Driving VW Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 4MOTION 240PS Adventura: Tough and imposing 

Η symbiosis for a few days with the new VW Amarok, has been a catalyst for us to rethink our view on Pick Up, since it offers a very interesting driving experience, leaving the narrow range of the "professional" car, launching a new lifestyle and seeking to be recognized as a... leisure car!

The history of VW Pick Up 

As early as 1950 VW had a crew-cab pickup version of the legendary T1 with a double cab and three doors, which was followed by the T2 in 1967 and the Caddy Pick Up in 1979.In 1989 the German company in collaboration with Toyota introduced the Taro based on the Hilux, which remained in production until 1997. In 2010 VW introduced the first generation of the Amarok, a modern Pick Up with off-road capabilities and a beautiful design inspired by Walter de Silva. With 830,000 units sold worldwide, the Amarok is considered a successful model; however, production came to an early end in 2020 due to the Covid 19 pandemic and the subsequent semiconductor crisis. The German company, however, introduced the new VW Amarok in 2022. Now as part of its global joint strategy with Ford, it shares the Ford T6 chassis with the Ford Ranger as well as the top-of-the-line 3.0-litre diesel engine we've been featuring. The name Amarok has a double meaning. In the language of the Inuit, the Eskimos of Alaska, Greenland and Canada. It also refers to the word "amárach", which means "tomorrow" in the Irish language. 

Imposing 

With a length of 5,350 mm, a height of 1,888 mm and a width of 1,910 mm muscular surfaces and strong nerves it certainly does not go unnoticed!

The ferocious front end rises vertically and is flanked by the new nickel-plated grille and massive X-shaped bumper, while the rectangular headlamps feature IQ. Light-LED Matrix technology.

The profile is distinguished by strong clean lines that bring to life a masculine and majestic silhouette, while the 237 mm ground clearance emphasizes the off-road orientation!

The back looks beautiful and modern, without design extremes, but focused on simplicity. The large VW badge adorns the tailgate and below it the "AMAROK" logo is engraved. The rear lights with C-shaped Led graphics are impressive, positioned vertically at the edges of the bodywork. 

Comfortable and luxurious 

Entering the interior of the new Amarok, we redefine our view of "vans". Fully digitized and modern, with excellent quality materials and top-notch assembly, it deliberately leaves a Premium aesthetic! The interior is finished in "Savona" leather and features the top of the range Harman Kardon audio system.

Behind the beautiful steering wheel, the driver has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that provides all the necessary information about the car and the route. 

Central to the dashboard is the vertically mounted 12-inch screen of the tablet-like multimedia system, which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Airplay. Just below the screen are the necessary physical switches. 

On the console between the two front seats is the automatic transmission selector and the circular switch for the transmission. 

Ergonomics are at a high level, with the driver not having to take his attention off the road when he needs to operate the infortainment or switches. Clever compartments inside the cabin, particularly the glovebox at the top of the dashboard on the passenger side, highlight practicality. While ample space for front and rear passengers can comfortably accommodate 5 large adults and the seats offer excellent passenger body support, equivalent to modern SUVs.

In terms of load space, it is 1,651 mm long, 1,280 mm wide (between the rear wheel arches) and 0.525 mm high. These dimensions give it the ideal volume for the storage of large objects, including the Europlate. The payload of the new Volkswagen Amarok, reaches 1.19 tonnes with a maximum towing capacity (for a trailer with brakes) of 3.5 tonnes. 

Torque and advanced all-wheel drive system  

Under the bonnet is a 3.0 V6 TDI diesel engine from Ford with a variable geometry turbo and direct injection. The engine produces 240 PS at 3,250 rpm and 600 Nm from 1,750 to 2,250 rpm, which is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.  

Power is distributed to the rear axle, but there is an optional electronically controlled four-wheel drive, with downshifting gears if the car finds itself in very difficult conditions. The four-wheel drive function is explained in detail below. 

Ready for adventure 

The beastly dimensions and imposing appearance suggest an exciting driving experience, which can be confirmed in practice. 

In the city obviously, its dimensions are a negative ally for car traffic within the urban fabric. Given the need to avoid narrow streets, and the preference for open roads and avenues. 

In the mountain and rural network the Volkswagen Amarok moves like a model. The driving behaviour is in line with the German school. In steep bends, it grips the road perfectly and sticks to the road. The soft suspension setting absorbs the irregularities of the road surface. Care is also needed with sharp braking. As efficient and powerful as it is, as a Pick Up, it's not a sports car, but a tool car with a flatbed... that needs respect! 

Off the road the Volkswagen Amarok is in its... natural environment and it doesn't hide it! The optional all-wheel drive is controlled by the selector on the centre console. In position 2H, drive is passed exclusively to the rear axle, while position 4A actively distributes torque front to rear to maximise traction on any terrain. Position 4H locks the differential at a constant rate on both axles, for off-roading and difficult terrain. While in the 4L position the rear differential locks electromagnetically, engaging the 'close' through a 3.06:1 ratio sub-ratio auxiliary gearbox. This is useful in very difficult conditions such as mud or snow at low speeds.

The improved off-road capabilities, in addition to the engine and advanced all-wheel drive system, are largely due to the design. In particular, the new VW Amarok features shorter front and rear headlights, increasing the approach angle to 30° and the corresponding departure angle to 26°. At the same time, the ramp angle is also improved, reaching 21o. The 23.7cm clearance from the ground also gives it improved water depth clearance of 80cm, compared to the 50cm of the previous generation.

In any case, the VW Amarok when off-road becomes a toy for big kids and the ultimate tool for the professional. Quite fun, ready to test its limits... and the driver's limits! 

On the motorway the VW Amarok behaves like a large SUV rather than a Pick-Up. It has top-class ride quality and excellent sound insulation even at high speeds.

General it is a pleasant to drive car that goes beyond the narrow range of the professional. Safe, quality, stable and yet fun to drive, especially on off-road routes. It has 6 driving profiles. Normal and Eco ideal for everyday use, Load/Trailer for towing situations, while Mud/Ruts, Sand and Slippery for off-road and extreme conditions. Driving it in 2H you can feel the torque on the rear wheels. But more fun and safer is with 4A all-wheel drive, which changes the entire handling of the car. Fuel consumption in the former is 9.5 litres per 100 km, while with four-wheel drive it's just over 11 litres. In any case, the consumption is normal for the car's class!   

Multitalented 

From demanding professionals to extreme sports enthusiasts and lovers of adventure and mountain escapes, the VW Amarok has a reason for everyone to choose it, breaking the boundaries of the professional Pick Up, highlighting a lifestyle character and an off-road orientation. The VW Amarok is a versatile Pick - Up, ideal for every use!

Salty... 

62,500€ for the Adventura version seems a bit salty... but considering the technology, quality and type of car, it's priced naturally! The more extreme Panamericana version costs 61,500€, while for those who think it's too much there's the option of the simple 2 litre version with 205 hp at 48,200€, or the Style version at 55,000€.

Technical characteristics 

photo gallery

Conclusion

With the second generation of the Amarok, Volkswagen is covering the top of the pick-up category with a model that flirts with the Premium designation. Quality, spacious with excellent ride quality and driving behaviour! Rugged and imposing, with a top-of-the-line all-wheel drive system, it is the best ally for the professional, the family man and the adventure and off-road enthusiast in one vehicle. The VW Amarok is for every use, the ultimate all-rounder!

Interior & practicality

7.7

Current expenditure

6.6

Road behaviour

6.8

Performance

6.6

Enjoyment factor

7.2

value for money

5.3

Comfort

7.5

What grade do you give him?11 Votes

8.3

SYN

Off-road capabilities

Imposing design

Driving set

Rolling quality

PLEEN

Price

Greek legislation on Pick Up trucks

6.8