The next few weeks are dedicated to the tradies and DIY dads – We’re looking at tough Utes, or Pickups – depending on how you describe them. We kick it off with a relative newcomer to this market – the Volkswagen Amarok.
Volkswagen Amarok
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Amarok
Variant: TDI 420 Highline Dual Cab
Engine / Transmission: Four-cylinder biturbo-diesel with 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4MOTION All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with mechanical rear differential lock.
Vital Stats: 132kW @4000rpm 420Nm @1750rpm
MRRP Price: $53,990. $54,480 as tested with ‘Reflex Silver metallic paint.
Standard Features: 4MOTION AWD, 17’’ Alloy wheels, Daytime running lights, Front and rear parking sensors, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming, Front fog lights with chrome surround, Rear fog light, Underbody engine and transmission protection, Tray liner, Chrome rear bumper with step, “Endless” black cloth seats, Folding rear bench seat, Manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats, Dual-zone air-conditioning, Leather gearshift knob and steering wheel, Auto up-down on all windows, 3 x 12V sockets, Heated side mirrors, Cruise control and Colour Multi-media display.
Safety highlights: Airbag for driver and front seat passenger, Front side/thorax airbag, ESP, Off-road ABS/ASR and EDL, Hill hold, Brake assist, Traction control with Off-Road ABS including hill decent, Front seat belt pre-tensioners, 3 rear child restraint anchors, Alarm and Lockable rear tailgate
Wow Factor: Class leading on road driving dynamics, large tray.
Most Impressive: Build quality and impressive interior ambiance, very quite diesel engine. 8-speed automatic is extremely rare.
Not so impressive: Quite generic dual cab styling from a profile viewpoint. No rear curtain airbag protection.
Early verdict: Technically superior dual cab, with near SUV standard on road manners.
Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.
He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.
Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.
Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.
He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”
