Volkswagen dabbled with 4WDs in its very early years, with Beetle variants made during and just after WWII built with some rougher road abilities. A utility version of the Transporter was born in the 1950s, and continues today. Though the Amarok is the first Volkswagen dual cab ute of its own, the company did market a re-badged Toyota HiLux in the 1990s, called the Volkswagen Taro.
ATTRIBUTES
The Amarok is only available in dual cab form with manual transmission until 2012, when automatic derivatives and single cab versions become available.
We tested the Amarok TDi400 Trendline, which is the second-tier model after the base model Amarok 4WD. All told, the range includes an entry level rear-wheel-drive and 4WD, plus two upper-spec 4WD versions: the Highline and the top-of-the-line Ultimate.
The Trendline comes with part-time 4WD, rear diff lock, central locking, air-conditioning, front and side airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, stability control, front fog lights, cargo light, four-speaker radio/CD player and 16in alloy wheels.
The Amarok’s cabin is large for a dual cab, offering plenty of head, shoulder and leg room for four adults. Even the rear bench is suitable for three adults, with the flat bench not as supportive as more sculpted seats, yet affording the centre occupant more comfort than usual. A side benefit is that booster or child seats can easily be fitted three across – one of the few passenger vehicles on the market that can achieve this so comfortably.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The TDI400 2L diesel is fitted with two sequential turbochargers, which is a relatively new practice in turbodiesels. The theoretical benefit is a more consistent throttle response and having peak torque available even lower in the rev range.
And so it proves in practice. This engine is a cracker, pulling away from idle in higher gears with little hesitation, and as the tachometer needle swings in its arc towards redline the lack of bumps and dips in the torque delivery is very unlike any of the Amarok’s competitors.
You begin to expect turbo lag in a turbodiesel engine, but the Amarok has relatively little of it. However, it is not particularly strong right from idle on take off. You still need to allow for the initial dip in acceleration if you’re trying to make a gap at an intersection, for example, but beyond that it delivers a steady stream of torque.
Though the diesel is the sophisticate in power delivery among its peers, it has no such grace with its gruff engine – it isn’t as noisy as diesels of old, but it won’t ingratiate with its whispery charms, either.
It isn’t an engine worth revving for power, either. That may sound like an obvious statement when talking about a diesel engine, but trust me, when you drive it, it isn’t so obvious. You almost expect it to rev out like a smooth, multi-valve petrol V8, such is its lower RPM response.
The six-speed manual gearbox is light and positive, and the same can be said of the clutch. Even though Volkswagen has put off some buyers looking for an automatic, it at least offers a quality manual transmission.
SUSPENSION
With all but a couple of 1t utes using leaf-spring live axle rear suspension, which is better known for load carrying than comfort, it’s no wonder they are not lush riding vehicles. Some are harsher than others, but none can help but betray their commercial origins.
The Amarok is one of the few that appears to be a competent load carrier, while also riding well with the tray empty. It is by no means a luxury saloon, but it is a lot better than you would expect, especially considering the test vehicle was shod with optional 18in wheels (rather than the standard 16in). The only criticism is that the independent front end can wallow when driving over bumps at speed.
The Amarok handles well, albeit with the ultimately dull-feeling steering typical of the class. Its cornering attitude is flat and it grips well. And while the steering does not convey much feedback, it is responsive to input.
ECONOMY
The Amarok will easily slip to less than 10L/100km when driving on the open road without a caravan behind. When driving with the 1400kg caravan hitched-up on test, the Amarok drank down 11.5L/100km.
TOWING
One of the most impressive aspects of the Amarok’s engine is its stubbornness: it never gives up. Let its revs drop to idle speed while rolling around a roundabout, and instead of the embarrassing lurching and quick search for a lower gear, it just steadily pulls its weight – and the van’s – cleanly away, its low-blow turbo whistling while it works. Very nice.
The chassis took on the relatively light caravan with no problems. There was some fore-aft pitching, but the Amarok otherwise towed the single axle van as if it wasn’t there.
We would have preferred to test a heavier van, but unfortunately an Amarok with an electric brake controller was not available on the press fleet. We chose an Adria due to the fact it had hydraulic brakes.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As the old saying goes, there is no substitute for cubic inches. I used to think this was a given for towing, but the little 2L Amarok has changed my thinking. Yes, a heavier van would have been preferable, but no other four-cylinder turbodiesel I have tested with similar weight behind has taken to the task with such relish.
Some are quicker, and some more economical, but none make it seem as effortless as the Amarok. Tie that with a spacious, high quality cabin, agile chassis and respectable offroad ability and you have one of the best dual cab utes to date.
Thanks to Carlon Caravans Wollongong, 105-107 Princes Highway, Unanderra, NSW 2526, (02 4272 6000) for the loan of the caravan for this test.
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK TDI400
Engine: In-line twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel
Max power: 120kW@4000rpm
Max torque: 400Nm@1500-2500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Length: 5254mm
Width: 1944mm
Height: 1834mm
Wheelbase: 3095mm
Ground clearance: 265mm
Kerb Mass: 2042kg
Gross Vehicle Mass: 3040kg
Gross Combined Mass: 5840kg
Fuel tank capacity: 80L
Roof load: 100kg
Towing capacity unbraked/braked: 750kg/2800kg
TBM: maximum 280kg
Price: $47,990 (plus on-road costs)
Source: Caravan World Oct 2011