WITH much of the dust having settled after last year’s introduction the Volkswagen Amarok double cab, the response to the German bakkie has been predominantly positive. And, based on the feedback we received from Amarok owners, initial scepticism regarding the reliability of the pair of turbocharged 2,0-litre TDIs was possibly premature. Lastly, as we established in November 2010 after comparing the top-of-the-range Amarok with its most daunting rival, the Toyota Hilux, the Volkswagen certainly has a place in the market – even if it is a more lifestyle-oriented one.
With South Africa boasting the largest single-cab market in the world (53 per cent of all such bakkies sold globally), it was inevitable that VWSA would put up its hand to receive the first shipment of single-cab Amaroks to leave the plant in Argentina. With a clear eye on the target market, these vehicles were unofficially launched at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day – the biggest event on the agricultural calendar – in the North West Province.
A 118 kW 2,0-litre TSI petrol engine has just joined the model range in single- and double-cab configurations. In the meantime, though, our attention turns towards the least powerful of the two 2,0 TDI powerplants. Unlike the 120 kW BiTDI option, this engine uses a single turbocharger to develop 90 kW at 3 750 r/min. Importantly, it also generates 340 N.m of torque between 1 750 and 2 250 r/min. A six-speed manual transmission is standard fitment throughout the range. Regarding the gearbox, we still noted a particularly notchy shift pattern (especially between first and second gears) – this remains our biggest criticism of the Amarok.
Some fettling of the slightly grabby clutch pedal is required to get this 1 981 kg bakkie cleanly off the line. An overdrive ratio in sixth gear ensures a comfortable and unflustered cruise mode and aids the model in realising one of the true benefits of this latesttechnology, small-capacity TDI engine – a significant fuel saving. We anticipate a range of around 876 km from the 80-litre tank between refuels.
Two specification levels are available. The first, aptly named Basic, caters for the more focused workhorse market, while a higher-specification Trendline is aimed at those seeking some sophistication. The latter, the subject of this test, includes 16-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded trim, remote central locking, electric mirrors and windows, air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather-clad steering wheel and a radio/CD unit. A passenger-side airbag is added to the Trendline to complement a range-standard driver’s ‘bag.
One area where the Amarok continues to impress, even with the deletion of the rear passenger section, is in the overall spaciousness and comfort of the cabin. Both seats offer a good range of adjustment, including height, and provide surprisingly good lateral support. Rake-and-reach adjustment on the steering column adds convenience and an array of handy storage options, including an enclosed centre armrest, makes good use of the available space.
The first thing that one notices when viewing any Amarok is its imposing size. The current Volkswagen family-grille looks especially intimidating when stretched across a vehicle that’s 1 944 mm wide, while the raised body and wide wheel arches help it cut a daunting profile. With only a single cabin attached to these impressive dimensions, the latest Amarok boasts a class-leading load bay. Of potential interest to the wine- and fruit-farming industries is Volkswagen’s claim that this is the only vehicle in its class that can accommodate two Euro pallets (1 200 x 800 mm) side-by-side in its bay. We were somewhat disappointed to learn that the protective rubber finish on our test unit was an aftermarket option. A useful standard feature is a rearfacing spotlight, incorporated into the high-level brake light, which can be used to illuminate the load bay in low light.
In 4Motion specification, the 90 kW TDI Amarok boasts a payload of 1 160 kg. While this figure may sound a tad optimistic, we managed to squeeze various loads of considerable size into the load bay during the road test and on the local launch earlier this year.
Unladen, the heavy-duty leaf springs – mounted alongside the ladder frame rather than directly under the frame members – and solid rear axle cope well with most daily driving conditions. Combined with the MacPherson struts, they give the Amarok single cab one of the most compliant rides in its class. And we found this ride improved further as the rear springs were loaded. Some testers noted that the power-assisted steering felt a little too light, while others commented that this served to make this large vehicle easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion allwheel- drive system is offered throughout the new single-cab range. This option provides a low range transfer case and on-thefly push-button engagement of 4×4 mode. A rear differential lock is also included. We were universally impressed with the off-road abilities of the least-powerful Amarok and, although (as we found in our comparative test of the double cabs) the Toyota Hilux would still be our weapon of choice for tougher assignments, Volkswagen’s first all-wheel-drive bakkie has to be commended for not shying away from the action.
An additional off-road ABS system, developed specifically for enhanced stopping prowess on loose surfaces, complements the more conventional ABS technology fitted to all Amaroks.
TEST SUMMARY
It should come as no surprise that the Hilux tops monthly sales charts in this segment and is very likely the most common sight in the car park at the Nampo Harvest Day. But, if these owners were persuaded to swop their Toyota keys (as unlikely as this would be) for those of the Amarok single cab, we suspect they would be impressed with the car-like ride quality, space and overall comfort levels. They would also find it difficult to not be excited by the sheer volume of the Amarok’s massive load bay. The inevitable grumble about the reliability of such a hard-working small-capacity diesel, especially in regions of our country where 50 ppm diesel is hard to come by, would surely follow but, as we mentioned in our test of the Amarok BiTDI double cab, until we receive our first reports of engine maladies, we remain bowled-over by the frugal way these 2,0-litre TDIs operate.
At the end of the day, most die-hard Hilux owners would probably take back their keys, safe in the knowledge that, based on reputation alone, their choice is the safe one. However, we’re willing to bet more than a few would have a nagging suspicion that Volkswagen is onto something …
