TRAIL BLAZERS

VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK V6 ULTIMATE 580

If the Raptor is a hardened boxer and the Gladiator a muscly weightlifter then the Amarok V6 is the gentleman in a tailored suit.

The Amarok’s 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel trounces the others for grunt, mustering 580Nm, hence its nomenclature.

And while it’s outclassed by the Jeep for power, the 190kW can be boosted in cooler conditions to about 200kW for short boosts.

There’s never a shortage of easily accessible punch, the V6 pulling hard from low speeds and making light work of hills. Well chosen gear ratios cement its hearty acceleration.

The 7.3L/100km fuel claim is impressive, too. And while it’s the only one of this trio with leaf springs at the rear, it does a stellar job dynamically by ute standards.

Lower profile 20-inch wheels may be more susceptible to damage off-road, but they deliver benefits on-road. Sharper steering and noticeably better cornering grip make the Amarok the clear pick on the bitumen.

The Amarok also boasts the best payload (836kg) and towing ability (3.5 tonnes), although if you’re towing the maximum you can only carry 263kg, including humans and luggage.

Rear legroom is also tight, although the wide tray can accommodate a pallet.

The Amarok arrived in 2011 so it’s showing its age. It looks dated inside, there’s no pushbutton start and the centre screen is small, although you do get leather, electrically adjustable seats for the $79,335 asking price.

Safety is underdone at this price; there’s no emergency braking or blind-spot warning and no rear airbags.

And don’t get too adventurous. While the permanent four-wheel driving system is a winner, the Amarok is lower to the ground and lacks low-range gearing.

Those gleaming side steps scrape easily, too, and the road-focused tyres send more shocks into the cabin.

VERDICT

The Jeep is the most adept off-road while oozing retro cool. But no rear airbags and ordinary manners on the bitumen count against it. The Amarok is much better to drive on the bitumen and has the heartiest engine but it lacks rear airbags and modern active safety gear, plus it’s showing its age. That hands victory to the Raptor, which improves the Ranger’s on-road behaviour and off-road nous in a comfortable body that lacks little for equipment.