LOADS OF APPEAL

The base model ute is a comfortable creature

1. IT IS STILL THE LEADER IN COMFORT

The Amarok reset the benchmark for workhorse driving comfort when it went on sale in early 2011 and every variant still excels. The rear is a bit stiff to handle loads but even unladen the Core is well cushioned over speed bumps thanks to well sorted suspension and 16inch wheels with superb Pirelli tyres. The steering is a class act, although the turning circle is almost 13m — big even by ute standards.

2. THE AMAROK IS MASSIVE INSIDE

The cabins of the Ford Ranger/Toyota HiLux ilk are similar in size but the Amarok is easily a hand span wider than its peers, meaning more shoulder room and/or more separation from your passenger’s BO. VW wanted the biggest ute tub in the business — a pallet can fit between the wheel arches — and the extra width resulted.

3. TWIN-TURBO DIESEL IS PERKY

The Amarok makes good use of its 2.0-litre/ eight-speed auto combination. It’s among the quicker four-cylinder utes (with Holden Colorado and Nissan Navara) and ahead of HiLux and Isuzu D-Max. We hear mixed reviews about the longevity of the engine and gearbox. Take the punt on one during VW’s occasional promotions, when it extends the warranty from three to five years.

4. UTES DON’T COME MUCH BETTER

The Core may have a vinyl floor but it’s luxury from the seats up. They are the most supportive and most comfortable among its peers, which is great if you’re behind the wheel all day. The touchscreen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a clear high-res image from the rearview camera (and sensors). The instrument cluster has a digital speedo to help stay within the law; other creature comforts include dusksensing “auto” headlights, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls. Downsides: there are only one USB port and two 12V outlets in the cabin, it lacks rear air vents and the centre console is small. Incredibly, it still only has four airbags (no protection for rear passengers) when six or seven are the norm. Its five-star safety rating came before rear seat protection was mandatory.

5. WAIT FOR A DEAL

The Amarok Core dipped to $39,990 driveaway late last year, was $42,990 drive-away with free auto in June and now is back up to $43,990 drive-away. That’s only $2500 off full retail. The $39,990 price was not at the dealer’s discretion, it was funded by VW head office, so there isn’t $4000 waiting to come off. However, sales of the Amarok 4WD are down slightly year-to-date so hot deals should return — once VW counts all the money it’s making on topend V6 models.