Motoring match-up

ROAD-TRIP VEHICLE VW Amarok Highline 3.0 TDI 4Motion

Powerful and comfortable, the Amarok did everything it needed to do, although it ran through a tank of diesel easily enough. I had some trouble with Apple CarPlay and navigation but that may have been down to my phone.

190kW @ 3 000-4 500r/min 580Nm @ 1 400-2 750r/min

Price: R921 900

CONTENDER 1 Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab PRO-4X 4×4

Nissan's all-new Navara updates almost everything except the 2.5l engine. Better safety, new digital interior, two transmissions – six-speed manual or seven-speed auto – revised chassis and improved noise suppression. And there's that grille... Nice price too!

140kW @ 3 900rpm

450Nm @ 2000rpm Price: R740 000

CONTENDER 2 Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto

Toyota's doublecab icon received a 20kW power boost last year, as well as a raft of ergonomic improvements. With chassis and steering refinements, the car is now both eerily quiet and a pleasure to drive. Expensive in RS guise but there are less-expensive options.

150kW @ 3 000 - 3 400rpm 500Nm @ 1600 - 2800rpm Price: R868 100