Up-market on-and-off roader

In modern day automotive world, Pick-up trucks have crossed the divide between commercial vehicles and every-day cars. With the way paved by the SUV and 4×4 boom of the last decade, the pick-up is now a more common sight, with double-cab pick-ups in particular being used for both work and family life.

 It is at this point that the Volkswagen Amarok brings VW’s reputation for peerless quality and customer satisfaction to the market. It is built to have  as much appeal as the contemporary robust family car , thanks to the space and quality that it offers inside.

 Currently, you can only get as a five-seater double-cab, although a single-cab is mooted to follow on soon, and it stands out from its competition because of its solid build quality and high-grade materials. It’s tough and will take on anything you can think of off-road, while the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine comes with a choice of 137bhp or 176bhp outputs.

 Depending on the market, Amarok comes in three main specifications that consists of the entry-level Startline, mid-range Trendline and top-of-the-standard-range Highline. All versions come equipped with a part-time four-wheel system as standard, to make sure the car really can take the roughest terrain in its stride.

 There is also now an Amarok limited edition luxury model that adds advanced touchscreen RNS 315 sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and automatic air-conditioning. Its massive dimensions can make parking a little bit of a challenge, but once you’ve got used to just how big it feels when you’re behind the wheel, the Amarok becomes quite fun to drive.

 The Amarok hardly looks cheap to run, giving its hulking dimensions and workhorse construction, but the diesel-only VW is actually better than you might think. It’s capable of fuel economy of 35.8mpg and comparatively, it is economy is on par with the Mitsubishi  L200 but falls behind the Hilux and VW does offer competitive service plans, though, which prevents any big bills in the first few years of ownership.

 For the purposes of interior comfort, there is a good range of adjustment in the driver front passenger seats, so getting comfortable and finding the best driving position should be pretty easy. Before we get to the obvious commercial practicality, the inside offers loads of space for five adults to sit comfortably, and if you add the optional grab handles and running boards, it is easy enough to climb in, too. Leg and headroom also impress in both the back and the front.

On the other hand, the size of the load bed is obviously going to be an important factor for anyone thinking about buying a pick-up truck, and the Amarok’s is long and wide.

In terms of reliability and safety, this is slightly different from assessing a standard car’s reliability, because Amarok is designed to withstand the kind of beating that would crush a city car in about 30 seconds. However, a high-quality feel runs throughout the pick-up, from the rugged exterior to the surprisingly comfortable interior.

 The 2.0-litre diesel engine has been tried and tested elsewhere in the VW range so should prove reliable, and any wear and tear will depend exactly on how you use, obviously. On the safety train, the Amarok was tested in 2010 and got a four-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, which is likely because of its size and original purpose.

You do still get driver, passenger and side airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist and ISOFIX child seat anchor points all fitted as standard.  Servicing will depending on how hard you push it, but will be performed by VW’s commercial vehicle network, which should bring some peace of mind. You can also select drive modes electronically, while the stability control can prevent any trailer you’re towing from going out of control.

 If you haven’t driven a five-metre-long pick-up truck before, it’ll be no surprise that it will take a while to get used to the sheer size of the Amarok – parking will be a real challenge. You’re sat nice and high though, with great visibility, and all the controls and switches on the dashboard are clearly laid and have a quality feel.

Now, while the diesel engine certainly has plenty of power and is a superb off-road performer, its body weight of more than two tonnes does make it hard to pull out of junctions quickly. The gearbox is efficient, while the steering takes quite a lot of turning to get it to steering lock. The height of the pick-up also means that you still get body roll through the corners, even though it is very heavy.

 Although some market watchers would say, it is more expensive than the competition, but used values are good. The Volkswagen Amarok is priced in the same range as the Ford Ranger, but is undercut by the Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux. The VW has stronger resale value in the used market though, and offers a higher level of equipment and accessories like the top-spec Highline and limited edition models, which include climate control and heated leather seats.

MIKE OCHONMA