The Volkswagen Amarok returns as an all-new model to take a second bite at the pickup segment. Now part of a broader collaboration with Ford on commercial vehicles, the German pickup may have diluted its DNA ever so slightly, but it still has a unique image that covers a competent machine underneath.
In the metal
Building on the chunky image of its predecessor, this second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has a more chiselled face, framed with LED daytime running lights and featuring the company's 'ID. Light' technology. On the Aventura model featured here, which tops the range, the front bumper treatment differs from more basic versions by way of an X-design influenced by the PanAmericana variant. This metallic silver insert hints at a more rugged image, though the 20-inch alloy wheels suggest that this more is a road-biased vehicle - even though it has a four-wheel-drive transmission with a locking differential at the rear.
The brightwork continues through to the door handles and mirrors; even the side step has a polished edge along the side, and the roof rails continue the metallic look. They can carry 80kg while moving but up to 350kg when stationary, which is ideal for a roof tent, for example. A unique feature of the Aventura model is the 'Sport Bar' that adds a more dynamic look to the cab's rear and load bed. Affixed to the side of this is a specific Amarok Aventura badge so that everyone can see you have the top-spec model. The Amarok gets more squared-off wheelarches than its first cousin the new Ford Ranger.
Access to the load bed is made easier by a tailgate that is much lighter than that of the previous Amarok. Its load area can accommodate a Euro pallet, while the lashing eyes can handle 400kg tensile load. The Aventura model is equipped with an electrically operated tonneau cover for the load bed, which adds another layer of security and is convenient to use - it can be opened or closed via a button on the dashboard or with the key, though only when the truck is parked. A high-power electrical outlet in the load bed is planned for the future.
Regardless of which version you choose, the interior of the Amarok will, at a minimum, feature an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen. At the higher end of the range, including this Aventura model, there is a 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen. A bank of physical buttons along the base of the screen provides easy access to functions such as volume, driving modes and climate settings. However, if you want to adjust the temperature, you'll still need to do it by pressing the display rather than adjusting a dial. It runs a version of Volkswagen's infotainment system and there is connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is included, as are both types of USB charge ports.
Some of the switchgear carries over from the Ford Ranger, but the steering wheel is all VW, and we're pleased to see that it uses physical buttons and not the haptic setup that features in Volkswagen's current crop of passenger cars. The ten-way electrically adjustable front seats are comfortable and nicely supportive in all the right places. In the rear there are improvements to legroom, though the middle seat is compromised due to the size and design of the centre console. Headroom is decent, and both outer rear seats have ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Driving it
It may have an on-road bias in Aventura specification but the Volkswagen Amarok is quite capable when you need to go off-road. There's a 175mm increase in wheelbase, which should mean better on-road comfort and stability, but it also has minimal overhangs for better ability when off the beaten track. The approach angle is 30 degrees, while the departure angle measures 26 degrees. Those dimensions, combined with a selectable four-wheel-drive transmission and locking differential on the rear axle, put the Volkswagen in good stead when tackling more challenging terrain or conditions. As you shuffle through the many drive modes, each shows a detailed animation that is designed to help those that perhaps aren't as experienced or sure which mode to select in a given situation. Once the mode is chosen, the car automatically activates the applicable transmission setting, such as the low-range function.
With ample ground clearance and a burly 600Nm-strong 3.0-litre diesel V6 to pull it along, the Amarok makes good progress over even the trickiest of rock faces and rutted trails. Little seems to get in its way, though the Goodyear Wrangler tyres that were fitted to our test car for the off-road section also helped. The ten-speed automatic does a decent job of keeping the engine in the sweet spot of performance, resulting in better responsiveness. You can, if you wish, choose to use the gearbox manually via buttons on the side of the shifter. However, these aren't as intuitive to use as a set of paddles behind the wheel might be, or even pushing the shifting forward or rearwards as some other setups function.
Back on the road, that V6 does give the Volkswagen the ability to cruise along quite easily and in typical everyday driving the digital rev counter rarely seems to surpass 2,000rpm. Gear changes tend to pass off without notice, so long as you're driving sensibly. If you need a sudden burst of acceleration, the gearbox is quick to drop down a few ratios.
Without any load in the bed, the Amarok can get a little light and bouncy at the rear when travelling down roads that are less well-paved. Such is the trade-off between being able to carry almost 1.2 tonnes in the rear. Nevertheless, in most situations, the Amarok puts in a good account of itself and there are numerous assistance systems to make longer journeys a little easier. All versions, for example, will come with adaptive cruise control - which works well - and there are several new or enhanced safety assistance systems.
Curiously though, the road traffic sign recognition function shows the relevant speed limit in a tiny size right at the bottom of the large display, almost as it if was an afterthought.
We mentioned the automatic shifter earlier, but one issue we found was that the distance between selecting drive or reverse - or park for that matter - is very short, which can easily result in a driver inadvertently putting it into park instead of reverse when performing a three-point turn, for example. Perhaps owners will become more used to this over time.
What you get for your money
Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed for the Volkswagen Amarok, but the line-up has been announced. It will start with the Amarok, akin to the Trendline in previous Volkswagen offerings. This model will feature the 168hp 2.0-litre TDI engine and gets 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, powered folding mirrors and black bumpers. On the inside, it features an eight-inch digital instrument display, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, a reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
Above that is the Amarok Life, which wears 17-inch alloy wheels, gets body colour bumpers, rear privacy glass and an interior that includes an eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with automatic headlights and wipers plus front parking sensors. A more powerful 205hp engine is available in addition to the 168hp unit.
The Amarok Style is the first model where you can get the 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine and the first that offers the 205hp engine with the automatic gearbox. Exterior details include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, keyless entry and a chrome rear bumper. There is ArtVelour upholstery for the heated front seats that are 10-way adjustable, a 12.3-inch digital dash, plus a 12-inch touchscreen. Safety systems include Light Assist and Lane Assist.
The PanAmericana version has a different exterior styling package along with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, a black styling bar at the rear and exterior decals. Its interior gains a black headlining, leather seat trim, ambient lighting, premium sound system and parking assist features including a 360-degree camera.
Then there is the Aventura model, which gets the largest standard wheels at 20 inches in diameter and is differentiated from the PanAmericana by a unique 'Sport Bar'. Leather upholstery inside gives it a more premium look and feel.
Summary
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok looks and feels far more modern than the model it replaces. The enhancement extends to the driving experience, which is more civilised thanks partly to the slick operation of the 10-speed automatic gearbox. It is one of the most advanced and user-friendly pickups to come onto the market in recent years and while it does have strong Ford DNA, the interior fit and finish is to the expected Volkswagen standard.
