The EFTM Garage – Volkswagen Amarok TDI 420 Highline Dual-Cab

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.

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.