AMA ROCK

A key rival to this week’s road test Merc pick-up is the new Volkswagen Amarok, the more powerful version of which will hit showrooms in September. It has VW’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that produces 258bhp (and 272bhp for short periods using an overboost function) and which replaces the previous 224bhp engine. This motor is only available in top-spec Highline trim and comes with fourwheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at £34,325 excluding VAT and on-the-road charges.