These days, off-roading is not something that can only be enjoyed by the pros. With so many new technologies, safety systems and ample capabilities, there are 4x4s out there that make even the trickiest trails a walk in the park.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok Extreme 3.0 TDI 4MOTION is designed to take a pretty hard beating if you need it to, while you sit back in a luxury-filled interior.
Styling
The Amarok has always been a good-looking vehicle. It shows its tough intentions with its chrome accents and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRL’s, blacked-out B pillars and the requisite 4Motion stickers with a chrome finish to its rear end. The Extreme trim package has 20-inch wheels and a rubberised load bed. It has a Sports bar painted in body colour.
The Amarok is available in a series of colours such as Atlantic Blue, Indium Grey, Mojave Beige and the stunning Candy White. We were honoured with a bold Candy White, which showed off more of the bakkie’s curves. Overall, it’s a pleasingly, admired package to look at.
Interior
The interior of this spectacular beast has Nappa leather and 14-way electrically adjustable front seats, with a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel enabling the driver to use the radio or navigation system and your mobile phone within easy reach. It’s pretty basic, but it isn’t too overwhelming, which is what some buyers may prefer.
The dash layout is clutter free with a digital infotainment system that accommodates Apple Car Play and Android Auto with the added USB 3 plugs. It also has dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and auto lights. Only available on the Extreme model, buyers can include the “Winter Package” that provides heated windscreen washer nozzles, a washer fluid display and seat heating for the driver and front passenger seat.
The Drive
For a double cab, this V6 beast accelerates from 0 – 100 km in just 7.6 seconds. Its top speed clocks out at 207 km. It has a really firm suspension that blocks out bumpy road irritations from the cabin. This bakkie is far from lazy – enabling the driver to overtake trucks on the long road and slow-moving traffic easily.
Taking the Extreme offroad is just as surprising with its 20-inch, low-profile wheels. The 4Motion has what it takes to handle very harsh trails.
Performance
Its 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine delivers a maximum of 190 kW of power and 580 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed Automatic transmission. Its torque delivery is what makes this beast a pleasure off-road. Rocky trails? No problem!
Safety
The Amarok is fitted with ABS, EBD and ESP. It also has an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Electronic Trailer Stabilisation system as standard and Isofix for the little one’s car seats.
I’ll certainly be pointing it out to friends and family when I see it on the road!
Model tested: Volkswagen Amarok Extreme 3.0 TDI 4MOTION®
Price: R996 000
Warranty: 3-year/100 000km
Genuine Easy Drive Service Plan: 5 years / 90 000km
Service: 15 000km service plan
Picture/s: Leigh-Ann Londt
