Volkswagen Amarok Review

With the new Volkswagen Amarok, the aim was to develop the most refined, advanced and efficient pickup in its class, whilst providing the quality and convenience of a passenger car. Rivals offer some big boots to fill, so it will be interesting to see how Volkswagen fairs.

First impressions of the exterior implies dominance, with the Amarok featuring a front design similar to that of the Volkswagen Transporter, as well as the Volkswagen Golf, which helps to suggest the transition between commercial vehicle and passenger car.

The rear features a large centrally located Volkswagen emblem, with an equally bold Amarok badge and model nameplate. It would be fair to say that in general we aren't fans of overstated manufacturer badges, but the rear view of the Volkswagen Amarok gives the impression that it can overcome anything you throw at it, and as such the design choice works well.

The overall design of the Volkswagen Amarok is a rugged image, complete with body coloured bumpers and alloy wheels, which are standard on every model and range in size from 16 to 18 inches, depending on the trim level.

Three model lines are available for the Volkswagen Amarok, the entry-level Trendline, mid-range Trendline, which features body coloured door handles and mirrors, front fog lights and extended wheel arches, and finally the top of the range Highline sees chrome detailing on the front bumper, with chrome door mirrors and privacy glass for the rear windows.

The Amarok pick-up is only available as a four-door, five-seat double cab and is built on a ladder frame chassis. With a ladder frame, the chassis side members are connected along their length with crossing members - in a similar layout to a ladder – the result being extra rigidity and as such, the Volkswagen Amarok has a stiff body shell. This provides improved performance off road as well as reduced vibration and road noise on road.

Customers can choose any of the optional side bars and steps, style bars for the rear loadspace and 19 inch alloy wheels to add to the rugged appearance. There is an optional secure toolbox, fixed across the loadspace, as well as a number of tonneau covers waterproof, rollable, aluminium or hard (body-coloured) and a body coloured hardtop, which definitely adds to the overall look of the Volkswagen Amarok. Both of the Volkswagen Amarok models we test drove came with the optional load compartment protective coating which is an anthracite coloured and UV resistant protection against mechanical and chemical damage, priced at £582 fitted.