First Drive: Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab

Since introducing the Amarok double-cab in late 2010, Volkswagen South Africa have managed to garner 16 percent of the market, with 9 percent coming from their toughest competitor, the Toyota Hilux. The ‘strong and smart’ virtues that underlie the Amarok’s name have seen customers rate their new purchase as top drawer for ride quality, exterior styling and performance. The new Amarok Single Cab is less leisure/lifestyle and more light commercial (LCV) in its focus, prompting VW’s new slogan, “working hard and working smart”.

With the new Amarok Single Cab, Volkswagen aims to carve itself another sizeable chunk of the market, but this time within the LCV segment where sales of 1-tonne single cab bakkies account for 33 percent. There are two distinct buyers in the segment, namely, fleet customers and individuals. With this in mind, Volkswagen will be offering their new single cab with a choice of two diesel engines, one petrol engine, as well as two levels of trim and equipment.

The working man’s Amarok is available from launch in either 90 kW or 120 kW guise, in two-wheel or four-wheel drive (4Motion) and in ‘Basic’ or ‘Trendline’ specification. Aimed squarely at the fleet market, who cite cost of ownership, quality, durability and safety as key criteria, the Basic specification models feature power steering, height adjustable seats, fabric upholstery, rubber load bay covering and 16-inch steel wheels. For individual buyers, who place a higher priority on comfort and features for an overlap between work and play, the Trendline models boast alloy wheels, a colour coded front bumper and chrome grille accents, while inside, creature comforts include air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, an audio system, on-board computer, cruise control, as well as a leather-covered steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever.

The new Amarok Single Cab is class-leading in a number of areas. It has the widest load box at 1 620 mm with a usable width between the wheel arches of 1 222 mm – more than 100 mm up on its nearest competitor. This is the only vehicle in the class that accommodates two Euro pallets in a crosswise configuration (a Euro pallet measures 1 200 X 800 mm). Payload capacity is top of the class too, at between 1 225 and 1 354 kgs, depending on the model. Once again, when it comes to towing capacity the Amarok moves the game on, with a gross combination mass of 5 500kg, some 30% more than its nearest rival. This allows for a braked trailer weight of 2 800kg, almost double that of competitors, on both 4X2 and 4X4 models. This towing performance applies to gradients of up to 12%.

While there has been focus on maximised load space and operating efficiency, driver comfort and interior space have not been overlooked. Leg and shoulder room is substantial, even for the tallest of drivers. A steering column that is adjustable for both height and reach, and seat height adjustment, provide for added driver comfort. A large space behind the seats tops off the interior accommodation. In addition, the interior trimmings are durable whilst still managing to impart a more premium feel than expected in a workhorse of this nature, making for a very user friendly cabin.

As expected, the winning ride quality has made the jump from the double cab to single cab chassis. Volkswagen’s Amarok features rear leaf springs that are mounted alongside the ladder frame chassis rather than directly under the frame members. This facilitates a lower load bay floor, a lower loading sill height, as well as a deeper load box (508 mm) with higher sides and tailgate relative to the load box floor. A further spinoff is a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle along with the more pliant and less jittery ride quality.

Driver safety is an area which has also received attention in the Amarok’s development. Included in the safety specification across the range are: ABS anti-lock braking, EBD – Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and TCS traction control system. A driver side airbag is provided in the Basic specification with the option to upgrade to a passenger side airbag with de-activation switch. Driver and passenger airbags are included in the Trendline specification. Daytime running lights are a feature across the range.

The 4Motion all-wheel drive system features a two-speed transfer case (high and low ratios) driving through a rigid 4X4 system (no centre differential). Engagement of 4Motion can be done ‘on the fly’ at the press of a button. A rear differential lock provides for an even higher level of traction in tougher conditions. The launch saw us traversing a rocky 4×4 route, through which the Amarok clambered with minimal effort.

In terms of performance, all models are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. The entry-level 2.0-litre 90 kW turbodiesel engine develops 340 Nm of torque between 1750 – 2250 r/min, which proved adequate for the up and down nature of the Eastern Cape, even when Volkswagen loaded 350 kgs into the rear. Volkswagen claim fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100km on the combined cycle, which gives this model a theoretical range of around 1 000 km per tank.

The 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo TDI engine offers a bit more clout, with 120 kW and 400 Nm between 1 500 – 2 000 r/min. With the added ‘go’, the Bi-Turbo reaches 100 km/h from rest in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Fuel consumption for the Bi-Turbo is rated at 7.9 L/100km.

A 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine will join the model range towards the end of 2011, offering buyers 118 kW, 300 Nm of torque and fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100km.

Well built and well equipped, Volkswagen are expecting their new Amarok Single Cab to earn 10 percent of the 1-tonne single cab market within its first 18 months on sale. With brand loyalty often considered an obstacle to gaining traction in the market, it’s interesting to note that the Amarok double cab surpassed VW’s sales expectations within its first year. Don’t be surprised to find plenty of Amarok courier and delivery vehicles on our roads in the coming months.

Prices include a 3-year/100 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

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