There are advantages and disadvantages when arriving at a braai where nobody knows you. It’s advantageous because you stand out by arriving on your own, therefore people are more likely to remember your name and form a lasting impression. Of course there are disadvantages too. You should also expect to be scrutinised with a series of questions ranging from where you’re from and what you do, to what food you brought to the braai – all in an effort to establish whether you might be too cheap, fussy, or heaven forbid, didn’t bring enough meat to the braai and are seen as a little ‘underpowered’.
The unknown entity in question is of course Volkswagen’s new Amarok double-cab bakkie, or pick-up. An all-new model and an all-new market segment for Volkswagen, who plans to earn 15% – around 5 500 units – of our local double-cab market by the end of 2011. Having derived its name from the Inuit word for ‘Wolf’, Volkswagen are touting their new Amarok as the four-wheeled equivalent – strong and clever.
Easily recognisable as a Volkswagen, the Amarok’s front-end features the new VW family face, characterised by the upper radiator grille with its two, chromed, horizontal lines that extend into the headlights. The lower part of the bumper has been fashioned after a sump guard, which serves to emphasis the vehicles 249 mm ground clearance. The four-door bodystyle – a two-door single-cab version will arrive in 2011 – is conventional in its design, but a strong contour line, extending from the front bumper, underlining the side windows as well as the upper edge of the load area, adds muscle to the Amarok’s profile. The rear-end features a chromed bumper with lower step plate, while the tailgate folds down at a 90 degree angle, flat with the load bed, for easy access. The tail-lights are distinctive in the bakkie class and conform with the VW family’s new look when illuminated.
Size-wise, the VW Amarok is 5 254 mm long, 1 944 mm wide and 1 834 mm high, giving it a slightly stockier appearance than its competitors. Importantly though, the Amarok features the largest load area in its class, at 1 555 mm long, 1 620 mm wide and 780 mm high – enough space to accommodate most items, up to a maximum weight of 1 150 kilograms. Further practicality comes from the bakkie’s maximum load width of 1 222 mm between wheel wells, which allows enough space for a Euro-spec pallet (1 200 mm x 800 mm) to be loaded for the first time on a mid-size bakkie. The load-bed also includes four tie-down points on either corner, a 12-volt power socket, as well as a rear-facing light – integrated with the high-level brake-light – that conveniently illuminates the load area.
The interior of the new VW Amarok bakkie is well laid out. All Amarok models are equipped with height adjustable front seats; variable folding rear bench seat; load bed lighting; electrically operated windows and side mirrors; radio/CD-player; air-conditioning; cruise-control and front fog lights. The ‘Highline’ models feature added luxury in the form of automatic climate control and an improved sound system, while exterior highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, partial chrome covered side mirrors and various other chrome accents inside and out. Head, leg and shoulder room are ample, while various storage trays – including under the front seats – provide the practicality associated with a bakkie. The interior materials are of good quality and solid build. The dashboard, for example, has been fashioned from hard and durable plastic, instead of the soft-touch type found in the new Polo and Golf – the Amarok is built tough. A small, but significant feature is the steering wheel, which is adjustable for both height and reach – convenient for fitting behind the wheel after a hearty Sunday roast at the neighbours farm.
With 73% of the double-cab market being made up of diesel-powered vehicles, Volkswagen are catering to the demand by initially offering the new Amarok with two diesel engines, followed by a petrol engine in 2011. The entry point into the Amarok range is a 2.0-litre single-turbocharged diesel unit (dubbed ‘the small TDI’), producing 90 kW and 340 Nm of torque from 2 000 r/min. The small TDI has a claimed consumption figure of 7.7 l/100km and best in class CO2 emissions of 202 g/km. The full-fat version of the same 2.0-litre engine, is fed by two turbochargers that give it more power and torque. The BiTDI engine produces 120 kW and 400 Nm of torque from a lowly 1 500 r/min. VW claim fuel economy of just 7.9 l/100km, a 0 – 100 km/h benchmark sprint of 10.8 seconds for the 4×2 model (11.1 seconds with 4Motion) and a top speed of 182 km/h (181 km/h with 4Motion). The BiTDI Amarok emits 208 g/km of CO2.
The Amarok will be available with either a rear-wheel drive (4×2) or four-wheel drive (4Motion) drivetrain. Both drivetrains have an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which operates by automatic braking interventions to prevent wheel spin, as well as ensuring power is applied to the wheel with the best traction. The 4Motion equipped Amarok benefits from a electronically switchable four-wheel drive system with locking rear differential. Low-range together with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox allows the vehicle to crawl over more rugged terrain. Should you find yourself in more challenging off-road conditions, the Amarok boasts a maximum ascent angle of 45 degrees (which can be overcome with a full payload too), an approach angle of 28 degrees (front) and exit angle of 23.6 degree. Over successive inclines and depressions the Amarok is able to cope with breakover angles of up to 23 degrees and will happily traverse water up to a depth of 500 mm.
Two rear suspension configurations are available and can be chosen at no extra cost. The standard rear suspension uses a stack of 3 leaf springs, designed to cope with majority of owners’ demands and capable of supporting 938 kgs. A firmer ‘3 + 2′ leaf spring configuration adds two extra springs and increases the maximum permissible weight over the rear axle to 1 137 kgs.
The Amarok’s clever character is shown in off-road conditions with the activation of the ‘Off-Road ABS’, which serves to significantly reduce braking distance on loose road surfaces by locking the wheels briefly to buildup dirt in front of the tyres and provide greater resistance. Ambling down steep or rocky descents is made easier with Hill Descent Assist (HDA), which is activated at speeds below 30 km/h and, in combination with the ESP system, applies the brakes to avoid unintended acceleration. In addition, while the HDA is active, the driver can increase or decrease the speed (up to 30 km/h) simply by accelerating or braking, where after the Amarok will remain at the new speed. In contrast, Hill Hold Assist ensures that the Amarok does not roll backwards on inclines when the brakes are released.
Having driven the new Amarok between Port Elizabeth and the Baviaanskloof wilderness area on the local launch, it seems VW have developed a more than capable bakkie. The Amarok offers a comfortable drive with ample interior space, adequate performance coupled with best in class fuel consumption and its priced competitively too. The big question mark for many will be the reliability and longevity of the new comer. To date, Volkswagen have put the Amarok through 8 million test kilometers – including the 2010 Dakar Rally, which all 35 support vehicles successfully completed. An afternoon with the VW Amarok is not enough time to evaluate its full character on our demanding African continent, but considering VW’s reputation for build quality and reliability, it’s safe to say that Toyota, Nissan and others have cause for concern.
The Volkswagen Amarok will be available at your local dealership from mid-October, along with the Volkswagen Caddy and T5 Transporter range of commercial vehicles – previously only available through dedicated commercial dealerships.
| Prices (incl. VAT) |
|
| Amarok Double-Cab 2.0 TDI Trendline 4×2 (90 kW) | R316 800 |
| Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI Trendline 4Motion (90 kW) | R364 400 |
| Amarok Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4×2 (120 kW) | R342 400 |
| Amarok Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion (120 kW) | R390 000 |
Prices include a 3-Year/100 000 km warranty and 5-Year/90 000 km Automotion Service Plan. All models have a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.
