VW Amarok Atacama 2.0 BiTDI 4MOTION

Price: £34,434 As tested: £35,416 Engine: 2.0-litre 16-valve twinturbocharged diesel Transmission: 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels Max power: 180PS @ 4,400rpm Max torque: 310lbft @ 1,750rpm Max speed: 108mph Acceleration (0-62mph): Urban: 31mpg Extra urban: 38.2mpg Combined: 35.3mpg Emissions (CO2): 211g/km 11.3sec out at 38.2mpg.

The Amarok’s car-like qualities come to the fore again when you start the engine, which is remarkably muted from within the cabin. It’s only when you press it hard that the typical diesel clatter finally penetrates the passenger space but, for the most part, the sound insulation is excellent.

VW will argue that the Amarok is a working vehicle, and it’s true that it will earn its crust if it’s asked too but, every time I clapped eyes on it, I couldn’t help think that it would look better with surf boards, rather than bricks, in the back.

It certainly has the capacity, and the ability, to be a workhorse but its car-like qualities and rugged good looks mean that the Amarok won’t disappoint as the chosen mode of family transport.