to-earth and the interior will not be as luxurious either – microfleece seat upholstery and not so fine interior finishing materials. At the top of the range are the PanAmericana and Aventura versions, which come equipped with equivalent extras. But the PanAmericana is more oriented towards going on off-road adventures – it is equipped with smaller rims (R18) and tires more suitable for off-road and a graphic drawing on the side door with an indication of this package. This version of the Amarok is also the only one to feature a rear differential lock as standard. Aventura, on the other hand, is more oriented towards comfort and use in more civilized conditions. In this package, the car is equipped with 20-inch rims and tires, which are more intended for driving on the road. The exterior is decorated with various chrome elements, such as side mirrors and rear bumper, as well as side sills. In these two versions, decorative bars are installed on the cargo boxes. As standard, the Amarok is painted in white, but any other of the 7 metallic colors is available for EUR 686.
The cargo box is 1,624 mm long, and the Amarok can carry 950-1,000 kg of cargo, depending on the configuration. The standard cargo box is insulated, but if necessary, the buyer can also order an unlined cargo box (free option). An interesting nuance – a meter meter integrated on the lid of the cargo box.
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
High level of comfort and convincing off-road capabilities
Although the size difference between other pickups available in Latvia is a few centimeters to one side or the other, the new Amarok visually seems to be a larger car than the others, especially when sitting behind the wheel. Such an impression is created by both the high front panel and the large hood. The space in the cabin is generally quite spacious. The most comfort is for the front passengers, where multi-directional electrically adjustable seats are already available as standard equipment. In the back, however, more space in the leg area would be required.
The driving position is ergonomic, the seats are comfortable even for longer journeys, and visibility is mostly good – steep front pillars and large side mirrors provide good visibility. The exception is the view over the hood – it is quite high, so it is relatively difficult to determine the distance to the object. This is important when parking or starting to drive, because you cannot see what is in front of you. However, this is solved with various electronic assistance systems and the automatic parking function.
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
The 3-liter diesel engine is endowed with enough power and torque to make the Amarok feel confident in various driving situations. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s quick and quite smooth. Only when the box adapts to the driving style, its action tends to be jerky. The average fuel consumption is promised around 10.3 liters per 100 km, which is probably an achievable figure, considering the driving habits, but in our test (mostly in the city and off-road) Amarok consumed 12.5-13 liters per 100 km.
The ride is generally very comfortable and the car’s handling is precise and predictable. Small potholes and road irregularities are suppressed perfectly, but with larger irregularities the rocking characteristic of pickups appears. Here, however, it should be noted that the rear suspension is made of leaf springs, which is not so susceptible to bumps, but is suitable for the weight of the load. Comfort is also stolen by 20″ rims. Other Amarok reviews say that the PanAmericana version with 18″ wheels boasts a more balanced ride. The car has good sound insulation (laminated windshield as standard equipment), only at higher speeds you can hear wind noise from the side mirrors.
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Amarok offers four different drive modes: 2H or rear drive, 4A or automatic all-wheel drive when the front axle is connected as needed, 4H or permanent all-wheel drive, 4L or permanent all-wheel drive at reduced speeds. In 4H and 4L modes, it is also possible to lock the rear differential. We also tested it off-road, on a sand dune interspersed with deep snowdrifts, and with standard winter tires that aren’t specifically designed for off-road driving. It has to be said that steep climbs and sand/snow baths were handled effortlessly by the Amarok even in automatic AWD mode. The powerful engine also gives a lot of confidence in such conditions. Turning on the off-road AWD modes boosted confidence. It should only be noted that the Amarok Aventura will be slightly less suitable for off-road adventures in the package due to the side sills, which reduce the clearance.
Prices and equipment
The new Amarok is already relatively decently equipped in the basic package Style, but the more expensive packages include all modern auxiliary systems and comfort extras. The PanAmerica and Aventura packages include LED Matrix adaptive lights, synthetic leather upholstery, parking and lane keeping assist systems, adaptive cruise control, trailer maneuvering assist system, surround view cameras, navigation system, Harman Kardon 640 W audio system and digital instrument panel.
The tested car was equipped with Aventura, and its price is 60,307 EUR.
- Style: 51 879 EUR
- PanAmerica: 59 445 EUR
- Aventura: 60 307 EUR
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
PROS AND CONS
+ Powerful engine
+ High comfort in the cabin in its class
+ Drives confidently off-road
+/- Amarok’s individuality is gone
– High price
– Among competitors, you can find models with lower fuel consumption
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
Jaunais Volkswagen Amarok Photo: iAuto.lv
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2024-02-21 17:40:53
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