Volkswagen has pumped up the Amarok for its second outing: it's larger, more capable and plusher. But is it better?
The classy-looking, lifestyle-injected Volkswagen Amarok is far more than a run-of-the-mill pick-up truck. Larger than the car it replaces, built on entirely different mechanicals, and with a broader range of engines and trims, the Amarok is bidding to steal some of the market share away from leading competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. That’s an almighty challenge considering the Ranger continues to top both UK and European sales charts, and the new plug-in hybrid variant will only help its cause further following the changes to benefit-in-kind rules earlier this year. The Amarok won’t inherit the plug-in hybrid powertrain, inherit being the keyword here, reader, because the Amarok is in fact a closer relation to the Ranger than its big VW badge suggests.In the age of unexpected automotive industrial partnerships, it will come as little surprise that the Amarok borrows the lion’s share of its underpinnings from the Ranger, a result of a commercial vehicle tie up between the two car giants. But is the Amarok still a Volkswagen at heart, and does it offer enough car-like character to win over large SUV and commercial vehicle buyers alike?The Volkswagen Amarok range at a glanceEntry-level Life trim opens the Amarok range and comes fitted with 17in wheels, LED headlights, a reversing camera and 10.1in infotainment screen. Power comes from either a 168bhp or 202bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the latter available with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. For just shy of £11,000, you can have the Amarok Style, which adds larger 18in wheels, a 12.0in central screen, 360 degree reversing camera and chrome exterior elements. This comes as standard with the 202bhp four, but can also be had with a 237bhp 3.0-litre V6.Panamericana trim is pitched as a more off-road biased specification, as showcased by its locking differential, additional front underbody protection and comfort suspension. It gets 18in Amadora alloys and a Harman Kardon sound system, plus brown leather accents inside. The Panamericana, as well as the range-topping Aventura are powered exclusively by the 3.0-litre V6 engine. Opt for Aventura and you get 21in diamond cut alloys, Savona leather interior and chrome-plated exterior elements. The Amarok is only available in double-cab form.Â
