VW Amarok: a new-choice in double-cabs

Volkswagen Amarok Trendline 2.0 BiTDI

What is it?

VOLKSWAGEN’S LONG-AWAITED move into the 1-tonne pick-up market, in the shape of the Argentina-built Amarok. Initial versions are four-door double-cab 4x4, with a choice of three trim levels – this is middle Trendline version. Amarok is the first mid-sized pick-up that can take a EuroPallet, loaded sideways, thanks to 1.22m between the wheel arches. More basic two-door ‘king cab’ 4x2 models are on the way in 2011.

What's hot?

• VW has taken its entry to a hotly-contested market very seriously
• Build quality is cut above most Thailand or South Africa-built rivals…
• Cab finish is well up to car standards; many similarities to Transporter
• We liked the soft-touch plastics and aluminium-effect dash detailing…
• while sat-nav is top quality, with 3D views
• Up-market feel is completed with smooth and quiet twin-turbo diesel
• It’s a handsome pick-up too, with bold treatment of VW family face
• Five-seat twin cab is roomy, with plenty of rear-seat legroom
• Split rear seat base folds up with simple hook, giving space for tools
• 2.52sq m loadspace is class-leading for double-cabs
• Payload tops the tonne, at 1,057kg
• You can specify permanent 4x4 or VW’s selectable 4Motion system…
• …permanent 4x4 system uses Torsen diff to give 40:60 distribution
• Other high-tech features include electronic diff-lock, ESP and hill hold…
• …as well as off-road ABS that shortens stopping distances on the loose
• New 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine has choice of 122PS or 163PS power…
• …both have CO2 of just 199g/km in 4x2 mode

What's not?

• 2.0-litre engines are competent, but lack grunt of bigger rivals
• You’re going to have to wait until the new year for an Amarok
• There’s no automatic gearbox option – VW assumes you’re going off-road
• Maximum braked towing capacity is 2.8 tonnes – less than some rivals’

What you need to Know

*Monthly contract hire rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Van Manager Road Test Rating

Volkswagen Amarok doesn’t disappoint. It offers a significant upgrade in cab finish and exterior styling over most of its rivals, and it’s a very quiet and refined performer on the road. As an off-roader too, it’s extremely competent. We tested the Amarok over demanding terrain and it coped extremely well. The 2.0-litre engine does feel a little underwhelming on-road, especially on steeper inclines. But VW has chosen to make Amarok green and clean, perhaps at the expense of performance. The double-cab is roomy without compromising the load bed – it’ll be interesting to see how the more basic two-door version shapes up next year.