The local introduction of the Amarok has been eagerly awaited and now that VW’s double-cab has landed, South Africa’s lifestyle bakkie market’s set for a shake-up.
With eight million kilometres of grueling test mileage under the Amarok’s belt, including the completion of the Dakar Rally (as official support vehicles), VW is determined to make their all-VW 1-ton pick-up a serious contender from the outset.
Deriving its name from the Inuit word for wolf, the Amarok plans to honour its name by being both strong – and clever. A noticeably Germanic approach to vehicle building is evident in the new Amarok range and it’s that out-of-the box, efficiency-based thinking on which Volkswagen is hitching its hunt for a stake in the traditionally Japanese-dominated South African pick-up market.
Instantly recognisable as a member of the Volkswagen family, the Amarok features an aggressive version of the latest company grille and headlamp design complemented by suitably flared wheel arches and a large, squared-off, load bay. The 16-inch alloy wheels, standard on the Trendline models, threaten to look a little lost in the imposing 5 254 m profile of the newest double cab on the market (Amarok single cab is due in the second quarter of 2011), but the 17-inch alloys on the Highline models, as well as, the 18- and 19-inch options look more at home.
The Amarok earns instant bragging rights by featuring the largest load bay on the market (2,52 m2) and also, somewhat surprisingly, is the first pick-up in the South African market that can accommodate a Euro pallet (1,2×0,8m) within its 1,22 m wide “bak”. Two more innovations introduced with the Amarok, which make the competition seem slightly dated, are a 12V power socket housed in the load bay and a rear-facing light on the roll hoop for illumination of this work area.
Two suspension setups are available as no-cost options… a standard “soft” setting that caters conditions that most double-cab owners require and a harder setup (leaf 3+2) for those who intend carrying large loads on a regular basis.
Volkswagens biggest trump card in this segment will surely be the Amarok’s interior build quality and comfort levels. The plastics used look hard wearing and the well bolted together. Both front seats offer height adjustment and, in what’s claimed to be a first for the double-cab market, the steering column can be adjusted rake and reach. Trendline models are offered with dual airbags, air-conditioning and a smart-looking audio system (although none of the available systems offer an aux-in facility), while Highline specification add two side airbags, climate control and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Leather upholstery is optional and the rear seat cushions can be folded and stored upwards to free up interior utility space.
Two turbodiesel engine options were available at launch and I sampled the top-of-the-range 120 kW Amarok during a launch at Port Elizabeth, virtually on the doorsteps of Volkswagen South Africa’s HQ. This 2,0-litre commonrail engine features bi-turbo technology (one small and one larger blower) to deliver not only competitive performance, but also potentially class-leading efficiency.
Maximum power is achieved at 4 000 r/min, with 400 N.m of torque available between 1 500 and 2 000 r/min. Once you get used to this engine’s power characteristics, you will find progress more than acceptable, with minimal shifts required through the standard six-speed manual transmission (An automatic transmission is in development). Initial fears that a “mere” 2,0-litre engine may not live up to the expectations of a power hungry South African bakkie fraternity should quickly be laid to rest – the shove is more civilized than neck-wrenching, but there is more than enough power available for what most double-cab owners will require.
Take into account that Volkswagen claims a fuel consumption figure of 7,9 litres/100 kilometers for this engine (with a 208 g/km CO2 emissions rating) and frugality may just get the better of valor in these current economic times. Significantly for this market, Volkswagen has excluded particulate filters on this specification, thus only complying with EU3 emissions standard, in order to accommodate the poorer quality of diesel fuel on offer at most SA pumps.
A 90 kW, single turbocharged, engine is also available at launch. This peak power is available at 3 750 r/min, with 340 N.m of torque on offer between 1 750 and 2 250 r/min. This engine has a claimed 7,7 litres/100 kilometer fuel consumption figure.
Highline models feature 4Motion with on-the-fly four-high transition and selectable low range. It also incorporates standard ESP traction control, including Hill Hold, Hill Decent and trailer stabiliser functionality. Another unique feature of these models is an off-road ABS system that, when engaged via a button, allows for more slippage than on tar roads by enabling a build-up of loose surface ahead of the wheels, dramatically improving braking times on gravel roads.
With immediate effect all Volkswagen dealerships will sell the full range of the company’s commercial vehicles (previously sold separately) and this includes, from mid-October, the Amarok. Volkswagen South Africa plans to sell around 1 200 units of the double cab in the remaining months of 2010 and conservatively estimates shifting around 4 500 units in 2011 – giving the Amarok a 15 per cent market share.
The Amarok DC 2,0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion costs R390 000, which includes a 3 years/100 000 km warranty and 5 years/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
