Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic, the German pick-up

Pick-up trucks are very successful vehicles in America, whether as work vehicles or passenger cars. In Europe, the mentality is different, and pick-up trucks are generally used for work, although all models have well-equipped passenger versions that can meet the needs of many people who require cargo capacity without sacrificing certain comfort features and passenger car amenities.

The Volkswagen Group's first off-road pickup was the Volkswagen Amarok, launched in 2010. This is the truck we wanted to test in the ActualidadMotor test section to see what Volkswagen has to offer in a segment where models like the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, and Isuzu D-Max have a much longer history. We drove the Volkswagen Amarok Highline with a 2.0 TDI BiTurbo engine producing 180 hp , paired with 4Motion all-wheel drive and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

A tough guy who makes himself respected

All passenger versions of the Volkswagen Amarok have a double cab and four doors . Their exterior dimensions are 5,25 meters long , 1,95 meters wide, and 1,83 meters high. The cargo bed with this double cab body measures 1,55 meters long, between 1,22 and 1,62 meters wide, and just over half a meter high.

Like any other pickup truck, the Volkswagen Amarok has a tough look. Its boxy shape and large size give it a robust appearance , and our black press unit features aluminum side steps and an aluminum cargo bed cover, making it even more striking.

The front end of the Volkswagen Amarok clearly shows its age and is quite different from its more recent modernized counterparts. Only the bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights on our test vehicle give this pickup a more youthful look. There are no major design flourishes on a vehicle that prioritizes practicality. If you want to personalize the Amarok, you'll have to consult the accessories catalog, which offers cargo bed bars, various bed liners, and other details such as aluminum-colored side steps and front bumper protectors. The 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with M+S tires , aiming to provide the best balance between on-road and off-road performance.

Mona dressed in silk

Even if a monkey dresses in silk, it's still a monkey, as the saying goes. Something similar happens with the interior of the Volkswagen Amarok. The pickup doesn't hide its industrial origins in a dashboard with an outdated design that relies solely on hard plastics, which is typical in its segment. It's built to last, and aesthetics take a backseat. There's no doubt about the build quality , as no rattles or squeaks were heard, even when driving fast on bumpy roads or off-road.

Our Highline trim is one of the top-of-the-range options and features elegant brown leather upholstery in our test vehicle. The door panels where you rest your elbows are also covered in soft material in the same color as the seats, a welcome touch. Another plus is the carpeted door pockets.

The ergonomics of the driving position are well-designed, as is typical of Volkswagen. The multimedia screen and climate controls are familiar from other models. Inside, there are several storage compartments for bottles and other small items , but if all the seats are occupied and you want to store something like jackets, you'll have to carry them or put them in the cargo bed (which comes open as standard).

The Volkswagen Amarok's cabin sits high, providing an elevated driving position that offers excellent visibility of traffic in urban environments. The running boards aren't just decorative; they also facilitate access for shorter or less agile drivers, along with the grab handles for the rear doors and passenger on the A and B pillars.

The cabin is very spacious for five passengers , and there's no problem in the front seats; they're incredibly wide. In the second row, legroom is more than sufficient, as the upright seating position means less space is needed. The width is remarkable, and three adults can travel comfortably in the back.

The front seats are comfortable and offer excellent support, but lumbar support is not standard (it's optional), and I really missed it during long journeys during the test drive. The rear seatbacks can be folded down as a single piece, or the seats can be folded up in two sections (60:40) if you need to load items without getting the upholstery dirty.

It charges everything, like the C15

The Volkswagen Amarok's main strength is its payload capacity . As standard, it can carry up to 948 kg in its bed, but with the reinforced Heavy-Duty suspension on our test vehicle, which features additional leaves on the rear springs, the capacity increases to 1147 kg. The dimensions of the cargo area allow it to accommodate a Euro pallet, like the one we loaded for part of the test, along with over 500 kg of cement bags.

There are several optional cargo covers available , such as the cover on our unit, a roll-up tonneau cover, and a high canopy roof. The roll-up tonneau cover is undoubtedly the most practical, as it allows you to close the cargo bed while also being able to keep the cover retracted and enjoy the open cargo area. Very tall loads won't fit with the cover on our unit. Without any type of cover, the Amarok can be impractical for everyday use.

Inside the cargo box, you'll find some tie-down rings. The brake light also includes an interior light that illuminates the cargo box , but it's practically useless with the interior of our Volkswagen Amarok. The tailgate isn't integrated with the central locking system, and the aluminum cover requires an additional key. The tailgate cannot be opened unless the cover is unlocked. The cover has rubber seals that make the cargo area almost completely watertight (a few drops might seep in, but it's nothing serious).

At the wheel

At this point, it's time to put the 180 hp Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo with permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive and automatic transmission to the test. The engine is audible from the cabin at idle or when driving at low speeds, but vibrations are well managed and very few reach the cabin. The Stop & Start system , with its smooth operation, makes stops in urban traffic more peaceful and also saves fuel.

The eight-speed automatic transmission offers shifts that are both quick and smooth enough for a vehicle like this. The driver can choose between Normal and Sport driving modes using the gear selector. Sport mode holds the engine revs higher, shifting later and typically driving in a lower gear than in Normal mode. If you want to drive with agility or are carrying a load, Sport mode is very helpful, as it provides a more immediate response and greater power reserves . Normal mode prioritizes fuel economy by using higher gear ratios.

The Volkswagen Amarok's steering doesn't feel overly geared and offers good weight, despite providing limited feedback. This allows for handling similar to that of a passenger car, without requiring excessive corrections and enabling confident cornering. The brakes are the most noticeable aspect of driving this pickup, as they have a spongy and somewhat difficult-to-modulate feel that will take some getting used to.

One of the most surprising aspects of the Volkswagen Amarok is its ride quality , especially on smooth surfaces. After traveling over 700 kilometers on highways in this 180 hp Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo, I can say that it's a comfortable car. The sound insulation is good, and road and wind noise are the most noticeable, but never bothersome. Furthermore, the suspension performs well on well-maintained roads.

The suspension is an element that needs special attention in all pickup trucks. The rear leaf spring axle tends to be stiff and bouncy on very rough terrain or large bumps , but if the road surface is good, there's no problem. When we load the bed with cargo, such as 500 kilos of cement, the rear end feels more settled and less bouncy. This stiffness of the suspension translates into less comfort, especially for the rear passengers.

The dynamic handling of the Volkswagen Amarok has been truly surprising. It allows you to attack twisty sections of road with unusual confidence for a vehicle with this configuration . The body will lean, but it will remain firmly planted while the seats hold you firmly in place. It demonstrates very good traction with the permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive and has quite neutral handling. Understeer will be the first thing to appear, unless the rear axle hits a significant bump or pothole while cornering. In these circumstances, you'll notice the rear end threatening to lose traction , with oversteer, but the electronic aids prevent it from escalating into a mere scare.

The city isn't the most friendly environment for the Volkswagen Amarok. Although people are generally respectful and give us space, its size and considerable turning radius of 13 meters mean that we sometimes have to make more maneuvers than necessary. However, the parking camera and front and rear parking sensors are very useful. Visibility from the driver's seat is good thanks to the large glass area in all directions.

If we're talking about fuel consumption, you should know that the 7,7 liters per 100 km figure claimed by the Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp with automatic transmission is impossible to achieve. During our test, the lowest consumption we recorded on the highway was 8,6 liters per 100 km , while on motorways it averaged between 8,9 and 9,0 liters per 100 km.

In the city, reaching 12 liters per 100 kilometers won't be difficult, and with 500 kilos of cement, we achieved an average of 10 liters per 100 kilometers (very good), the same as when driving empty using the engine's maximum capabilities. The overall average for our test was 9,5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Volkswagen Amarok off-road driving

The usefulness of a pick-up like the Volkswagen Amarok off the asphalt can be called into question. If what you are looking for is to be able to reach places far from the road without excessive difficulty, there is no problem. The generous ground clearance of almost 25 centimeters, the suspension travel and the 4Motion all-wheel drive will be our allies. It serves perfectly as a cargo vehicle for rural environments or construction sites.

It's during more challenging off-road driving that the shortcomings become apparent. Besides the fact that this version lacks a low-range transfer case (the Amarok with selectable four-wheel drive does), its long wheelbase and large rear overhang make some maneuvers difficult. It wouldn't be hard to end up scraping the rear end in a ditch while trying to navigate around one. The mud flaps are made of fairly rigid plastic and could easily be damaged. Furthermore, the breakover angle of our test vehicle is reduced by the side steps.

Equipment Volkswagen Amarok

Serial

• 16″ sheet metal wheels
• Height adjustable front seats
• Hill start assist
• descent control
• Air Conditioning
• Radio RCD 210

Trendline (adds to the previous one)

• Front bumper painted in body color
• Fog lights
• Electrically adjustable heated mirrors
• 16″ alloy wheels
• A-pillar grab handle
• Storage compartments under the front seats
• 12V socket on dashboard
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Cruise control
• On-board computer
• CD radio with Bluetooth

Highline (adds to Trendline)

• Chrome on the front bumper
• Tinted rear windows
• chrome rear bumper
• 17″ alloy wheels
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Navigator

Volkswagen Amarok Prices

Editor's opinion

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