A pick-up with pizzazz
VW has pulled out all the stops with the revamped Amarok range, writes
experience and fuel efficiency as that of a similar-sized limo -munching up motorway miles with the same ease.
Inside, the cabin offers all the creature comforts of a midrange Touareg and the build quality is top notch.
Available in four trims — Amarok, Highline, Canyon and Atacama — and standard kit includes Hill Start, Hill Descent and Off Road ABS.
Top end models get 17-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime lights, bluetooth, satnav, black side-bars with side-steps and black cargo-coating.
What didn’t disappoint either was the fuel economy.
Considering its bulk, the Amarok auto is returning an amazing 35mpg (8.2l/100kms), while emissions are kept to 216g/km — meaning commercial road tax of €333 or private tax of €1,200 a-year.
It drives exceptionally well too, keeping body roll to a minimum and has surprisingly good turning circle.
The only chink in the armour is the launch of the eighth generation Toyota Hilux, but with the unveiling of the 3.0 litre V6 Amarok at the Ploughing Championships with 221bhp will keep VW ahead of the posse for now.
Prices for the basic Amarok start at €35,590, with the fullfat auto version with 180bhp just shy of €60,000.
THE MIGHTY AMAROK STILL RUNS ON PURE TESTOSTERONE