Reviewed: Volkswagen Amarok ute range
The VW Amarok was launched here last year as diesel only, but now a petrol has been added. Photos: Liz Dobson
With the likes of Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux utes dominating New Zealand's new vehicle sales overall, not just the commercial segment, it takes a special truck to make an impact against these juggernauts.
While the ute (or medium pick-up truck for our American readers) was synonymous with farm life or vehicle of choice for tradies for decades, that all changed in 2014 with the launch of the Ford Ranger.
That year went down in New Zealand's motoring history when Hilux lost its 32-year reign as the top-selling ute. Since then the Ranger has gone on to be the vehicle of choice for many city dwellers.
But instead of sheep or timber in the tray, urbanites swapped their SUVs for the Ranger as the mode of transportation for their mountain bikes.
Five models are now available, with the diesel range starting with the $67,000 Life,
The ute market was so strong that Mercedes-Benz launched its X-Class but as a right-hand-drive vehicle only, it didn’t have the numbers needed to make it profitable.
But there was another European ute with the numbers and was an allrounder: Volkswagen’s Amarok.
The Amarok, which means ‘wolf’ in the Inuit language, has been a success for VW Commercial NZ.
The all-new model was available here last year as diesel only, but now a petrol version has been added.
Five models are now available, with the diesel range starting with the $67,000 Life, moving up to $77,500 for the Style, the Pan American is $95,000 while the Aventura is $96,000.
The petrol version of the Aventura is also priced at $96,000.
The Amarok is 5350mm long, 1910mm wide and 1886mm high.
The Life has a 2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque paired with a six-speed transmission and 4MOTION part-time four-wheel-drive. The Style’s 2-litre diesel engine is a four-cylinder twin-turbo (154kW/500Nm) with a 10-speed transmission and also has part-time four-wheel-drive.
The Pan American and Aventura diesel both have a three-litre V6 engine (184kW/600Nm) and selectable four-wheel-drive including such options as mud.
The Aventura petrol has a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo (222kW/452Nm) and selectable four-wheel-drive making it a lifestyle vehicle without having to pay the diesel road user charges.
Boasting not only an impressive exterior, but the significantly modified design also delivers more double cab space, a longer body, and towing capacity for daily use, while less overhang and greater fording depth increase the new generation Amarok’s off-roading capabilities.
Preconfigured driving modes allow drivers to take on practically any challenge, with more than 30 driver-assist systems – 20 of which are new to the Amarok – mean adventures are tackled in the safest way possible.
With a robust chassis, versatile engine options, and cutting-edge technology, the Amarok sets itself apart in the fiercely competitive landscape of midsize utes in New Zealand.
It has hill descent control and an electronic differential lock.
But there comes a twist, when it comes to the top-selling Ranger and the Amarok, they are motoring twins.
During the development of the new Amarok, Volkswagen Germany assigned a dedicated team of engineers to work alongside the Ranger team in Australia, with one significant difference: Ford’s designers and Volkswagen’s designers worked in isolation. That way, each ute’s styling would be faithful to its parent brand.
And that shows when it comes to the Amarok design. From the front, the bold lines and distinctive grille exude an aura of dominance, while the sleek LED headlights add a touch of modernity. The muscular wheel arches seamlessly integrate with the body, underscoring the truck's robust stature. Moving towards the rear, the sculpted tailgate, adorned with the iconic Volkswagen badge, enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
The Amarok is a big beast at 5350mm long, 1910mm wide and 1886mm high which are close to the dimensions of the Ranger, of course.
Volkswagen's legendary 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is engineered to conquer a myriad of terrains with confidence and composure. Whether traversing rugged trails or navigating urban landscapes, the Amarok ensures exceptional traction and stability, enhancing both on-road dynamics and off-road capability.
The interior has been updated with the latest VW features.
While both utes offer commendable performance and versatility, the Amarok sets itself apart with its premium interior appointments and sophisticated features.
The ergonomically designed cabin, adorned with high-quality materials and intuitive controls, exudes luxury typically associated with upscale SUVs. Plus there is Volkswagen's latest infotainment system, complete with a responsive touchscreen interface and seamless smartphone integration, ensures a connected driving experience for occupants.
In terms of off-road capability, the Amarok holds its ground against the Ford Ranger, if not surpasses it. With a comprehensive suite of off-road aids and a proven track record of conquering challenging terrain, the Amarok instil confidence in drivers seeking adventure beyond the city roads.
But on bitumen, the Amarok excels in delivering a refined driving experience, with precise handling and responsive steering. The suspension system, meticulously tuned to strike a balance between comfort and control, absorbs bumps and undulations with finesse, ensuring a smooth and composed ride for occupants.
Where the Amarok distinguishes itself is off the beaten path. Equipped with advanced off-road features, including hill descent control and an electronic differential lock, the Amarok tackles challenging terrain with confidence. As you can see from the photos, the diesel Amarok took on some challenging terrain at Parihoa farm in Muriwai, West Auckland.
The robust construction and generous ground clearance enable the truck to surmount obstacles with ease, while the selectable driving modes cater to various off-road conditions, empowering drivers to explore with confidence.
The Amarok emerges as a contender in the midsize ute market, offering a blend of rugged capability, refined design, and advanced technology. Whether navigating urban landscapes, such as your local supermarket or venturing into the ‘wop wops’, the Amarok is ready to conquer every terrain with composure and a touch of European class.
The Amarok is at home on the farm or in the city.
Pros:
Powerful Engine Options: The Amarok offers a range of powerful engine choices, including robust V6 diesel options. These engines provide strong performance, excellent torque, and impressive towing capacity, making the Amarok well-suited for both work and recreational use.
High-Quality Interior: The Amarok features a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and a comfortable, spacious cabin. The seats are supportive, and the layout is designed to provide a pleasant driving experience, whether on short trips or long journeys.
Advanced Safety Features: The Amarok comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. These can include things like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, which enhance driver and passenger safety on the road.
Cons:
Limited Off-Road Capability: While the Amarok is capable of handling light off-road conditions, it doesn't quite match the rugged off-road capabilities of some of its competitors.
Ride Comfort on Rough Roads: The Amarok's suspension setup, designed for heavy loads and towing, can lead to a less comfortable ride on rough or uneven roads when the truck is not carrying a load.
Cabin Noise Levels: Some users have reported higher levels of cabin noise in the Amarok, particularly at higher speeds. Road and wind noise can be more pronounced compared to some competitors.
